Page 21 of Knot So Romantic

Kavita

Sunlight seeps through the curtains, casting a faint early-morning glow as I stretch and open my eyes. It takes a moment to gather my bearings and realize I’ve fallen asleep on one of the couches in the boutique, not in my bed at home.

Now, as I laze on the couch, not fully awake, thoughts of Neel invade my mind. The way he helped me with the bell and his concern about my unlocked front door.

I remembered taking his measurements. Despite my best efforts to remain professional, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing stirring within me. I had to fight the urge to run my fingers over his pecs as the warmth of his body radiated through the thin fabric of his shirt. To know I was close to kissing him if Ramu had not appeared then. I hold my palms to my face to settle the heat rising in my cheeks. Even now, my visceral reaction to Neel makes my breath raspy. It’s hopeless, even as I try to calm my breathing.

As more thoughts of Neel flit into my mind—the crinkle along the sides of his eyes, his laugh at something I said—a sudden urge to curl my fingers into his light silver-flecked hair pops out of nowhere.

My heart flutters at the memory of his warm smile. I can’t deny the attraction I feel.

To think he forgot all about Elena’s bag after that. And to wonder…

Does Neel like me back? I suck in a quick breath.

A niggle of curiosity raises its head unexpectedly, but my thoughts race to dismiss it. I don’t want to seem foolish if it turns out to be nothing. I’d rather not dwell on it. Besides, once Elena’s dress is done, it’s rather unlikely that we’ll run into each other.

A dull ache settles in my chest at the thought. I take a deep breath, shaking off the last of the lingering thoughts, and finally get off the couch.

I splash water on my face at the pantry sink, accidentally wetting my t-shirt, before grabbing a towel to dry off. Despite the puffiness under my eyes from the lack of sleep, I manage a smile in the mirror.

With no appointments scheduled and no one else around, I have the freedom to do as I please. I decide to make myself a cup of ginger tea and settle into the bay window seat, enjoying the view of the street adorned with delightful Tabebuia blooms. The weather is chilly this morning.

I sink back into a cushion and prop my feet on the window seat.

As I sip my tea, movement on the street outside catches my eye. Could that be Neel?

I lean forward, craning my neck to catch a glimpse out the window. My heart quickens at the sight of his figure jogging past.

What a surprise! It is him, clad in a shirt and gym shorts, his calf muscles glistening in the sunlight as his legs pound the pavement. He glances up at my window as he flashes by the boutique.

Could he be looking for me?

As Neel disappears down the block, I sit back, the glimmer of excitement dashed as quickly as it appeared. Maybe I’d thought he’d stop by, but I guess not. Then again, perhaps he’s always been a regular runner in this area, and it’s the first time I’ve noticed him. But I didn’t know Neel ran here.

With the park across the street, this area is a favorite among runners and exercise enthusiasts.

Sometimes, I spot familiar faces going to the park. Like the old man with a walking stick who takes slow, measured walks around the block, a young couple in matching gym clothes, or the middle-aged woman with her talkative son, whom she scolds every time he slows her down.

The front doorbell rings as I continue sipping my tea. I shuffle to the door and open it, my heart skipping a beat when I see Neel standing there. I’m so surprised I don’t know what to say.

“Hi,” I manage, trying to keep my voice steady. “I think I saw you earlier. Do you run here?”

“Yeah, I do.” He gives a sheepish smile. “I just...forgot Elena’s bag the other night. I can’t believe I did that. I thought I’d stop by to pick it up after my run.”

“Oh, right,” I say, and retrieve it from where I’d set it aside. Our fingers brush as I hand it over, sending a tingly spark of warmth up my arm.

“Thanks,” he says, his eyes meeting mine. For a moment, it seems like he might say something more, but then he just stands there, and we stare at each other.

“Would you like to come in?” I ask, breaking the silence.

He continues staring for a beat, as if he hasn’t heard me. Then suddenly, his eyes widen. “No!” he exclaims, then quickly adds, “I mean, I’m late for work.”

“Of course,” I nod, a little too hard, perhaps. “Of course, you have to go to work. And so do I,” I add with a laugh.

“Well, thanks again,” he says, his smile pushing away my early morning grogginess faster than the tea I just had.

Then he turns around. I watch him walk away, then slowly close the door. The boutique suddenly feels a bit emptier than it did a moment ago.