and the best sex I’ve ever had, wants to date me calls for lame-ass puns.”
“You’re forgiven because you boosted my ego. But you still haven’t answered my question. Are you up for dating a relationship-phobe and indoctrinating me into the ways of being part of a couple?”
This time, she didn’t hesitate, her nod emphatic. “Let’s do it.”
He let out a whoop, wrapped his arms around her, and rolled her on top of him. “I need to leave soon, but how about we have a rousing celebration first?”
Desire sparked in her eyes as she slowly, deliberately, writhed against him. “You know how much I love a good celebration with you.”
43
Harper strode into the small Indian café in Dandenong and immediately spotted Samira and Pia at a table by the window. The café only had ten tables but each one was taken, and the delicious aroma of spices made her salivate.
The women had their heads close together, looking at something on Pia’s cell, and as she made her way toward them she heard Samira squeal, “I’m so happy for you.”
“Hey, girls.” Harper slung her arms around their shoulders and gave them a half hug. “What’s going on?”
When she straightened, Samira nudged Pia, who had flushed crimson. “You tell her.”
“Tell me what?”
“Sit first,” Pia said, swiveling the phone toward her. “What do you see?”
Harper peered at the screen. “You and Dev draped all over each other in front of your place.”
“Check the date stamp,” Samira said, beaming.
Harper realized what all the fuss was about as she glimpsed the numbers. “You and Dev are back together?”
Pia nodded, her smile so bright it could light a room. “Yeah. It’s taken us a long time to get here, but with the counseling and the dating, we’re ready to move back in together.”
“I’m thrilled for you both,” Harper said, reaching out to give Pia’s arm a squeeze.
“Thanks, we’re thrilled too.” Pia slid her cell back into her bag. “And we’re planning a trip to India to check out adoption agencies.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Samira clapped her hands. “If I was any more excited I wouldn’t be able to eat, but that’s never happened before, so I’m pretty sure I’ll manage to squeeze in a masala dosa.”
Pia laughed. “Have you had South Indian vegetarian food before, Harper?”
Harper nodded. “Nishi introduced me to the wonders of Indian food when we first met in school, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
“Shall I order three masala dosas then?” Pia asked.
“Yes please, and mango lassis,” Harper added, as Pia headed to the counter to order.
“You’re sounding like a pro.” Samira smiled, surprisingly smug. “And something tells me you’ll be eating a lot more Indian food in your future.”
No way. How could Samira know about her and Manny when they’d only made it official this morning?
“How do you . . . I mean . . . when . . .”
Samira laughed. “Relax. You’ll soon discover the Indian grapevine works faster than any smartphone.”
Pia returned and sat. “What’s the latest on the Indian grapevine?”
Smug, Samira gestured at Harper. “Our friend here has some news about a new boyfriend.”
“Oooh, is he hot?”
Samira whacked Pia. “You’ve only just reunited with Dev.”
Wincing, Pia rubbed her arm. “Yeah, but I’m a woman and I have a pulse so I can look.” She focused on Harper. “Got a pic?”
As Samira continued to smirk, Harper heaved out a sigh. “Actually, you both know him.”
Confusion creased Pia’s brow. “We do?”
“It’s Manny,” Harper said, as Samira burst out laughing.
Pia’s eyes widened in recognition. “Manny, as in Manish Gomes, the guy you humiliated at Nishi’s wedding?”
Harper nodded as Samira continued to giggle like a schoolgirl. “His grandmother rang Mom, gave Kushi the full rundown about Manny chasing after some Aussie he met at Nishi’s wedding all the way to New Zealand, and how he’s mad for her and won’t hear reason about settling down and marrying a nice Indian or Anglo-Indian girl.”
“He chased you to New Zealand?” Pia’s eyebrows rose, but Harper glimpsed the reservation in her eyes. “Just so you know, Manny’s got a reputation as a pants man. He dates extensively, but he never chases after a woman, ever. So did he really follow you all the way to New Zealand?”
“That’s practically a marriage proposal, you know,” Samira said, snapping her fingers in front of Harper, who swatted Samira’s hand away.
“Don’t be ridiculous, nobody’s getting married, and if you want to hear what really happened rather than listening to gossip, you two better shut up.” Harper mimicked zipping over her lips, and the girls