“How are things going with you and Puppa?” Priya asked.
“Pri!” Deepa cut in, snatching the phone from Mumma. “How’s Ethan?”
“How about a ‘Hey, hello, how are you?’ for your sister?”
“I know exactly howyouare. Hanging out with Ethan Knight while I’m stuck here with Mumma and Puppa.”
“Life’s unfair, Dee,” Priya shot back with a grin.
“Oh, you have no idea,” Deepa said, her voice softening. “I need to fill you in. You’re not going to believe what’s going on.”
“Tell me.”
“You know Mumma and Puppa are visiting Vinod Uncle next week, right? Well, they’re going to—”
Before she could finish, Puppa grabbed the phone from her. “Priya, beta. How are you?”
From the background, Deepa shouted, “Pri! They’re checking out some guy that Vinod Uncle has in mind for you!”
A flicker of unease passed through Priya. “Puppa, what is she talking about?”
“Beta, I’ve misplaced my address book,” Puppa said. “Can you check if it’s in my office?”
“Don’t change the subject,” Priya insisted. “What’s going on with Vinod Uncle?”
“It’s no big deal.” Puppa sighed. “He just wants us to meet someone while we’re there. It would be rude to say no, Priya, since we’re already visiting. So, we’ll just have tea with this fellow. That’s all.”
“That’s all?” Priya huffed. “Well, have fun at yourmatchmakingtea, but leave me out of it. I’m not interested, and I don’t need you and Mumma sizing someone up on my behalf.”
“Relax, it’s not like we’re planning your wedding behind your back. Now, about that address book. Can you look for it and let me know if you find it? I need to let Mr. Foster know I’m turning down the offer to sell Moksha.”
Priya’s heart sank. “So that’s it? You’ve made up your mind?”
Her father’s silence stretched long enough for Priya to realize that further discussion was pointless. “Fine,” she said stiffly. “I’ll look for your address book and call you back.” Ending the call, she tucked her phone back inside her bag.
“Everything okay?” Ethan asked, setting his plate aside.
“Just family stuff.” Priya averted her gaze, adding more failures to her list. She had not been able to convince her father to sell Mokshaorsend Ethan away.
Forcing herself to shift gears, she glanced at Ethan’s plate. “Mumma wanted to know if you’re enjoying the food. I didn’t tell her you’ve been ordering delivery on the side.”
“Listen, I love your mum’s cooking, but I’m not cut out for the vegetarian lifestyle. Man can’t live on potato samosas alone.” Ethan grinned and speared a piece of steak with his fork.
Priya raised a hand to her heart in mock offense. “Really, Heathen? Eating steak right in front of me? You know how sacred cows are to us!”
“Listen, you. I’m not falling for that again. ‘Don’t wear leather, Ethan, you’ll offend my father. Don’t eat steak, Ethan, you’re disrespecting me.’ You’re worse than my entire PR team.”
“Keep that up, and Bollywood won’t touch you with a ten-foot pole,” Priya teased. “And youneedIndian fans, Ethan. We’re taking over one samosa at a time. Doctors, CEOs, tech billionaires. Throw a stone and you’ll probably hit one of us.”
Ethan’s smile was entirely too smug. “I don’t know about the stones, Pri, but I definitely know someone who’s ready to hit it with me.”
“You didnotjust slide that into our conversation like that.” Priya tossed a cashew at him. “You’ve grown way too comfortable,Ethan. Sitting back, letting women chase you while you barely lift a finger. ‘Make the first move, Priya. I need to be sure, Priya.’ ” She rolled her eyes.
Ethan chuckled, the sound low and deep. “I get my fair share of no-strings-attached offers. But this isyou, Pri. And I’m willing to bet it’s the first time you’ve ever thought about doing something like this. So, if you’re going for it, then it can’t be with just anyone. That Ravi guy?” Ethan let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “He doesn’t have a clue. It has to be me. I know exactly what you need.”
“And what exactly do I need?” Priya’s pulse raced as his eyes held hers, unflinching and full of quiet intensity.
“You need someone who won’t rush you but won’t hold back when it counts.” Ethan’s voice turned huskier. “Someone who can turn off your thoughts with a touch. Someone who will leave you breathless, who’ll show you what it feels like to lose control—completely—and love every second of it.”
