Page 78 of Reckless Dare

She was surprised that Neeraj knew she visited the gym.

“Anything else, sir and madam?” the waiter asked. “We have special milkshakes. Would you like to order one?”

Ava opened her mouth to reply yes when Neeraj began to speak. “No. We are good.”

When the waiter left, Neeraj shook his head. “Their milkshakes are probably a thousand calories. Almost a meal on it’s own.”

Hiding her disappointment, she nodded before digging into her food. But as she ate, she felt her tormentor eyes trained on her.

What is he trying to do?

She tried hard to ignore his stare and block out their passionate kiss from earlier that evening. But it was hard.

She couldn’t make small talk with Neeraj because the place became so loud they could hardly hear each other. She focused on the dish Neeraj ordered, trying to enjoy it but failing.

Halfway through their meal, the waiter came by with an order of fries and a milkshake and placed it in front of her. She looked up at Neeraj confused and he had the same expression.

“We didn't order these,” Neeraj told the waiter.

“Sir, it’s complimentary.”

Neeraj frowned. “I don’t care. But—”

“It’s okay, Neeraj. I don’t mind trying them.”

Neeraj continued to frown but didn’t say anything else. Feeling relieved, she reached out to the crispy fries and sipped on the thick strawberry milkshake.

They were amazing. Even as she enjoyed them, a thought occurred to her.

Did he send them?

Her eyes flew in her tormentor’s direction. Even as he held her gaze just like he had from the time he arrived, the expression in them was unreadable.

It’s definitely not him. There’s no way he can read my mind.

She looked away telling herself she was reading too much into everything.

Once again, she dragged her eyes away and ignored her tormentor. For the rest of the evening, she made an effort to listen to Neeraj who was talking about his childhood and his future plans in San Francisco. Although she had heard it before, she pasted a smile while enjoying her food.

Later that night, the date finally came to an end. Neeraj held her hand and guided her through the crowded bar towards the exit. Although she felt uncomfortable holding hands with Neeraj, she didn’t pull away.

Smiling, she gently pulled her hand away when they reached outside the bar. They walked towards his jeep.

“Neeraj, thank you for taking me out. I had a lot of fun.”

Neeraj nodded, but he still seemed upset. “It would have been much better if Simha hadn’t shown up with his rowdy group.”

“Yes, it did get a bit loud, but it’s okay. I still enjoyed dinner.”

Suddenly Neeraj stared at her with a thoughtful look.

“You look very beautiful, Ava. Have I told you that?”

She nodded, not liking where the conversation was going. When he took a step closer to her, she controlled herself from moving back.

She knew what Neeraj wanted. The guy who had always been friendly and sweet to her wanted to kiss her. But strangely, the idea made her flinch as she wasn't attracted to Neeraj.

Suddenly her tormentor’s face flashed inside her mind and she recalled their kiss. Her breath quickened and her body tingled wherever he had kissed her.

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