Page 51 of Knot So Romantic

“Must be the company,” he laughs.

She scrunches up a tissue and throws it at him.

We’re having fun at the table, but it’s almost time for the movie.

Outside, it’s dark. The resort has set up a moonlit outdoor movie screening with blankets spread on the floor and soft yellow lighting. Earlier, I checked out the collection and picked my favorite—the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I’ve seen it many times, but on a lovely night like this, I can’t resist watching it again.

After dinner, we’re all ready for it. The weather is cool, just perfect, but I decide to grab a shawl from my room in case it gets chilly later. When I return, I see Elena and Dilip cuddling in a corner. Kiara and Arjun are nowhere to be seen—maybe they’re having a private moment in their room. I plop down next to the lone man sitting in the dark, assuming it’s Neel. “Hey, you! Hope I didn’t miss much,” I say.

The man turns around, and he’s not Neel. A wave of confusion hits me as a woman approaches. “Excuse me, that’s my seat,” she says.

“Oh, sorry!” I scramble up, hearing Neel’s laughter behind me. He’s right there, watching the scene unfold.

“Why didn’t you warn me?” I ask, pretending to be angry.

“I didn’t think you’d cozy up to a stranger so quickly,” Neel teases.

“I didn’t cozy up—” I swat at Neel’s shoulder, realizing he’s joking. He chuckles heartily. I can’t help but smile, even though I’m supposed to be mad at him.

He pats the blanket next to him. “I saved this spot for you.”

“Oh, did you now?” I settle down beside him.

The movie started while I was searching for my shawl, which I couldn’t find. I ended up grabbing a shrug instead. We’re at the ball scene where Bingley is urging Darcy to dance with Elizabeth.

I squeeze Neel’s hand as Darcy says, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”

Neel shifts, letting our shoulders touch.

“He’s so cute when he’s grumpy, isn’t he?” I whisper close to Neel’s ear.

He turns to me, smiling. “Am I cute when I’m grumpy too?”

“You used to be, but now you’re just cute.” I’m surprised by my own boldness.

“Am I?” Neel chuckles, placing his hand on the grass near my hip.

Just as Elizabeth is about to put Darcy in his place, I hear smooching sounds from the front.

The couple I accidentally sat next to is clearly making out. When I shoot a questioning look at Neel, he pulls out his cell phone, smiling, and starts typing.

My phone buzzes, and I check it.

Neel: Can’t blame them for making the most of this intimate setting.

Kavita: He seems a little uncomfortable to me.

Neel checks out the couple, and I follow his gaze. The guy is sitting in an awkward position, looking uncomfortable as the woman grabs his neck and presses her lips to his. Neel stifles a laugh but fails to hide it. He looks back at his phone as he lets out a hilarious snort, but not before the woman in front turns around.

She’s not looking at him, though; she’s looking at me like we’re the losers.

My eyes widen. Does she think we’re wasting this opportunity if we’re not making out, too?

My phone buzzes again.

Neel: She’s probably afraid you’ll tempt her guy and lure him away. You better not look that way anymore.

Kavita: Tempt him?