“I’d like that. Do you mind if we don’t go to any of the restaurants in town? I want to keep my business my business as long as possible.”

He chuckled. “It might be a little late for that. Apparently, someone named Adele called Nana because she saw me mowing your lawn and said that I didn’t leave your house until the next morning.”

“Whaaaat? Are you kidding me?” Serenity shot up from the sofa. “Ooh, that woman is always sticking her nose in somebody’s business. One of these days she’s gonna get it chopped off.” She paced in front of him, muttering about small towns and people minding their own business.

Standing, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “We know the truth, and I would never do anything to disrespect you or give anyone a reason to think you’re not the amazing woman you are. And as far as the date, I think I can handle that. What are you doing next Saturday or Sunday around noon?”

“My sister is going to be in Sacramento for a conference, and I told her I’d drive up and spend a few hours with her before she flies out Saturday evening. But I can do Sunday.”

“I didn’t know you had a sister. Is she older or younger?”

“Chandra is eighteen months older and loves to remind anyone who’ll stand still long enough to listen.” She dropped back down on the sofa and gestured for Gabriel to do the same. “She’s been married for four years, but they don’t have any children yet, much to my mother’s disappointment.” Her mother had also been asking when Serenity was going to find a “nice man” to marry, but she kept that part to herself.

Gabriel stretched out his long legs and crossed them at the ankle. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“I’m thirty-four,” Serenity said, figuring that’s what he wanted to know.

He smiled. “Two years younger than me.”

“So, basically, you’re closer to forty than not,” she teased.

“Basically. Are you saying I’m too old for you?”

“I’m not saying anything at all.” If those kisses are any indication, he’s just the right age for whatever I need. The thought popped into her head unbidden, shocking her. Thinking it better to shift her attention elsewhere, she said, “Then again…” She leaned forward, scrutinized him, and pointed to his head. “Is that a gray hair I see? You get one, it snowballs from there. Maybe you are a little old.” Before she could draw her next breath, he scooped her up onto his lap and covered her mouth in a hot, demanding kiss. His tongue swirled around hers with a finesse that made her lose track of all time and place.

“Still think I’m too old?”

She wasn’t thinking at all. I am in so much trouble. “No comment.”