Chapter 3
ALIA
Warm green eyes lined with hazel twinkle under the string lights, watching me expectantly.
At one time, I would’ve leaned forward and done exactly what I’ve wanted to do since this incredibly attractive man showed up like an answer to my silent prayers.
I would’ve pressed my mouth against his, let him put his large hands on my body, and allowed myself to feel desired for however long this interaction lasted.
Unfortunately, my reserves of bravery are running low. Namik’s derisive voice in my head jeers at me for wanting to entice a man so far out of my league when I’m lacking the means to take this to completion. Pun fully intended.
“Tots,” he murmurs, his gaze dropping to my lips.
Involuntarily, the spark of heat at the pit of my belly fires up once again, my mouth dry despite the water I’ve been chugging.
Can I do this? Kiss this stranger who looks like he’ll give me something to dream about?
What do I have to lose except a little self-respect when I turn out to be a disappointing experience for him?
I gulp, lifting the bottle in my hand, only to realize it’s empty. “I. . . I need some water.”
Lies. I need help and someone to give me tips on how to kiss well.
He straightens instantly, giving me space I’m not sure I want.
“Would you like me to get you some?” he asks politely. I hate that I’m sending him mixed signals.
“Yes, please. Thank you.” I smile softly, hoping he doesn’t mistake my nervousness for disinterest.
“I’m going to milk your thankfulness by asking more questions. We’re not done talking yet, Tots.”
“Alia,” I blurt out, feeling foolish that I never introduced myself properly. “My name is Alia,” I repeat, extending my hand for a shake.
His eyes drop to my outstretched palm, lips twisting in amusement at my awkwardness. My ears go aflame. My flirtation skills are abysmal and I’m making a fool of myself by behaving like I’m at a job interview. I want to shrink into myself and crawl away.
Just as I start to pull back, his warm palm slips into mine, rough fingers curling in a grip strong enough to hold me captive.
“Alia,” he murmurs, his voice a deep rumble that makes my nipples peak, the flutters in my belly transforming into a sudden storm.
Aai shapath, that voice! It’s criminal, the way my body reacts to my name coming from his lips.
He lifts my hand slowly to drop a kiss on my knuckles.
Sparks shoot up my arm when his lips make contact with my skin, the hair at my nape standing in attention.
His gaze never leaves my face and it takes everything in me to not react and make a spectacle of myself.
When the sides of his eyes crinkle and he chuckles softly, I know I’ve failed at seeming nonchalant.
“I’ll be back soon, gorgeous. Miss me,” he adds cheekily before walking backward, shooting me yet another devastatingly brilliant grin before turning away.
I stand there mutely for a good minute, my skin tingling with the aftereffects of a simple kiss, his voice playing in my head like a deliciously dirty symphony. Nervous laughter spills out of me and I bring a hand to my mouth to block it, unable to wipe the smile stuck on my face.
Maybe it is pathetic to be so affected by the attention of a good-looking man. Maybe it is relief I’m experiencing, because I hadn’t turned him off with my diffidence.
Buoyed by this unexpected high, I giggle softly, my eyes drawn to the door he disappeared through. The man with a nickname which matches mine. Coincidence? Destiny, a little part of me whispers before I shake away that ludicrous thought.
I clutch furiously to the wisp of confidence snaking within me and make the decision to follow through on my impulse to kiss him tonight. If only as nothing more than a thank you.
Because it’s been months, possibly years, since I’ve felt good about myself.
My phone vibrates loudly, interrupting my thoughts as I check the caller ID. Rohan. Some of my Theo-induced buzz fades and I clear my throat before speaking.
“Hi Ro, where are you?”
“Outside Block on Wood,” he replies, his voice muffled. “Aloo, come out to the parking lot. It’s a crush inside and I can’t seem to go two feet without someone trying to talk to me.”
“Talk to you?” I gasp. “How dare they! The horror.”
“Sarcastic little shit.”
I snort, grabbing my purse before heading downstairs, all the while keeping my eyes open for Theo.
“Who told you to go get famous? Besides, isn’t your team here as well?”
“I see their faces daily. I want a quiet night tonight. There’s some new Bollywood movie playing at the theatre. Wanna come with me?”
The idea of my 6’4”, 200-something pound hockey player cousin sitting through a two-hour long romantic musical drama to keep me company warms my heart. “Yeah, that sounds good, Ro. I’ll see you out in a couple minutes.”
His grunt is the only confirmation I receive before the call disconnects.
I slip the phone into my purse, hoping to find Theo before I leave.
Maybe we can exchange numbers or meet another time?
Oh, I should probably tell him I know Rohan.
Hopefully that’s not a deterrent. But why would it be?
Not like I’m looking for anything serious.
Just a date or two, maybe a lesson in kissing. See where else it leads.
Little bubbles of anticipation, like fizzy champagne, tickle my insides.
I approach the bottom of the stairs, my eyes still scanning the crowds when I spot him near the bar, one arm casually draped around a stunning blonde in a bodycon dress showcasing a perfect figure.
Busy in conversation, he laughs in that open, attractive way of his, gesturing to a guy sitting on a stool next to him.
The blonde leans in, her body language comfortable, making it clear they’re closely acquainted.
All that delightful buzz suddenly falls flat and something heavy settles upon my chest instead. Disappointment. The sliver of determination to put myself out there disintegrates before I can reason with myself.
I sigh, turning away from the sight of him enjoying the company of another beautiful woman, and walk off in the opposite direction.
I don’t begrudge him a new partner. My only regret is not kissing him when he’d asked me. Pasting on a cheery expression despite the anticlimactic ending to what had promised to be a memorable evening, I greet my cousin out in the parking lot.
Though it’s not a secret I’m single again, given Rohan’s frown anytime Irsia and I discuss the dating pool, I suppose it’s for the best that nothing happened with Theo.