“I do.”
“I’d never seen you in a dress before. You were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.” He moved closer, decreasing the distance between them, his gaze drawn to her mouth. Was it the moon, the water? He had no idea. All he could think about was kissing her.
thirteen
RIYA
Dhillon Vora was going to kiss her.
Again.
They were fifteen. She had worn a pink dress and the necklace that Samir had made for her for Rakshabandan. Samir had taken the photos. She and Dhillon were young, carefree and light. She was with her best friend and all their friends.
She recalled thinking that Dhillon looked so superhot in his suit. The way he had looked at her had made her feel all warm and safe inside. The school gym was stuffed with balloons and crepe paper and even had a disco ball in an attempt to transform the space into a beautiful getaway for a dance.
It worked, at least for Riya. She imagined it was one of the most romantic places she’d been. She and Dhillon had enjoyed hanging out with their friends, dancing to the bands of the day. When the DJ played a slow song, it had seemed natural that they came together to dance.
Dhillon had placed his arms around her. She had quite enjoyed the feel of his hands on her back. Strong and secure, even then. Her arms were draped lightly around his neck. She felt him looking at her, and she turned to him.
He had been watching her, and when she made eye contact, he had simply grinned, like having her look at him was all he’d ever wanted in life.
Then he kissed her. His lips were soft, hesitant. She kissed him back, and he became more sure of himself. It was the first kiss for them both, and when they parted, Riya knew her face reflected the joy she was feeling. But she hadn’t been afraid to be vulnerable back then. Dhillon was her best friend. She trusted him completely.
Just then, the slow music changed back. She had rested her hand against his cheek, trying to absorb the fact that she and Dhillon had just kissed.
Dhillon had been fixated on her, looking at her in a way she had never seen. They were frozen, just for a minute, as the world around them dropped away. Then, in a rush of music and laughter, they were back. Their friends had rejoined them, and the moment was gone.
Now Dhillon’s eyes were soft as they slipped to her lips. He smelled of the beer he’d had and the last remnants of his cologne. She felt that armor loosen around her heart, reminding her needlessly that she still had feelings for this man.
Kissing Dhillon would be reckless. He was grieving; he simply needed comfort. Well, so did she. Where better to get that comfort than from the one person who knew what she was going through?
The right thing—the safe thing—would be for her to simply sit back from him and enjoy the night.
She leaned in closer.
When was the last time she had actually done the safe thing?
She could feel his breath on her mouth.
Dhillon brushed his lips gently over hers, and she let him. She held back for a minute, enjoying the sensation of him wanting her. Then she gently pressed her lips to his. Dhillon took over. He moved closer to her. Pressing his lips hard against hers and brushing his tongue across her lower lip, enticing her to open her mouth. She did.
Their legs were now entwined together. He rested his hand on the back of her neck, tilting her head to deepen their kiss.
Riya would never be sure how long they stayed like that; she simply knew it would never be long enough. Somehow he grounded her, yet made her feel like she was floating at the same time. The fact that he still wanted her—after all they had been through—was everything.
She pushed as close to him as the canoe would allow, wanting as much of him as he was willing to give. Slowly, almost painfully, he kissed her into oblivion. She’d always suspected he’d be an amazing kisser, but the reality was beyond anything she could have imagined.
When they pulled back for air, both of them were breathing heavily. She opened her eyes. His black gaze was as glassy as the lake, and his lips were swollen. Riya couldn’t believe she had the power to throw straitlaced Dhillon off his stride.
Or that straitlaced Dhillon could throw her off hers.
“Riya.” His voice was gruff and low.
They were grown, consenting adults, and her apartment was a ten-minute walk from here. She was a fool if she thought she could have everything she’d ever wanted from him. They’d grown apart since the fire. They had been best friends, but when she’d needed him, he hadn’t been there. He had shut her out of his life back then, and he’d likely never let her back in, but she could have him for tonight. That should be enough.
“Dhillon.” Her voice cracked.
He raised an eyebrow.
