“Aw, that is nice, but it doesn’t explain why the brother was at your house until late,” Natasha said, trying to smother a laugh.

Serenity’s mouth fell open.

She lifted a brow. “You know folks here don’t have nothing else to do except be in somebody else’s business. So spill it. I might as well get the truth.”

Chuckling, Serenity fell back against the sofa. “That is the one thing I still haven’t gotten used to.” Natasha didn’t comment, just waved a hand. She sighed. “I invited him to dinner to repay him for helping me out. That. Is. All.”

“Did he kiss you?”

Serenity felt her eyes widen. “No.”

“But you wanted him to,” Natasha said in singsong.

“What are you talking about? We’ve barely gotten past the point of I-can’t-stand-you. The man is definitely not thinking about kissing me.” Woo, I told that lie with a straight face. She knew he’d wanted to kiss her. She’d seen it in his eyes, especially after he’d kissed her hand. Serenity absently rubbed the spot where his lips had been, then caught herself. “Anyway, were you on your way somewhere?”

“Naw, girl. I came strictly to be nosy.” She fell out laughing.

Serenity joined her laughter. “You are such a nut.” But she didn’t know what she’d do without her friendship.

It took a minute for Natasha to calm down. She fanned herself. “Okay, my sister. How about you tell me the truth? I saw the way he was staring at you during dinner. He’s interested. Are you going to push him away like you’ve done every other guy for the past six years?”

“Just go for the jugular, then,” she grumbled, folding her arms. She closed her eyes and tried to put her thoughts into words. “He’s nicer than I ever imagined. We talked for hours last night about everything and anything.” She opened her eyes and rolled her head in Natasha’s direction. “After spending time with him, I truly believe he didn’t mean anything negative when he made those food comments. It was me hearing Lloyd’s criticisms all over again. It’s hard not to like Gabriel,” she added softly.

“Serenity, there’s nothing wrong with the two of you developing a relationship, if that’s what you both want.”

“Says the woman who’s turned down at least five guys this year.”

Natasha gave her a wistful smile. “Yeah, well. I blew my chance with the perfect guy, so we’ll see what happens down the road. But that’s beside the point.”

“He said something the other day that makes me think he doesn’t plan to live here permanently.”

She shrugged. “You never know.”

Maybe not, but Serenity did know she wouldn’t put her heart on the line to find out.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7