Read Vegas to Varanasi (Fortytude Series Book 1) for Free Online Page B

I slowly press your knee toward your chest. As always, let me know if there’s any pain.” She nods in acknowledgment.
    I decide to move on to a new topic to discuss with Kiran. “I remember now your mother told me you’re a dermatologist. Think maybe you could hook me up with some botox? I’ve got this deep crease in my brow right here that makes me look like I’m always scowling.”
    He gazes at me intently and hesitates before answering. “You don’t need it.”
    Gulp. Now who’s the one uncomfortable?
    Geena is oblivious as my eyes fix on his a little longer than they should. Is it getting hot in here?
    I look away and push my hair behind my ear. “So, Geena, where did your husband have to go to see his mother?”
    “India.”
    “I’ve always wanted to visit India, among a dozen other places. Did your family live there before coming here?”
    “We moved to India for a few years after my junior year,” Kiran explains. “My father joined a colleague’s practice there.”
    “That explains why I don’t remember seeing you after that.” I give Geena my hand to help her into a sitting position so that she can get down from the table. “Well, that’s it for today, lovely lady. We will see you next time.”
    “Thank you, Anna.”
    “Yes, thank you,” Kiran says, those green eyes penetrating mine.

 
    Seven
     
    At the end of a long Friday, I pull into the garage, looking forward to a glass of wine and some reading. The kids are out tonight, and David will surely be holed up in the office. As I put the key in the door, I consider calling Julia to see if she wants to meet for dinner and a drink. I need to talk. Kiran has been creeping into my head and residing there, and I’m not sure I like it.
    When I enter the kitchen, David is sitting at the table, which is set for the two of us, and something in the oven smells divine. I set my purse and keys on the counter. “What’s all this?”
    David pours a glass of Cabernet and brings it to me. “It’s an apology.” Then he kisses me. A slow, tender kiss.
    A smile spreads across my face. “I’ve missed those.”
    “I know, and I’m sorry.” He kisses me again, deeply, and his hand roams underneath my shirt. “I’ve got plans for you later.”
    “Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.” I say it playfully, but deep down...
    My remark stops him and he caresses my jaw with his thumb. He looks as if he will say something in response, but instead he leads me to the kitchen table. We sit and he takes my hands. “I’ve been kind of a mess lately. I see that now. It’s time for me to take a break from the book. Step back for a while.”
    “You don’t have to do that. I know how important that part of your life is to you.” What the hell am I saying? “It’s just... I need to be a part of your life, too. That’s all.”
    He kisses my hand before walking to the stove. “Well, it’s time I got my head out of my ass.” He opens the oven to check on a dish.
    “What’s cooking in there?”
    “Beef Wellington,” he says proudly.
    “It smells fantastic. What can I do?”
    “Absolutely nothing. Just sit there, drink your wine, and look pretty.”
    I laugh and shake my head. “I think I can handle that. At least the drinking part.” This is the David I fell in love with. Relaxed, happy, in the moment. As he works at the stove, I come up behind him and put my arms around his waist. “Thank you. This was very sweet. And a welcome surprise at the end of the week.”
    “We’ll see how good of a surprise it is after you taste it. I’ve never made this before.”
    “I’m sure it’ll be delicious. How did your day go?”
    “Fine.” He smiles, tight-lipped. “How about you?”
    “Oh, you’re not gonna believe this.” I return to my drink and take off my Crocs. “Remember that guy I told you about at the reception? The one I went to high school with?”
    “Yeah.”
    “He’s the son of one of my patients. Came with her on her