Free Vegas to Varanasi (Fortytude Series Book 1) by Shelly Hickman Page B

himself in the cafeteria. In fact, he seemed to prefer it. But I remember seeing you, on several occasions, go over and talk to him. Once, you even managed to get him to join you and your friends.”
    I smile at the memory. “Yeah, I think after that he decided there was a little too much estrogen going on at that table and it wasn’t for him.”
    When I look up, Kiran is regarding me so intently, I swear he’s mentally calculating the diameter of my pupils. “It was truly exceptional, for someone your age to be so compassionate toward others.”
    This is becoming far too intense. My insides feel as if they’re playing musical chairs. “I could really use a drink. You?”
    “I’ll get it for you. What would you like?”
    “A glass of white wine, please.”
    “Any particular kind?”
    “Whatever they have is fine.”
    I sit down on one of the sofas while he walks to the bar for our drinks.
    This is childish. Why am I acting like I’ve never had a man give me attention before? It has to be because I’m letting his looks intimidate me.
    Luke never flustered me, but maybe that was because he was my buddy first. Despite his good looks, he was approachable. Kiran, on the other hand... I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone in real life who was so arresting.
    I feel flushed and touch my face.
    He’s not full of himself, and he genuinely seems to like me. Clearly, he has these idealistic memories of me which are far too much to live up to. I’m not Gandhi, for crying out loud!
    He returns with my drink and sits beside me.
    “Thank you.” I bring the glass to my lips and look straight ahead.
    “I’m sorry I’ve been making you nervous,” he says gently.
    My mouth goes dry, despite taking a sip of wine. “It’s nothing.” The words come out as a whisper and sound ridiculous.
    “No, it isn’t.” He pauses to sample his on-the-rocks concoction. “Can I tell you something, at the risk of making you nervous again?”
    I realize I’m nodding and grimacing at the same time, but it seems I have no control over my facial muscles.
    “Now that my father has returned, he’ll be bringing Mother for her visits with you, and there aren’t many of those visits left. I would hate to lose touch.”
    I draw my lips in. My pulse skips.
    “You’re just coming out of something,” he continues. “I don’t know how long or how serious it was. I assume the breakup was significant if you were living together, and I don’t want to disrespect that, but... I would like to still see you.”
    Lightly pulling at the tips of my hair, I frantically try to think of something to say so he’s not left hanging, but nothing comes.
    He leans forward on his knees, bringing his face in closer. “Would that be alright with you? If it isn’t, please don’t feel like you can’t say so.”
    “I’m probably being dense, but when you say you’d like to see me, what do you mean by that?”
    “I mean in whatever capacity you’d be comfortable with. If it’s as friends, or perhaps more than that at some point...” He straightens again and turns toward the dancing guests before taking another drink. “Sorry if I’m being too forward, but this might be my last opportunity to say anything.”
    I take a deep breath and place my hand on my chest. “I’m so flattered, Kiran. And I like you, too. I just don’t want to disappoint you. You seem to have certain ideas about me, but you really don’t know me.”
    He nods while I speak, and I realize how condescending that may have sounded.
    “I know enough that I’m willing to learn more.” He briefly leans sideways and playfully bumps my shoulder with his.
    I smile and take a sip from my glass. That was completely unexpected. And adorable.
    “Why do I suddenly feel like there’s a skilled charmer hiding underneath that quiet disposition?”
    He gives me a boyish grin and shrugs. “Maybe I’m so uneasy about this conversation, I had to lighten things up. But you still haven’t