“Cole!” he shouted, shining in his goldkurta, the bright fabric making him look like a tiny prince ready for a royal celebration.
I laughed and wrapped an arm around him. “Well, look at you,” I said. “Someone’s dressed better than the rest of us.”
Lucas grinned proudly.
Jack folded his arms. “He gets that from his mother.”
The soft sound of footsteps drifted from the staircase.
Still hugging me, Lucas turned in my arms and looked over my shoulder.
“Mama, Cole, and you match,” he said brightly.
I turned to follow his gaze.
And that’s when I saw her.
My breath caught in my throat.
Jiya wore a navy-bluesareethat caught the light with every movement, the sequins shimmering softly. Her smoky eyes and nude lips drew my attention instantly, while thekundanearrings and bangles added just enough sparkle to make it impossible not to look at her.
She looked absolutely ravishing.
I forgot Jack, Maureen, and Lucas were standing there because I had been staring at her.
She walked up to me.
“You look very handsome,” Jiya said, breaking the silence.
My mouth went dry, and I struggled to find the right words.
“Ditto,” I finally managed, then winced at how inadequate it sounded compared to what I was actually thinking.
Lucas held Jack’s hand and walked out the door. Geeta followed behind them, looking lovely in her emerald-goldAnarkali, holding Emma, who looked adorable in her pinkcholiand green skirt.
Jiya grabbed her gold clutch and took one last look around the kitchen.
Then she turned and bumped straight into me.
I caught her instinctively, my hands gripping her arms before she could lose her balance.
The world paused.
Her body felt cool beneath my touch, the smooth fabric of hersareebrushing against my hands, but heat rushed through me instantly.
My pulse spiked in a way I wasn’t prepared for. She swallowed, and I watched the subtle movement of her throat as if my mind had forgotten how to look away.
When she lifted her eyes to mine, it wasn’t just a glance.
A tingling sensation crept up the back of my neck and spread across my face. My breath hitched as if time had stumbled for a second, and I became aware of how close we were standing.
“Come on, you guys!” Jack’s roar from the car broke the moment.
The sound snapped me back to reality.
I let go of her quickly and stepped back. Clearing my throat, I hurried out of the house, hoping no one noticed the flush creeping across my face.
We entered the limo.
