Serenity made herself comfortable and surveyed the large crowd. People stood around talking and children ran and played. On the far edge of the park, several grills were being manned and held everything from ribs and chicken to corn and vegetable kabobs. She waved at a few people, then stifled a groan when she saw Cole Richards heading her way. She’d made the mistake of going out with him once two years ago, and every couple of months he came up with a new reason they would make the perfect couple. He reminded her too much of Lloyd, so nothing he said would move her or change her position.

“Well, if it isn’t the most beautiful woman in town.” Whereas everyone else had worn shorts, tees, and tennis shoes or sandals, Cole had on dress slacks, a polo, and expensive loafers.

As hard as she tried, she couldn’t stop the eye roll.

“I can’t let you sit here all alone,” he continued as if she’d invited him to stay.

“She’s not alone,” Dana said, eyeing him, hand on her hip. “You mind?”

Serenity could’ve kissed her. She glanced over her shoulder, and her pulse skipped when she saw Gabriel standing there with her friends. He looked so good in his black shorts and a gray tee that molded to his wide, muscular chest.

Cole stepped aside and looked Gabriel up and down. “Do I know you?”

Gabriel lifted a brow. “No.” He sat down next to Serenity. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.”

Realizing that he had been summarily dismissed, Cole stalked off without another word.

Natasha dropped down on the other side of the blanket. “Pompous jerk.”

Gabriel chuckled. “Y’all are some cold sisters. Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

Serenity gave him an incredulous look. “Us? What about that terse one-word reply you gave? I do have to say the look on his face when he realized you weren’t going to give him any more information was priceless, though.”

He shrugged. “Have you all eaten yet? Or are you planning to have dessert first?”

Natasha broke off a small piece of pound cake and popped it into her mouth. “We’re going to get something to eat in a few minutes. We just wanted to make sure we got some of Serenity’s desserts before they’re gone.”

Gabriel stood. “I’d better do the same.” He held his hand out to Serenity. “Want to show me which ones are yours?”

Doing her best to ignore the smiles on Dana’s and Natasha’s faces, Serenity placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her up. She immediately let go once she was on her feet. One, she didn’t want to give anyone anything to talk about, and two, touching him went beyond the boundaries of friendship she was trying hard to maintain.