Page 27 of Never Less

Chapter nine

Marcus

I speed run my meeting as much as I can without appearing rushed. Normally, I would’ve scheduled something like this over lunch because I like having my mornings to myself. But today, I was hoping I could finish this up in time to get home and make breakfast for Liliana before she woke up.

Should’ve known she’d get up early.

Still, I’d like to get back as soon as possible. I’m looking forward to a week off from work, and getting to spend the next day with just Liliana will be nice. I could take her out to dinner, and maybe we can swim at some point. I don’t use the pool nearly as much as I want to, and she always seems to enjoy it.

At some point on my drive home, my conscience catches up with me. I’m basically planning a full-on date with Liliana for tonight. Sure, it won’t be communicated as such, but that’s what my heart wants it to be. Just the two of us at a beautiful little oceanfront restaurant with the entire evening to ourselves.

A lot could go wrong.

A lot could go right.

When I finally make it home, I find Liliana lounging by the pool and reading. She’s in the same white bikini as the other night, and I give myself a few seconds to appreciate the way she’s laid out on the chaise before I step fully into her view.

She still doesn’t notice me, seemingly too engrossed in her book, and it makes me smile. I admire her work ethic, but I’m glad she’s not taking Nate’s absence as an opportunity to work the entire time. She deserves a break.

“Have you made a decision, little star?”

She looks up. “Decision?”

“About what my next project should be.”

Her eyes widen with realization, and she closes her book and places it in her lap. “I’m still not sure. You’re making it hard to choose.”

I lower myself onto the chair next to hers. “Maybe I should make it easier.”

“And how would you do that?”

“I could…”

I could build you both.

Clearing my throat, I shed my blazer. It was fine in the air conditioning, but it’s too warm out here. “There’s a little restaurant I was thinking of heading to tonight for dinner. Would you like to come with me?”

She wrinkles her nose. “Is it a seafood restaurant?”

I chuckle. “No.”

“Then I think that sounds lovely.”

“Good. And how about a swim right now?”

Her face lights up. “Really?”

I nod. “Beach or pool?”

“Hmm.” She bites her lip, thinking. “Beach now, pool this evening?”

“Twice in one day? Are you trying to tire me out?”

“You telling me you can’t keep up?” She stands, an eyebrow raised in a challenge. “You’re not that old.”

“Hey! Forty-five isn’t old at all!”

“That’s not what you said the other day,” she teases. “Now go get your swim trunks on. I’ll grab some towels.”

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