“That was my assistant reminding me that Sienna and I have a conference call with the PR team. I’m afraid I have to run.” Rising to his feet, he helped Priya up.
The light had shifted, casting long shadows across the field. “Can’t believe how quickly the afternoon slipped away,” Priya said, not quite ready to leave.
“I know.” Ethan smiled, brushing a leaf off her shoulder. “But I’ll be quick—I promise.”
As they grabbed their things, a shaft of hazy sunlight broke through the clouds. Hopping off the freight car, they trudged through the field toward Moksha, the ground still giving a little squelch here and there. Ethan carried the picnic bundle up the stairs and walked her to the door of the apartment.
“You, me, and no interruptions. As soon as I’m done,” he said, his voice low and full of intent. “Be at the coach house in two hours.” He leaned in to nuzzle her neck, but his phone buzzed again.
“Hey, Sienna,” he answered. “Yeah, go ahead and start without me. I’ll join you in a minute.” He chuckled at something she said. “Well, they did warn us we’d be doing plenty of those together.”
As he continued chatting, Priya waved him off and shut the door. She pressed her forehead against the cool wood, listening to Ethan’s voice fade as he descended the stairs. After a moment, Priya heard the muffled thud of the door downstairs. She took a deep breath, letting herself get used to the silence. She was rehearsing for a day she knew was coming.
Priya stepped into the shower and let the water wash over her. This was no ordinary shower. It was the prelude to getting naked with someone. And not just anyone—Ethan Knight. That made it, arguably, the most important shower she’d ever taken.
She squeezed a ridiculous amount of body wash onto her loofah. This wasn’t your standard-issue Solanki family soap. None of that bargain-basement stuff for her today. This was the fancy kind that had come as a freebie with another purchase because no one in their right mind would pay full price for it. Working the loofah into a creamy lather, she took her time, letting the suds glide over her skin. If she was going all out, she might as well enjoy it.
By the time her hair was washed and conditioned, Priya was ready for the big leagues. Her bikini line. It had been way too long since she’d gone to this much effort. Even before she and Manoj split, their bedroom had been a snooze-fest. They were perfect on paper, and they worked well together, but the spark? Nonexistent. Priya had known that from the start, so she had no one to blame but herself. Manoj had been the safe choice, and back then, safe was exactly what she’d needed. But Ethan? Ethan was dangerous in a way that stole the air from her lungs. When he looked at her, it was like gravity shifted, and she had to fight to keep her balance. And that’s exactly what she needednow.
Priya did a quick armpit check before proceeding.
Still good, thank god.
Picking up her razor, she cursed her genes for her dark, stubborn hair. Meanwhile, Sienna Deville probably had a hairless bikini line, or at the very least, a team of professionals on speeddial. Armed with a mirror, Priya twisted herself into Olympic-level contortions as she groomed herself. The result was a landing strip that veered off with a noticeable slant. Priya decided it would have to do, as long as Ethan landed somewhere in the vicinity.
Just as Priya shut off the shower, the lights gave an ominous flicker and went out.
“You have got to be kidding me!” Priya groaned out loud.
Luckily, the blackout was short-lived, and the power came back on a moment later. Still, it felt like Moksha was messing with her—as if itknewshe had a hot date with Ethan and was doing its best to sabotage her plans. She stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped snugly around her.Time to hustle, Priya. No telling how long these lights will hold.
After drying off, she secured her damp locks in a towel. With Act One of the Most Important Shower of Her Life completed, it was time for Act Two.
Lotion.
Lots and lots of lotion.
As she smoothed it over her legs, she felt a little buzz of excitement, imagining Ethan’s hands running over her skin. Priya spritzed her favorite perfume into the air and walked through it. She wanted Ethan to catch a few teasing notes, as if she naturally smelled that way. Then it was time for the all-important decision.
Underwear.
Priya stared at her drawer and sighed. She wanted something bold and sexy, but nothing matched up to the electric potential of the night. She slid the drawer shut with a sly smile. Nope, no underwear tonight—she was going commando.
She slipped into a slouchy sweater and a pair of wide-legged trousers that fell gracefully around her legs. Setting her hair in rollers, she leaned into the mirror and layered on the mascara.Bring on the eye contact, she thought, adding a touch of blush and lip gloss. There was something undeniably hot about meeting someone’s eyes inthosemoments.
Stepping back, she took in her reflection. She was glowing in a way that had nothing to do with her makeup—it was from the spark Ethan lit inside her.
As she started to shake out her hair, her phone rang. Her sister’s name flashed on the screen, and Priya answered instantly.
“Megs!” she exclaimed, thrilled to finally connect with her middle sister. “I can never get through to you.”
“Sorry, Pri,” Meghna replied. “There’s no network where I am. I have to trek to the nearest town to get in touch.”
“Did you call Mumma and Puppa?” Priya asked. “They’ve been worried.” Ever since Meghna had accepted a job in a remote part of India, their parents’ anxiety had reached new levels.
“I just spoke with them. I’m making all the calls while I can.” Meghna let out a short laugh.
“What’s it like teaching so far from home?”
