“Ah. There you are.” Vishal came over. “What are you doing on the beach in the dark?”
“Walking,” Nimi answered without hesitation.
“In the dark?”
“There’s moonlight,” Nimi insisted.
Roshan gave Vishal his absolute best glare, but clearly there wasn’t enoughmoonlightfor him to see it.
“Are you feeling better?” Roshan asked.
“It’s ‘run its course.’ But Karan is still wiped.”
“What did you need?” Roshan didn’t even try not to be harsh.
“Nothing. I just wanted to see what you were up to.”
Roshan was going to kill him. Maybe even with his bare hands.
“Though I’m feeling a bit lightheaded from running down here.”
“Have you had a chance to eat anything today?” Nimita said. “Why don’t we go get you some food?” They started walking toward the hotel.
Vishal put his hand on his belly. “Actually, maybe just some soup.”
“Sure,” Nimita said as she picked up her crutches and hobbled beside Vishal. She seemed to be doing much better. There must be something in the saltwater. Roshan gathered their bags and followed.
Chapter Nine
She had almost kissed him. What the hell was the matter with her? She had actually wanted to kiss Dave. She would have if Vishal hadn’t shown up.
Maybe that was for the best. She didn’t need to be kissing anyone right now. She had no job, her sister was pissed, her dad was sick. Kissing would lead to sex, which could lead to a relationship, and she didn’t want that. Roshan had everything together, despite having basically raised himself. The two of them would never mix.
Though sex might be nice. And she had to admit she had been fighting her attraction to Dave this whole time. It got harder the better she got to know him. What were the chances they shared a taste in books—or that he was even a reader? Maybe she didn’t have to fight it. Maybe they could just have sex. No strings attached.
It wouldn’t be the first time she’d had a fling. What was the big deal? The fact that she had known him in high school? That should really not be relevant.
Vishal was jabbering on about something, but her attention was focused directly behind her, where she knew Roshan was walking. She was fully aware of his agitation at being interrupted. She had to admit, she shared it, too.
They made their way to the hotel restaurant patio, open late to accommodate the resort guests. Nimita noted that her ankle felt better. Maybe she could leave the wrap off.
She sat down. Roshan was right there to take her crutches. He sat down and glared at a completely oblivious Vishal. In the light, Nimita didn’t think Vishal looked all that well.
Vishal had soup. Nimita and Roshan both ordered sushi. It was always fun to have second dinner, and Roshan ordered a bottle of wine for the table. For the two of them, anyway. It wouldn’t help Vishal to drink any wine.
The table was quiet for a bit. “Wow,” Vishal said finally. “Are you two still pissed at each other?”
“No,” Roshan said as he sipped his wine, openly looking at Nimita.
Heat rushed up her to her face. “Maybe.”
“Yeah?” asked Vishal. “Maybe you want to talk it out?”
“Great idea,” Roshan said, still watching her.
“You’re welcome.” Vishal finished his soup.
“You done eating?” Roshan turned to his friend.
