Page 25 of Thiago

“You like to dance, so I’m guessing you went?”

“No. I went home after the toast.”

“You had an early night?” India asked.

“Not exactly, but I didn’t go out partying with the rest of them.”

The office fell silent again as he continued to review the papers.

“What did you do on Friday night?”

“I went out to dinner,” India answered, suddenly uncomfortable, as if she had done something wrong by going out with Simon.

“So I understand from your text. Alone?”

They didn’t have an exclusive relationship, but she wasn’t exactly sure how in the world to answer his question. Would he have a problem with her seeing another man?

“No.”

Thiago continued to look at the pages, but she had the distinct impression he was paying very close attention to her answers. He lifted his gaze, his dark eyes boring into her, almost demanding she divulge everything from this weekend.

“Who did you go out with?” he asked.

The conversation had officially become intrusive. Never before had they drilled each other on what they had done when they were apart.

“A friend,” she replied.

She didn’t lower her gaze, boldly looking at him in an unflinching way.

He gave her a long, thoughtful look. “A friend. Was it Kiara?”

“No.”

Thiago lifted his right eyebrow in an inquisitive way. “Does your friend have a name, India?”

“Why are you asking about my plans from Friday night?” she countered.

He gave an elegant shrug. “I’m curious.”

“I went out with a friend. No one you know. Do you have questions about those numbers? We chose to compute five-year projections, but we could look further into the future if you prefer.”

He stared at her, and it took all her willpower not to look away. She clenched the fingers of one hand into a fist behind her back to combat the urge.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were avoiding answering the question,” Thiago said. He sounded pleasant enough, but she knew him well and saw tension in the way he held his body perfectly still.

“Why would I avoid answering the question?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“Thiago, you went to an engagement party, and I went out to dinner with a friend. I’m not asking you specifically what you did on Friday night. I’m sure you had a great time with your family, and I had a great time at dinner. Was there anything else you needed?”

“No.”

“Good,” India said with immense relief. “I have work to do. If you have additional questions, you know where to find me.” She turned on her heel and headed to the door.

“I’ll see you on Friday?”

India paused and took a deep breath. Why did she feel as if she was doing something wrong? She wasn’t doing anything wrong.