“You promised you’d clear your Monday calendar for me,” he said when he answered. She had been on his mind, a distraction from the work he needed to accomplish. He wanted to listen to her smoky voice, with that cultured, barely there accent he hadn’t heard since he danced with her at the wedding. The fact that she had him waiting put him on edge.

“It’s been a long day, darling,” she replied.

Ajay had expected her to take the bait, to say something pithy, but he could hear her exhaustion. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Besides buy my company? No. If you have a minute, we can talk. Or you can just send your questions to my attorney if you prefer.”

“There are quite a few. Starting with what kept you busy all day when you’re trying to sell. Not a good look.” Ajay toed off his shoes and dropped his bag on his dining table. The automatic motion lights sensed his presence and a warm glow spread through his living area and kitchen. His two-story floor-to-ceiling windows sparkled with views of the New York City skyline.

“I told you the first time we met. I don’t play games,” he said.

“Ajay, just ask your questions so I can leave my office and go home.”

Now he was sure something was wrong. He opened his stainless steel fridge and spotted some vegetables and a packet of chicken thighs. Even as another one of Raj’s sighs echoed through the receiver, an idea formed in his head.

“Why don’t you come over?”

“Come over? Where?” The surprise was evident in her voice.

“To my penthouse. Have you had dinner?”

“No, but—”

“I’ll cook. Are you a vegetarian?”

“No. Ajay—”

“Good,” he said. “I was hoping for chicken. Just a simple chicken masala. None of the oil and butter gravy bullshit that restaurants serve, I promise.” He took out a few items and lined them up on his island counter. “I’ll send a car to your office to pick you up. Text me your address.”

There was that sigh again. It was delicate and said so much. Ajay couldn’t help but grin even as he knew she was going to lacerate him.

“I’m not going to have sex with you.”

“Of course not,” he replied. “I haven’t fed you yet.”

“Ajay.”

“Raj.” He put her on speakerphone and took off his jacket. “It’s just dinner. Bring your damn computer if it’ll make you feel better. But let’s have some food and talk about this. I spent the whole day on the phone and on my laptop. I want to spend some time with a beautiful woman in person now, even if it is to do more work.”

She waited a beat before responding. “I’ll bring dessert.” And with that, she hung up the phone.