Page 40 of Journey to You

“There are loads of different legends, focussing on the ultimate victory of good over evil,” she said. “Holi helps people believe in the virtue of being honest and banishing evil. It helps bring the country together and the tradition is that even enemies turn into friends during the festival.”

She sipped her chai, sighing as the burst of cardamom-flavoured tea hit her tastebuds. “And there’s no differentiation between rich and poor, everyone gets in on the fun. It’sabout strengthening bonds between friends, and revitalising relationships.”

“Sounds like the world could do with a Holi festival every now and then.”

She nodded. “Wouldn’t it be great? A sea of colour and a giant group hug.”

“I could do with a hug myself.” He stared at her over the rim of his mug, his blue eyes mischievous. “Similar to that one you gave me at your kitchen table the night I arrived.”

She blushed, trying a frown and failing miserably when her lips curved into a secretive smile at the memory. “Drink your chai. We have about half an hour to get changed before the fun starts.”

“Make that five minutes if we get back to the hut in time.”

She almost choked on her tea. He’d never flirted so blatantly before, never pushed despite the heated kisses they’d shared the last few days. He wanted to take things slow and, while her head and heart were grateful, her body didn’t approve.

Yet something had shifted today. Ever since he’d turned up on her doorstep this morning, and all through their stroll around the market, he’d been pushing the boundaries, flirting outrageously, hinting at something more than a quick, sizzling kiss at the end of the day.

She’d put it down to infectious Holi madness.

With a little luck, maybe there would be some revitalising of their relationship happening later?

Nineteen

“This is insane!” Ethan shouted, dodging another kid pointing a super-sized water soaker at him, only to be splattered in the chest with a magenta water bomb from Tam.

“Yeah, isn’t it great?” She flung her arms overhead and twirled, doing a defiant jig in front of him, taunting him now that he’d used up his colour supplies.

He advanced towards her, pointing at the remaining bags in her hand. “Give me some of that.”

“No.” She stood on tiptoes, jiggling the bags in front of him. “Not my fault your aim is lousy.”

“That does it.” He grabbed her around the waist and she squealed, her laughter firing him as much as having her wriggling and warm and vibrant in his arms. “Tam, I’m warning you—”

“You’re in no position to warn me. I’m the one holding the ammunition.”

To reinforce the point she swung one of the bags at his back where it exploded, drenching him further.

“What colour was that?”

“Red, to match your face for letting a girl beat you at this.”

“You’re in so much trouble.” He hoisted her over his shoulder, growling when she emptied the last few bags on his back then proceeded to pummel him with her fists.

“Put me down.”

He patted her butt in response. “Nope, sorry, I can’t do that. This is Holi, remember? Anything goes.”

“I take it back.”

“Too late.”

She stiffened as he slid a hand up her calf, her thigh, all in the name of getting a better grip. His excuse, he was sticking to it.

“Are you copping a feel?”

“No, I don’t want to drop you and ruin your outfit.”

“But it’s already ruined—”

---