The spark that lit from the brief contact rendered her speechless, and she could only nod. This time when their lips met, the spark turned into a flame. The kiss was gentle but infused with a passion and need she hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever. His tongue delved in and out of her mouth with a slow finesse that melted her on the spot. Good thing I’m already sitting down. With that thought, the sensual haze around her brain cleared and she went still. She’d told herself she wasn’t going to get caught up in another man.

Apparently, Gabriel felt the same because he shot up off the sofa. “I’m sorry…I…I should probably go.” He scrubbed a hand over his head. “Serenity…”

Serenity slowly came to her feet, still shaken by the intensity of his kiss. “It’s okay. You’re right. We should probably call it a night.”

He nodded, walked halfway across the room, and turned back. He stood there for a few seconds, as if battling between what one wanted to do versus what one should do. After another moment, he murmured, “Good night,” then turned and strode out.

As soon as she heard the front door close, she collapsed on the sofa, let out a loud groan, and banged her hand against her head softly. “What are you doing, Serenity? Friends. Neighbors. The end. No kisses. No nothing.” Except now she had no idea how to keep her emotions from getting involved.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Friday, Gabriel sat on his terrace. It had become his favorite place to think and unwind. Only today, relaxation was nowhere to be found. He’d been preoccupied with thoughts of Serenity and the explosive kiss they’d shared all week. One minute they were having a “Heartbreak Hotel” moment, the next his lips were fused to hers and he was kissing her with an intensity that still stunned him. Every rational thought had gone right out the window. The cozy conversation, the wine, the closeness—he’d been fine with all of it. Until she touched him. I’m sorry, Gabriel. It’s her loss. Even now the sweetness and sincerity in her voice made his heart do crazy things. It was as if she’d known how much he’d been hurt, could feel the pain and emotional turmoil his ex’s betrayal had caused. That’s what pushed him over the edge.

The heartache he’d buried and thought he’d gotten over began to surface. Gabriel closed his eyes in an attempt to force it back down. Somehow, saying the words aloud that night had dredged up every excruciating moment of that time. He took a few deep breaths and let them out slowly. The tightness in his chest eased.