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“Oh, okay,” I mumble. She laughs. “Yeah, I was born and brought up in India. Have you been there?”

“Yes. His parents got married in India since everyone from his mother’s family couldn’t come here. Would’ve been too expensive.”

“True.”

“So… you and Kingston. Do you like him as much as he likes you?”

My thoughts drift back to our date in the past and the instant attraction I felt toward him. Plus, the surreal bliss of running into him here. It’s like every inch of me came alive. I wonder about the way he’s treated me this entire evening. Making me laugh, caressing and teasing me, hanging on to every word I said, and those soul-searing looks… It’s been nothing short of a dream.

Something every girl desires from a man she likes.

From the outside, we’re moving too fast. Yet it doesn’t feel that way to me.

“I do.” The answer comes easily, making Nana beam. Still, I don’t want to get her hopes up since I don’t see us working out in the long term. So, I quickly add, “But we’re taking it slow.”

She burst out laughing, staring like I’m in denial. “Kingston isn’t the one to take things slow. Once he’s set his heart on something, he goes after what he wants with all of his determination. And I heard it in his voice how much he adoresyou. None of your defenses will work on him. I also think it’s the same for you but you’re scared.”

She hit the nail on the head. “What should I do then?”

“Stop thinking of all the reasons you shouldn’t be with him and just focus on how he makes you feel. The rest will work itself out.”

Her gentle advice sinks in. She makes it sound so simple. Maybe it is. Before I can reply, the men reappear and my gaze shoots to Kingston’s. For the first time, I don’t let myself think about how we live in different countries, that he was supposed to end up with my best friend, or that we see our future in opposite visions.

I just focus on the different emotions coursing through my body.

Like how my breathing picks up when he’s nearby.

The strong urge to feel his skin against mine and lean on him.

To listen to his deep voice tease and whisper sweet nothings in my ear. His protective hug and possessive claim that I belong to him.

And I realize with clarity that if I’m not too careful, I might fall hard and fast for him.

His brown eyes soften ever so slightly and roam over my face, lingering on my lips a little longer. Settling down beside me on the couch, he passes me the steaming hot mug after I take off my gloves. “Let me know if you want more sugar.”

“Thank you.”

“What were you two talking about?” he questions, gazing between his nana and me.

“Nothing much,” answers Nana with a wink at me. “Just telling Twinkle embarrassing stories about you.”

“Is that right?” drawls Kingston in mock anger.

I nod. “Tons of them.”

“Care to share?”

“Are you scared I’ll spill to someone else?”

Lips curling into a smirk, he taunts, “Now who’s being cocky?”

“You’re rubbing off on me.” I shrug innocently. “Blame yourself.”

“Rubbing off, huh?” His grin is becoming filthy.

The memory of me shamelessly grinding on him just a few hours ago slams into my head. It’s clear that both of us are thinking about it. Except, I’m the only one embarrassed because we’re sitting right in front of his grandparents, who can no doubt hear us.

My mouth opens and closes several times before I narrow my eyes and hiss, “You know what I mean, King.”