She chuckled. “Mmm, sounds delicious. And whatever seasoning you put on the meat smells so good.” She handed him a clear plastic container. “This needs to go into the freezer.”

“Please don’t tell me this is homemade ice cream.”

“Okay, I won’t tell you,” Serenity said with a smirk.

He waged an inner battle for several seconds, and it took everything inside him for him not to open the container right then. Snatching open the freezer, he set the container on the shelf and closed the door before he was tempted to devour the entire bowl before dinner.

“Let me wash my hands and I’ll help.”

Gabriel stared at her incredulously. He closed the distance between them and slid his arms around her waist. “Help? Baby, I didn’t invite you over to put you to work. Tonight is all for you. The only thing I want you to do is relax.” She always went out of her way to do nice things for everyone, including him, so he wanted to do something special for her.

Serenity laid her head against his chest. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me, Gabriel.”

The feel of her arms tightening around him and her sweet confession stirred something in his chest, leaving Gabriel more than a little shaken. Needing some distance, he released her and gestured to a chair. “Have a seat. Would you like a glass of wine?”

“Yes. Wine sounds nice.”

He poured them both a glass and handed her one.

Serenity lifted hers. “To the cook.”

Gabriel inclined his head and took a huge sip. He stood there a moment trying to discern what it was about Serenity that drew him. He’d never had a problem keeping his emotions out of any casual relationships. But with her, he seemed to have no control over his growing feelings and had to remind himself that whatever they had would end in a couple of months. “I’ll go get the grill started. Want to keep me company?”

“Absolutely.” She stood, followed him outside, and sat on one of the patio chairs.

Most people tended to use gas grills, but he preferred using charcoal. There was something about the smoky flavor that couldn’t be duplicated. After starting the coals on the grill, Gabriel took a seat next to Serenity, marveling at the peacefulness he felt.

“How are you planning to cook the potatoes?” Serenity asked, cutting into his thoughts.

“I was thinking about drizzling a little of that olive oil you told me about and an herb seasoning, then tossing them on the grill. Why?”

“Ooh, that’s going to be so good. I have a few other flavors, too.”

He lifted a brow. He hadn’t ordered any of the other flavored oils. “Which ones?”

“I can run home real quick and get them, if you like,” she added with a smile.