Page 15 of Reckless Bonds

“What about your mom’s lasagna?”

My immediate reaction is to agree. It’s the perfect dish; my mom spent years ensuring that it was not only incredible, but easy to replicate. It’s something I could make in my sleep and is hearty enough for a man of his size to enjoy.

It’s also personal.

I’m shocked at my lack of protest about how personal it is. I almost never make it for strangers. Giving it up is like giving a part of me.

But I want to make it for him.

“Lasagna works,” I say slowly.

“Great. You’re okay though, right Mira?” Lisa’s voice is genuinely concerned.

I smile. “I am.”

And I’m shocked to find that, between the handsome stranger and the promise of seeing him again, I mean it.

Chapter Six

Mira

A knock at the door five minutes early sends me scrambling to finish a few last-minute things. I came home an hour early from work to clean up, cook, and prepare myself mentally for this dinner. Or is it a date?

Regardless, time is up. I quickly fluff the pillows on the couch and take a deep breath to settle my nerves. As I open the door, Sunder smiles at me, a small bouquet in hand. I guess it’s a date. My anxiety cranks up another level.

“Hi! Come in,” I say, gesturing towards my living room.

Stepping into the apartment, he looks around the living room with an approving nod.

“These are for you.”

“You saved me and now you’re bringing me flowers? You’re like a chivalrous knight. Thank you.” I laugh as I cringe inside.Why do I say stuff like that?

Tone it down, Mira. They’re just flowers.

While I put the flowers in a vase, he settles into the couch, crossing an ankle over his knee. I see Bobble’s head poke out, stalking the stranger. I brace myself for an attack. He’s fine with women, but something about men makes him crazy. He gets vicious sometimes. Especially with Tim.

Bobble closes in warily around Sunder, sniffing his feet. I hold my breath as Sunder leans over to let Bobble sniff his hand.

“He doesn’t like men,” I warn.

The tension in Bobble’s back eases as he purrs against Sunder’s hand. He rubs against Sunder’s legs before propping up to climb in his lap. Sunder’s eyebrows furrow suddenly as he pushes Bobble off. He whispers something under his breath to the cat, too low for me to hear anything except an accusatory, “…it’s you.”

My brow furrows. Not a cat person. Well, that’s a mark against. Catching my eye, he shrugs sheepishly and says, “Allergies.”

“I’ve never seen him act like that towards a man before. Seriously!”

I sit in the armchair across from Sunder, Bobble following at my heels. Sunder gives me an uncomfortable smile that doesn’t touch his eyes.

“So, what’s for dinner? Smells good.”

“Well, I cooked lasagna with a side salad and breadsticks. I hope you like Italian food.”

“Sounds great.”

After a moment of awkward silence, I scurry to the kitchen to pour two glasses of red wine. Handing one to Sunder, I watch him curiously. He seems nervous. I’m glad I’m not the only one with first date jitters.

“So, tell me about yourself,” I say. “Where are you from originally?”

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