His watch buzzed, letting him know he’d reached his goal. He reversed his course and, instead of jogging back, opted to walk and take in the scenery. At the end of the trail, he detoured to the lake and stood at the water’s edge, enjoying the slight breeze and the gentle ripples across the surface. Gabriel inhaled deeply, allowing the sweet air to fill his lungs, and exhaled slowly. After a few minutes more, he made his way back to the car and drove home. This time he took a different route and came upon another business district, this one with a bank, a few more shops, and an upscale steakhouse. A smile curved his lips. He noted the name and street for future reference.

When he arrived home, he saw Serenity coming out her front door with a large tote. She had on a blue and white patterned dress that stopped at her knees, strappy navy sandals that added several inches to her petite frame, and a matching hat. She is stunning. He climbed out of the car and closed the distance between them. “Good afternoon. You look beautiful.”

Serenity gave him a bright smile. “Thank you. I’m on my way to a tea party.”

His brows knitted together. “Women still have those?”

She shrugged. “I have no idea. This one is with a group of six-year-olds. One of my patients invited me, and there’s no way I could turn down an invitation to a party. I’ve known Brianna since she was born.”

“Wow. You are brave.” Her declaration was one more piece of evidence of her caring and compassionate personality. “Well, I don’t want to make you late. Have a great time.”

“I intend to,” she said with a laugh and slid in behind the wheel.

The movement made her dress slide up, exposing a few inches of her smooth thighs. Gabriel tried to ignore the jolt that went to his groin and closed the door. He threw up a wave as she drove off. As Brent had put it, Gabriel was definitely feeling her. And despite the fact that his time in California would be short, he wanted to feel more.

*  *  *

“Hi, Serenity. Please, come in,” Brianna’s mom said. “You look so gorgeous.”

“Thanks. So do you.”

Pam smoothed a hand down her yellow sundress. “You know, Brianna picked it out when we went shopping a couple of weeks ago and insisted I wear it for the tea party.” She shook her head.

Serenity grinned. “Hey, she has good taste.”

Smiling, Pam called out, “Brianna, guess who’s here?”

The pounding of feet sounded on the hardwood floors, followed by a loud squeal.

“Ms. Wheeler! You came!”