She held up her fully healed index finger. “I’m once again flawless. Just how you like me.”

He snorted before swiping another pakora from her perfect platter and sharing it with Darcy. Great—now the dog would be following him around all night. Which, to be honest, she’d probably be doing anyway. Darcy had taste.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Helping Maricel buy a new outfit for the party had clearly been a brilliant idea, because Kamila’s young friend turned every head in the room at Bollywood-and-biryani night. Especially, to Kamila’s utter delight, Dane’s. In high-waisted navy trousers, a soft floral silk T-shirt, and hair in cascading curling-iron waves, it was no wonder Maricel had the tech bro’s undivided attention during dinner. Kamila kept an eye on the budding lovebirds while making sure everyone’s plates were full of biryani, samosas, pakoras, and spring rolls.

She was spooning more biryani from the foil tray onto her magenta platter when Rohan, followed closely by Darcy, came to get seconds.

“Are you giving my dog fried food again?” Kamila asked.

“What? No. She’s still following me, though.”

“Of course she is. You’re her one true love forever. Having a good time?”

“Always.”

“You didn’t take any fish pakoras. They’re your favorite.” She placed two on his plate.

“I know. I ate six before anyone else got here.” He nodded toward Maricel on the sofa. “I like what you did with Maricel. You’ve turned her into a young Kamila.”

“Hardly. I’m short waisted. I could never pull off those pants. Anyway, she’s not that young. She’s going to be a pet obedience-school tycoon, you know. If her business takes off, I’ll need you to introduce us to your venture capitalist friends.” Kamila put the spoon down and reached up to smooth the lapels on his jacket. “You know, my parties don’t have a jacket-required dress code. I should take you shopping. You need some new casual wear.”

“I have plenty of casual wear.”

“Then why aren’t you wearing it?” She moved to straightening his tie.

He swayed forward a bit and lifted his chin, letting Kamila work. On a whim, instead of adjusting the crooked knot, she pulled it open, slowly sliding the silk through the high thread-count shirt collar. He said nothing, but one corner of his lip upturned. Eyes never leaving his, she slowly folded the tie and placed it on the nearby end table. Biting her lip, she inspected him without it. Better, but not there yet. Slowly, she unbuttoned the top button on his shirt. A small shudder escaped his lips as her hands came into contact with the skin on his neck. Was Rohan ticklish? She smiled widely. “There,” she said.

His chin dipped. “I meet your exacting standards, now?”