The Singles Table (Marriage Game #3)(9)

Zara felt a prickle of unease when his brow creased, but it was too late to backtrack now. “You know who I’m talking about. The guys who love the idea of serving our country but don’t have the balls to enlist . . .” She trailed off when his scowl deepened. “Is he a friend of yours?”

“Not exactly.” He walked slightly ahead of her, clearing a path through the crowd with a calm competence that made her feel curiously safe.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.” Parvati intercepted them a few steps away from the bar. “Maria’s going to try the funnel. You have to come and cheer her on.”

“I can’t.” Zara watched Parvati’s attention focus on the man beside her. “I have to look after Stacy. She’s all partied out for the night.”

Parvati held out her hand to Zara’s companion. “Parvati Chopra. Currently single.”

“Jay Dayal . . .” He shook her hand, his gaze sliding to Zara, lips curling in a smirk. “Otherwise known as the douchebag.”

Zara sucked in a sharp breath. Why had she not recognized him? It was all right there staring her in the face. The height. The muscular chest. The thick biceps. And that voice. She’d definitely had too much to drink. “My apologies.” She swallowed hard. “If I’d known it was you, I would have kept my opinions to myself.”

“I think that’s highly unlikely,” he said bluntly. “In the short time we’ve known each other, you haven’t kept your opinions about anything to yourself.”

Ah. For a moment there, she thought she’d misjudged him. “How’s the injury?” Her lips quivered at the corners. “I’ve never shot anyone in the ass before. Does it hurt?”

His brow lifted. “I don’t feel anything.”

“How apropos.”

Was that the ghost of a smile she saw on his lips? Or the start of another frown? She had never seen him smile, she realized. It was probably a good thing. He was already far too attractive. A smile might force her to overlook his prickly personality and lure him into her bed.

“We’ve ordered a few bottles of champagne to celebrate Zara’s big run to the finish,” Parvati said, misunderstanding the situation. “Do you want to join us?”

“Thank you, but I’ve got other plans.” His gaze flicked to Zara, his eyes lingering on her mouth.

Desire, unwanted and unbidden, smoldered inside her. Gritting her teeth, she spoke with a calm that she didn’t feel in the least. “None of them even half as interesting as what I’m going to do tonight.”

Determined to get away before she lost all self-control, she turned for the bar only to see her aunt standing in the doorway beside a tall, skinny dude with a lollipop head.

“Oh my God.” She grabbed Parvati’s arm. “Bushra Auntie is here. Someone must have told her about the after-party. I need to hide.”

“It’s too late,” Parvati said. “She saw you. She’s walking this way.”

An amused smile tugged at Jay’s lips. “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who suffers the attention of matchmaking aunties during the wedding season. Fortunately, I’m only half-desi so they consider me a second-rate candidate.”

On impulse, Zara grabbed his wrist. “You can’t go. We need you to run interference.”

He stiffened and she realized that she’d pulled him close. Too close. She could feel the heat of his body against her skin, draw in his scent of cool dark forests and fresh mountain air. His pulse beat strong and steady beneath her fingertips, sending a current of electricity arcing through her veins.

“You need me.” A knowing smirk curved his lips.

Nothing annoyed Zara more than that look of smug male arrogance. She took a deep breath, expelling it softly as she released his wrist. The fog of desire lifted and her mind cleared.

“Actually, I don’t,” she said in a firm voice. “I had an uncharacteristic moment of panic but I’m over it now. I should have expected my aunts to find me. I’m used to dealing with them during the wedding season. They have a competition each year to see who can make the most matches. No holds barred.”

“My mother mentioned their competition.” He shook his head. “I never imagined . . .”

“Yes, well . . . Welcome to my life.” Tilting her head, she forced a smile. “Thank you for the offer to call me a cab. As you can see, I’m quite well. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a potential suitor to meet.” Bracing herself for the oncoming storm, she left him by the bar and walked toward Bushra Auntie and the poor man who had no doubt been dragged to the party with the promise of a bride.

“You never told me your mystery man was so gorgeous,” Parvati whispered as they wound their way through the tables.

“I didn’t know what he looked like when we first met. He was wearing camo and a face mask. Not that it would have made any difference. His difficult personality shone right through.” She shot a curious glance at her friend. “Do you want me to set you guys up? You could be my first match of the season. I’m planning to outdo the aunties without letting them know I’m in the matchmaking competition. I wouldn’t wish him on my worst enemy, but if you want him . . .”

“He’d be too much for me,” Parvati said. “Too brooding and intense. I think I’d be constantly depressed if we were together.”