“Thanks, Gabriel. You’re a lifesaver. I can pay you.” First his concern for his grandmother and now his offer to help bring in her groceries and mow her lawn. She didn’t even have to think about the number of times her ex had offered to do either of those things. He hadn’t. Ever. Gabriel seemed to be of a different mind, and the more she got to know him, the more she found to like. A girl could easily fall for a man like him.

Gabriel raised a brow. “I’m not taking any money from you. While I’m here, you won’t have to worry about whether they cancel or not. I’ve got it. No charge. That’s what neighbors and friends do.”

He tossed her a wink and strolled out, leaving Serenity with her mouth hanging open. She laughed to herself and began putting her groceries away. He reminded her of the way her father treated her mother—jumping in to help without being asked. It had nothing to do with the fact that her mom couldn’t handle the task, because she could. As her mother had told her once, it was just nice that she didn’t have to all the time.

Serenity stacked the cans in the pantry and went still. While I’m here…Did that mean he didn’t plan to stay long? All the more reason to ignore the attraction that seemed to grow more intense each time she saw him. Besides, she already knew the score—one heartbreak was enough to last her a lifetime.

After she finished, she folded her reusable grocery bags and took them back to her car. She had a habit of forgetting them and, more than once, ended up having to buy more. She couldn’t resist a peek at Gabriel. He was more than halfway done. Because her house was on the corner, the yard extended around the side. The size of the front and back yards were selling points for her. But the large kitchen and master bedroom with its sitting area had sealed the deal. Watching him a moment longer, she had to admit that he’d done a far better job than the landscaping company. A thought came to her. He wouldn’t take money, but she’d bet he wouldn’t turn down food.

She had planned to make a teriyaki chicken stir-fry over rice and always cooked enough for leftovers. Tapping on the counter, she debated on a dessert, then remembered him saying how much he’d enjoyed the brownies. Serenity turned on her music, and as always, it didn’t take long for her to get lost in both. So much so that she was startled when she got a glimpse of him through her periphery. He’s doing the backyard, too? She refocused on cooking. That’s what friends and neighbors do.

“Knock, knock.” Gabriel came in through the garage.

“Hey.”