From across the room, Shauna’s gaze drifted back to Akash, lingering.
“Maybe she does too,” Janak said softly. He clasped Akash’s shoulder. “Whatever happens from here on, move forward together. Relationships don’t work without compromise. Without both of you giving in at times. Be kind to each other. And forgive one another.”
Akash nodded, the weight of the words settling in. “Thank you. I’ll try.”
Janak nodded once, satisfied. “Come on. Let’s join the others. It’s your marriage too. You should have a say in what they’re planning.”
Smiling, Akash moved forward with him to rejoin the group. He was immediately drawn into the wedding planning. He looked around, a feeling of happiness settling quietly inside him.
They had just told their families they were getting married. And somehow, instead of the chaos he’d expected, everyone was celebrating.
Maybe, just maybe, this would work out after all.
20
The next evening, she stepped outside her room for her first-ever date with Akash, her nerves buzzing. She exited her house and stopped short. Akash was casually leaning against his Aston Martin, looking down at something on his phone.
God. He looked so sexy that for a second, she forgot how to breathe.
Dark trousers sat low on his hips, paired with a dark green shirt rolled up to his elbows, exposing strong forearms. His hair was swept back, careless in a way that looked intentional, and he hadn’t shaved. The faint stubble along his jaw made him look sinful, dangerously so. Her fingers itched with the urge to trace his skin, to feel that roughness scrape against her palm.
She exhaled a slow breath, trying to calm her pulsing nerves.
God. She was already feeling too much for him, and far too soon. Last night, she’d returned from Keya’s place restless and on edge, sleep refusing to come. She couldn’t help but ponder how everything between Akash and her was changing, and that too so fast. Her heart wanted her to lean into it, to enjoy this new dynamic between them. Her mind, however, warned her not toforget how easily she’d once given him too much of herself, and how badly that had hurt in the end. She’d fallen asleep with her heart and mind locked in battle, only to dream about him.
His hands on her bare skin. His mouth on hers. Her fingers tracing his body, learning him all over again.
She’d woken flushed and breathless, the memory clinging stubbornly to her thoughts all day. And now he was here, and her heart was leaping, excitement fizzing through her veins.
She moved ahead, and Akash looked up. He pushed off the car and came toward her. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his mouth lingering for a second too long. Her breath hitched.
He took his time taking her in, making her pulse flutter.
“You’re always beautiful, Shauna,” he said. Then his eyes darkened, his mouth curving. “But tonight, you look hot.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She had taken extra care tonight. The black strappy dress hugged her perfectly, skimming her curves before falling to her knees in soft waves. A thick gold chain rested against her collarbone, paired with small gold studs at her ears, while high gold heels added just the right edge.
Her makeup was bold and deliberate. Defined eyes, sculpted cheeks, and lips painted a striking red. And judging by the way Akash was looking at her, she knew she’d made the right choice.
“You look good too,” she murmured.
His brows lifted, amusement flickering across his face. “A compliment? Finally?”
“I only say it like it is.”
His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth without hesitation, his touch slow and deliberate. “I want to wipe that red lipstick from your lips… with mine.”
A tremor ran through her at his words. This situation between them was turning volatile by the second. Too fast. It was all happening too fast. She felt like she was losing her mind. Sheplaced a hand on his chest, needing to slow the rush of heat and emotion surging through her. To slow whatever was suddenly exploding between them.
“You promised me a date, mister,” she said, trying for lightness. “Let’s get to that first.”
He chuckled and stepped back to open the car door for her. She slid into the seat and inhaled deeply. His scent lingered inside the car. It was warm, familiar, and unmistakably him. She’d always liked it.
Akash got in beside her, and soon they were on their way.
“So,” she asked, glancing at him, “where are we going?”
He named a popular Asian restaurant.
