He laughed, rubbing his hand on his beard. “Actually, shockingly, I really like these. Thank you, Kam.” He put the pillows back in the bag and hugged her for a second. She resisted the urge to inhale deeply again. What was that soap? Also, what was in this wine?

“Now, let’s get you some biryani before it gets cold.” He grabbed a tray of drinks and led Kamila and Darcy outside to the party. He pointed her in the direction of the food before leaving to deliver the drinks for the others.

Kamila was impressed with the spread. The shrimp biryani looked light, with fluffy mounds of fragrant basmati rice and plump pink shrimp dotted throughout. There were also pickled onions, cucumber raita with whole cumin seeds, and chana in a rich tomato gravy. And movie snacks, too, of course. Big bowls of chips, popcorn, and Indian snacks, along with a healthier crudités-and-fruit platter, with chaat masala to sprinkle on top. The table was decorated with large tropical leaves and fern fronds arranged around black paper plates and cutlery. There were even floral arrangements, mostly greenery, with a few striking white tropical flowers. Apparently, Rohan could tzhuj after all.

Asha joined her at the food and kissed her cheek. “It’s amazing up here, right?” she said as Kamila piled biryani on her plate.

Kamila nodded. “To be honest, I didn’t know Rohan had this in him. I’m a little worried he did all this to upstage my parties.”

Asha tilted her head in a knowing gesture. “Seriously, Kamila? He did all this to impress you, not upstage you.” She frowned. “What are you wearing?”

Kamila waved her friend’s question off. “Well, color me impressed. This is a wonderful new side to Rohan. Being all social and gracious. He’ll be competing with Anil for who can be the most charming tonight.”

“Nah, I think Anil will win that one. He was all gallant rescuing prince before you got here. Maricel nearly face-planted tripping on the projector cable, and Anil caught her in less than a second.”

“Really?” She looked at Maricel—who was standing near the projector, animatedly talking to Dane. She was wearing the pink-and-gray sweater Kamila had suggested. “How long has she been talking to Dane? He looks entranced.”

Asha shrugged. “Not long. But speaking of entranced, Anil’s been asking when you’d get here.”

Kamila grinned. “Has he? Well, let’s not leave my adoring fans waiting, then, shall we?”

Kamila took her plate and headed to the seating area and squeezed in next to Anil, who greeted her warmly. He was also looking good tonight—in dark jeans and a gray Henley that perfectly showed off that impressive physique.