Page 65 of Knot So Romantic

I have to see Neel with my own eyes. Words on a screen aren’t enough right now. We need to talk face-to-face.

Except I don’t know Neel’s address, much less if he’ll be home.

I take the whole next day to text Elena for his address. I’ve never actually seen his house, but I’m too anxious to be curious.

My heart aches to see him, to confirm with my own eyes that he’s alright. I need to know that whatever happened hasn’t broken what we’ve built together.

More than anything, I need to know that we’re okay, that what we have isn’t ending before it’s had a chance to really start.

As I ride to his place late that evening, my heart races with a single, terrifying thought: I might be about to lose the man I’ve fallen in love with before I even get the chance to tell him.

CHAPTER 28

Kavita

Neel lives in an upscale part of town. His building boasts a sleek security gate and a luxurious reception area.

I’m not sure I’ve reached the right place, but when I give the receptionist his name, they direct me to the penthouse on the thirty-first floor.

Nerves fill me as I ride up the elevator. As the doors open, I’m struck by the large, open corridor with marble flooring, decorative plants, and elegant lighting. It looks like a mini tropical paradise out here. I approach the door and knock softly.

I don’t know what to expect. I’m sure he has little time to maintain a place like this. Is it possible I’ll be greeted by his personal assistant, who’ll tell me Neel is busy or not here?

I swallow and try the ornate brass doorbell. There’s pin-drop silence, and I’m about to turn away when the door swings open.

“I told you not to—” Neel stops abruptly when he sees me.

I flinch at his loud voice, my hand flying to my chest.

“Kavita!” he says, surprised to see me.

“Neel, you startled me.”

“Sorry, I startled you. The security is new. I was in the shower when they called and thought they sent up a visitor without checking with me. I didn’t—I wasn’t expecting you.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I guess I should have called first.”

He runs a hand through his wet hair, a small smile tugging at his lips. “No, it’s...it’s good to see you.”

He’s wearing no shirt, just lounge pants. His hair is wet, as though he just got out of the shower. His feet are bare and he looks so devastatingly handsome, I almost want to forget why I came here and just throw myself into his arms. “Can I come in?”

He nods and pushes the door open, and I step into the large living room.

The inside of Neel’s house is as sleek and elegant as the outside, but apart from the expensive furniture, it holds no signs of a home lived in. I think of all the ways I would change up the decor to make it look more welcoming, my mind drifting to the plush sofas and designer coffee table contrasting with the bare walls.

Neel clears his throat. “Do you like my home?”

“I texted Elena for your address. I hope that’s okay.”

He runs a hand through his wet hair, and a strand or two falls over his forehead. “Of course, I guess I’ve never shown you my place, but...” He shrugs, holding his hands out. “This is where I live.”

“When I pulled up, I was almost afraid the security guard wasn’t going to let me in unless I had clearance.”

This makes him smile the slightest bit, and the tension around my heart loosens. Still, I would feel better to just walk into his arms. Feel him hold me. Take whatever this heavy feeling between us is and make it lighter.

“Can I get you something to drink?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No.”