Page 42 of Not In Love

God, if she went to her knees for Diego for every night for the rest of their lives, she couldn’t show her appreciation enough.

She didn’t dare look at him though, for fear of falling apart. Neither could she stop the gush of gratitude that he, of all people, knew how much she hurt right then.

“Ambition is all good and fine but at the end of the day,” her mother continued, misunderstanding Kash’s shocked silence for compliance, “you need a life. Even Simon begged you to slow down, no?” She placed the tray on the coffee table, shaking her head. “You stick too much to your schedules and your to-do lists, Kash. Instead of being more spontaneous and fun.”

“I don’t think Kash has had time to be spontaneous or fun, Aunty,” Diego said, his jaw so tight that no one could mistake his controlled anger. “She’s been taking care of all of you. Unlike you, I’m continually surprised that she has more to give all of us. Tia and me, included. So maybe, you and Kaif should rethink what Kash owes you?—”

Kash tugged at his hand, nearly jerking him toward her.

Without missing a beat, he released her hand, wrapped that arm around her shoulders and tugged at her until she was forced to hide her face in his shoulder. The scent of him made her shiver violently.

Someone handed her a glass of water and Kash drained it. When her mother approached her, Diego shook his head, warning her away.

Her knight in shining armor, Kash thought, her mood instantly lightening. Turning, she looked at him.

His steady gaze hooked itself into her heart. “Thank you,” she said, leaning toward him and kissing his cheek.

She didn’t care that twenty pairs of eyes were watching them with avid interest. His kindness shone like a beacon.

“You do look different,” Muriel chimed in from across the room with exaggerated humor. In that moment, Kash realized that she was gaining a sister who was as kind and steady as the man who was holding her up just then. “Almost glowing. If you continue like this, all the guests will confuse you for the bride.”

Kash tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, somehow managing a chuckle. “Now you’re just being silly.”

Kaif sat up, pinning her with his gaze. “I agree. You look lighter. Like you have finally put down a load.”

“What they all mean to say is that you look beautiful, Doc,” Diego said solemnly, putting down a gold votive. Then he tilted Kash’s chin toward him with two fingers, giving her a thorough inspection.

Kash swatted his fingers away, her heart beating like a drum in her ears.

“Muriel’s not wrong,” one of her sweeter friends piped in.

“Kash Aunty is always pretty,” Tia said, running into the room and wrapping her arms around her neck. “Even in her scrubs and her sweats.”

Smiling, Kash kissed the small hand, clutching it like a lifeline. “That’s why I love you the most, sweetheart.”

Tia giggled, kissed Kash’s cheek and ran away.

Diego leaned in conspiratorially, eyes sparkling. “Maybe it’s a facial. A really intense one.”

Her breath stuttered, a blush stealing up her neck and cheeks. His gaze lingered on her lips. A rush of warmth filled her chest. God, she loved it when he looked at her like that. As if he couldn’t help it.

“Or,” she said, steadying her voice, “maybe I’ve just been sleeping better.”

“I’m glad,” he said, gaze solemn.

The chatter swelled again around them—someone shouting for scissors, laughter from the dining room. But Kash barely heard it.

Her gaze dropped to his hand. His fingers were long and tan and resting casually on the edge of the table. She imagined, stupidly, what it would feel like to lace hers through them. Or lean over and kiss his lips in front of everyone. The thought made her dizzy.

If only this was our wedding, she thought, throat tight.

If only this were real.

She hadn’t wanted a big wedding with Simon, and neither had he. They’d had just gone to the city hall in her lunch hour. His grown kids had joined them for dinner after. Josh, his son, hadn’t spoken to her the entire time. Just stared at her like she’d invaded something sacred.

The memory sharpened just as the doorbell rang. A second later, one of Muriel’s friends opened the front door.

And there he was.

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