“He doesn’t, really,” Meghna said. “We’re just in the middle of planning his bachelor party.”
Huh. “Well, please feel free to call him back.”
“Thanks. It won’t take long,” she promised, dialing the number. Seth immediately answered, and they began discussing logistics. The call was loud enough that Karthik could hear both ends of the conversation. He convinced himself that it wasn’t really eavesdropping. He had no choice but to listen.
They talked about the guest list, how many nights they’d be staying, and some of the restaurants and nightclubs they had researched. Seth made some quippy remark that Karthik couldn’t quite catch, but it must have been funny because Meghna let out a loud, unrestrained laugh.
That same strange, hot energy from before returned. Before Karthik even knew what he was doing, he opened his mouth. “We’re almost at the hotel, Meghna,” he said, a little louder than necessary.
“Who’s that? Is that a guy?” Seth asked excitedly. “Meg, are you seeing someone?”
“Yeah, I am.” She shot Karthik a look, but he stared back at her innocently. “He’s, umm, that’s actually my fiancé.”
“What?” Seth screeched. “When did this happen?”
“Pretty recently.”
“That’s wonderful! Congratulations!”
“Thanks,” she said flatly.
“I had no idea you were seeing anyone,” Seth said. “You know, this trip’s going to be pretty much all guys. You should bring him! Then you won’t have to hang out with just us losers.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Meghna said, looking at Karthik worriedly. “I’m sure he’s busy then.”
“When is it?” he mouthed.
She shook her head, her eyes imploring him to say nothing.
A devilish sense ofsomethingshot through him. “I’d love to come,” he said loudly.
Meghna glared at him.
“Wonderful!” Seth said on the other end of the call. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
They talked through the remaining details before ending the call. As soon as she hung up, Meghna turned to fully face him, her irritation obvious. For some reason, Karthik couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say. He was almost…giddy. It was a foreign emotion, but he was thoroughly enjoying it.
“Why would you say that?” she asked.
“I was just thinking about our deal,” he said calmly. “If I was really your fiancé, wouldn’t I come with you?”
She looked at him uncertainly.
“And we could probably sell our relationship better at thewedding,” he continued. “This way it’s not out of the blue when I show up as your fiancé. Seth and the others will have met me before.”
“I guess,” she said slowly.
“Really, what’s the harm in my going?” he asked, genuinely curious why it was upsetting her so much.
She looked away, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “I just think it’ll be awkward, that’s all.”
“Why?” he pressed. “Wouldn’t it be more awkward to go alone?”
Her eyes flashed with annoyance. “Why do you want to go so badly?” she asked, sounding more like herself, her voice filled with its usual fire.
He made an effort to appear casual, even though he found his heartbeat increasing.
“Who wouldn’t want to make a trip to Miami?” he asked. The answer, of course, was him. Normally, he’d hate the idea of a trip like this. The beach, a rowdy group of guys, clubbing. Truly a nightmare scenario. He couldn’t explain why he was so interested in going, but he was invested now. He had to go.
