“No…I…” She stood and immediately understood the appeal of Bollywood rain scenes. She might not feel sexy in a sopping-wet sari, but wow, did he ever look…wow. That linen shirt was plastered to his chest. His hair was in wet clumps on his forehead. His lips were glistening and full.

And his eyes, sparkling in the low light. Concerned. Raindrops clinging to his long lashes.

He was so, so beautiful.

She quickly looked down at Potato, who was looking up at them with his goofy puppy grin. “Thanks,” she said. “I guess…I wasn’t really thinking when I ran after him. Now you’re all wet.”

“It’s just water. Look, Kam, can we talk? Dinner tonight? Maybe…” He gazed down at her wet clothes. “After we go home and change?”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “Why?”

“You know why. About what your dad asked me today…I accepted his proposal, of course. I’m only sorry I didn’t think of this solution yesterday. If you want Emerald, it’s yours. I think it will be amazing. But I don’t understand why you didn’t ask me yourself.”

Of course he was okay with her taking Emerald. He was so good. She looked away.

She couldn’t do this. She’d thought—hoped—she could eventually move on. Be just friends with the best person she knew. But Kamila was all about learning about herself lately, and she’d discovered that she wasn’t the type to secretly pine for someone. She needed to either tell him or avoid him. Neither option was good for their friendship. She could feel tears well up in her eyes again. At least the rain would mask them.

“I can’t tonight,” she said, hearing the hurt in her voice. “Anyway, don’t you have plans with Maricel?”

“What?” A gust of wind blew more rain in his face. He looked around. “Here—come.” Still holding Potato’s leash, he grabbed Kamila’s hand and rushed toward the gazebo a few feet away. Kamila had no choice but to go with him. The gazebo wasn’t in great condition, and the old roof was letting lots of rain hit the concrete floor. Rohan guided her to a dryish corner. She leaned back against the wide railing.

“What was that about?” he said, confusion evident in his voice.

“What?”

“That look you gave me over there. Asking about Maricel. What was that about?”

“It was about nothing, Rohan. Just a question. I know you guys came to the prom together. It’s your life. If you have a thing with someone, then whatever. It’s just…to rub it in my face like that after you yelled at me about setting her up with Dane—” She couldn’t bear it. She covered her face with her hands.