They didn’t know much about Urmila-auntie; she wasn’t in their parents’ closest circle of friends, but both of their mothers always talked about how kind she was, and they totally coveted her wardrobe.

“Are you seeing him again?”

Naya nodded, that grin still on her face. “He’s cooking for me.”

“He cooks, too?” Annika widened her eyes. “Does he know that you like to bake?”

“Well, he’ll find out tomorrow when I show up with my famous rose truffles.”

“You mean our famous rose truffles.” Annika poked Naya with her bandaged hand as they pulled up to their apartment. Both girls loved baking. Annika couldn’t really cook to save her life, but baking cookies, and her specialty, chocolate truffles, was how she relaxed, an outlet for her creativity. She and Naya particularly liked mixing Indian flavors into the items they baked, and the rose-flavored chocolate truffles were by far their favorite.

“Not like you’re making them with that hand,” Naya teased.

“Well, I’ll supervise.” Annika grinned.

They walked into their apartment, each lost in their own thoughts. Naya headed for her room and turned back to Annika. “What’s the deal with you and the hot NP?”

Annika shrugged. Daniel clearly had no business being in her room that night, so why was he, if he wasn’t a crazy person? In any case, Daniel had lied to her, so the slight ache in her heart when she thought of him walking out of the bar had no bearing on anything.

“He might make a good rebound guy or something? You know, until you’re ready to settle down?”

Annika flinched. Which was unreasonable, because Daniel wasn’t going to be any kind of guy. But the implication was clear: he should not be the guy she settled down with.

“Although,” Naya continued, “he could be psycho.”

“Even if he’s not, he lied to me.” She didn’t get that creepy-psycho feeling from him, but lying was a deal breaker. If nothing else, she had considered him a friend—though the truth was, she hadn’t really wanted to simply be his friend. So she’d let her guard down and had maybe the most amazing kiss she’d ever had. She licked her lips, still longing to have a taste of him, but then berated herself for being so weak. No, there would not be a rebound guy for her, but it would be a while before she forgot that kiss. “Deal breaker.”

Maybe her parents were right. Maybe she just needed to settle down with someone dependable. Someone from a good family who was friendly and easygoing and didn’t have a weird relationship with beverages and children. Someone like Sajan. Love would grow, just like it had for her parents. And they were perfectly happy.