“Man, you’re in a tough spot. If you need to stay a little longer, I’m sure we can work it out.” Darius smiled. “Besides, I kind of like having somewhere to visit that I can use as a tax write-off. And you mentioned Serenity having some good-looking friends, so it’s a win-win for me.”

He shook his head. “Only two of them are single. Terri is married.”

“Speaking of Serenity, how are things going between you two?”

“Fine.”

Darius threw up his hands. “That’s all you’re going to say? I know you like her.”

“Yes, I like her.” A lot. More than I should. “We decided to see each other while I’m there. She’s not looking to get serious, which works perfectly for me because I’m not, either.”

“With the way you were staring at her the day we met, I’m not so sure.” He leaned forward. “It doesn’t have to be that way, Gabe. There’s no reason for you to stop seeing Serenity. People have long-distance relationships all the time, and if Nana decides not to move here, you’re going to be stuck in your little town for a while.”

“I know,” Gabriel murmured. “The town isn’t as bad as I previously thought, and I could possibly extend my stay, but I still don’t know if I want to live there permanently. I mean, it’s so…small.”

As soon as he finished the thought, a vision of Serenity’s beautiful smile flashed in his mind. His simple plan of getting to know her as a neighbor and possibly just a friend had turned into something else entirely. She was kind, considerate, and had a generous heart. Their attraction didn’t surprise him. What man wouldn’t be attracted to such a beautiful woman? His problem—he liked kissing her too much and couldn’t recall the last time he’d enjoyed being with a woman this much. Everything about their relationship seemed…easy. Maybe knowing their liaison had a definite ending made it feel that way. Easy or not, he couldn’t afford to get caught up in his emotions. Once had been enough. Yet he couldn’t deny that he was happier than he had been in a long while.

Darius chuckled. “I hear you. It would be hard not having all the conveniences of a big city after living here all your life. But you should give some thought to staying.”

“We’ll see.”

“Darius, who are you talking—Gabe? What are you doing here? What happened?” Brent rushed into the office, his face lined with concern.

“Nothing happened,” Gabriel answered. “I’m just here for the week. To check on things.”