“Let me get the meat and potatoes on the grill, and then you can pull up the website.”

Serenity burst out laughing. “Somehow I knew you’d say that. I already have it loaded.” She held up her phone.

Smiling, Gabriel grabbed tongs and the steaks, put them on the grill, and was back in a flash to place an order. He’d chosen to use the gold mini creamer potatoes because they were softer and would cook faster. It took him only a couple of minutes to cut them into bite-size pieces, drizzle the oil, and add the sea salt and herbs. He divided them between two pieces of foil and made packets.

She folded her arms and leaned against the counter. “You’re pretty handy in the kitchen. Not too many men cook. When you mentioned having potatoes, I expected you to bake them in the microwave.”

He slanted her a sidelong glance. “The same can be said for some women. I’ve known a few who couldn’t do more than microwave and order out.”

Serenity held up her hands in mock surrender. “You’ve got me there. I’m just glad you’re one of the guys who do cook. I’m enjoying eating food prepared by someone other than myself.”

And he was enjoying being the one preparing the food for her. In the short time he’d known her, Gabriel realized they liked many of the same things, something he never would have believed given their first introduction. Carrying another pair of tongs, the potatoes, and clean plates, he gestured her toward the sliding glass door.

She reclaimed her seat, sipped her wine, and let out an audible sigh. “Yep. This is the life.”

He dropped the packets on the grill, closed the top, and took the lounger next to her. “I agree.” For one crazy moment, Gabriel imagined what it would be like sitting with her like this for longer than the summer. While the food cooked, they chatted about everything and nothing. Twenty minutes later, plates loaded, they sat at the table outside as the sun made its descent and the moon rose.

“I don’t even know where to start,” Serenity said. “Everything looks so good, Gabriel.”

“Thanks. Hopefully, it’ll pass the taste test.”

She rubbed her hands together. “Well, let’s see.”

He watched as she tentatively ate a bite of the steak.

Pointing her fork Gabriel’s way, she shot him a glare. “I think I’ve been had.”

His brows knitted together. “What?”

“That sad story about only being able to cook a few things. This steak is better than any of the ones I’ve eaten at those high-end restaurants. It literally melted in my mouth.” She propped her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. “Okay, spill it. I want to know how you did it.”