He hadn’t been the only one who’d experienced a painful breakup. He shook his head, thinking about what Serenity had shared about her ex. Her reaction to his innocent comments about her food now made sense. In her mind, even though it hadn’t been Gabriel’s intent, he had criticized her just as the other man had done.

But now he had a dilemma. Though he’d seen her over the past week and was no less polite and friendly, he’d kept his distance. Gabriel hadn’t outright told her he was leaving, but he had mentioned that he most likely wouldn’t stay past a few months. It didn’t make sense for them to embark on some sort of relationship that had no chance of going anywhere. The best thing would be to go back to their original friends-only agreement. He had to laugh. It sounded good in theory, but now that he had kissed her, it only made him want to do it again. And again.

His phone buzzed, and he read the text from Brent saying that their plane had landed. Gabriel had offered to drive to the Bay to pick them up, but both Brent and Darius had said they would rather rent a car. Hopefully, their arrival would provide the distraction he needed to keep his head on straight.

Placing his laptop on his lap, he stuck in his earbuds, cranked up the music, and went to work. He didn’t know how much time had passed when the insistent buzzing of his phone startled him. He paused the music and connected. “Are you guys here?”

“Yeah.”

Gabriel saved his work as he talked. “Be right there.” On his way to the front, he stopped by the office to leave the laptop.

“You must’ve been working,” Brent said as soon as he walked in. “I called you twice.”

“Had the music up and didn’t hear the phone. How was the drive?”

Darius dropped down on the sofa and placed his duffel on the floor. “Long. Traffic was a little heavier than last time.” He yawned and stretched. “I’m starving. Please tell me there’s a restaurant nearby.”

Gabriel chuckled. “There are a few.” He outright laughed at the twin looks of horror on his friends’ faces. He glanced down at his watch. He figured since it was only five thirty, they should be able to get ahead of the dinner rush. “Let’s go.”

Serenity was getting out of her car when they stepped out onto the walk. “Hey, Serenity.”

“Hey.”

He headed in her direction, and she met him halfway. It took every ounce of his control not to kiss her. “I want you to meet my friends.” He waved them over. “Serenity, this is Brent and Darius. Guys, Serenity.”

Brent nodded. “Nice meeting you.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Darius said. “I heard you have a helluva throwing arm.”