ANNIKASEARCHEDTHEbusy restaurant until familiar hazel-brown eyes met hers. Sajan raised his hand in greeting and smiled. Annika smiled back and walked toward the booth where he was seated. He was quite handsome, and the restaurant he’d chosen was trendy but tasteful. She willed herself to feel something—anything—for this wonderful man who could be part of her future.
Sajan stood as she approached the booth and waited while she settled herself in.Good manners.She was really reaching.
Popular music played and laughter sprang out spontaneously over the general chatter of the customers. It was early on a Saturday night, and anticipation of what the evening would bring buzzed in the air, creating a tangible excitement. Annika tried to tap into that energy.
“I’m so glad you called.” Sajan beamed as he seated himself once again. “I have to admit, I was a bit surprised.”
Annika tilted her head in question.
“I thought you and Daniel...”
She froze her face into the mask she used to hide the pang of pain that always followed mention of his name and shook her head. “Oh. Yes. Well, that’s over.” She waved her hand as if her relationship with Daniel had been inconsequential.Well, it should be by now.
Sajan narrowed his eyes and studied her a moment. “Okay.”
The waiter arrived asking for their drink order. Sajan nodded at Annika.
“I’ll have the Bee’s Knees. Easy on the honey.” Annika fidgeted.
“Manhattan.” He looked at the waiter. “Thanks.”
Annika smiled at Sajan. “Thanks again for everything you did for my brother. My parents are so grateful to have him back home.”
Sajan shrugged. “Just doing my job. Besides, I meant what I said—if Daniel hadn’t relieved the pressure in the field, things could have ended differently.”
Annika swallowed hard.
“Did they ever find the guy?” Sajan’s eyes darkened a bit in anger. Of course Nilay would have told him the whole story.
“No. But we didn’t really have that much to go on.”
“Well, your brother kept talking about having another shot at him.” Sajan shook his head. “To be young, huh? Punches solve everything.”
“Not necessarily.”
“I agree. Violence is not going to stop violence.”
Annika smiled for real this time. “I know. That’s what I keep saying, but every other male I speak to simply wants to throw punches. For what? You’re not going to change his mind by breaking bones.” Here was something she could connect with Sajan over. Maybe this date had been a good idea.
“Very true.”
Annika studied her menu in the silence that fell between them.
“How’s your cousin?” Sajan asked. “I heard she’s getting married.”
Annika perked up. “Yes. She is.” She shook her head. “End of June. She’s barely giving us three to four months to plan. Her mom is out of her mind.” She laughed. But it was forced.
“Well, good for her. Ravi’s a great guy.”
Annika nodded. “He really is. I’m very happy for her.”
Their drinks arrived. Sajan held his out to her, and they clinked glasses. Annika took a sip, enjoying the tartness of the lemon juice, closing her eyes as the alcohol made its way through her body. She opened them to find Sajan watching her.
He put his drink down, laying his hands on either side of it, and fixed his gaze on her. “Why are we here, Annika?”
She put on a smile. “We’re on date. I called you, asked you out, and here we are.”
He leaned back and shook his head. “I get that. But why?”
