Page 4 of Never Less

She snorts. “You think I don’t know that? You redid your entire house, Marcus. And then it was the pool area. And then it was adding an outdoor bar and kitchen. And then you decided to convert the downstairs office into a library. I’ve never known you to not be working on something.”

“Keeps me busy, and it’s good for my health.” I gesture toward my body. “Gotta stay in shape somehow.”

Her eyes flick down to my abs, and I’m not sure if I imagine the slight tint of pink on her cheeks. But then she shakes her head and returns her gaze to mine. “I’ll think on the projects. Not sure which one sounds better yet.”

“Fair. How’s work been?” It’s such a boring question to ask, but I truly want to know. Work isn’t just work for her—it’s a dream come true.

Finally, Liliana’s face lights up, and passion sparks in her eyes. “It’s been going really well, actually. I hired a full-time assistant, so I’ve been able to take on a couple more clients.”

“And maybe a day off here and there?”

She rolls her eyes, but her expression remains playful. “I’ve actually started taking weekends off almost completely. All weekends, not just the ones when Nate is home.”

I blow out a sigh of relief. I was afraid Nate’s teasing earlier was too much, but she doesn’t seem bitter about it. “I’m sure that’s been nice. Nate is making time for you when he’s home?”

“Oh. Um… yeah.”

“Speak of the devil.” I grin as Nathan walks into the kitchen.

“Oh, perfect.” He makes a beeline for the apple and caramel dip before plopping onto the stool next to Liliana. “What were you guys talking about?”

“Work,” Liliana says. “And how we’re spending more time together on Saturdays.”

“Oh, yeah. We’ve been doing lots of shit. Going to the movies, hanging out with friends, all that.”

“Good,” I say with a forced smile. “I’m glad things are going well for the both of you.”

Liliana presses her lips together, and Nathan clenches his jaw. That confirms it—something is going on between them. I’d bet good money that my son did something stupid again.

After an awkward beat, Liliana turns to Nathan. “Wanna go for a swim?”

He groans. “Babe, it’s so late. I was gonna eat and then get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow?”

She shrugs. “Fine. Marcus? You wanna join me? The pool looks so inviting. I can’t resist.” Her smile is intoxicating, and I can’t look away as she slides off her stool.

Fuck me. How can she make such an innocent move look so seductive? There’s no way I can get in that pool with her—not without Nathan there as a buffer. “Sorry, Liliana. I’m all tuckered out. Getting too old for late-night swims.”

At that, she rolls her eyes. “Old? You’re only forty-five.”

Inwardly, I groan. I don’t need a reminder of my age. Not when I can’t help comparing it to hers. Twenty goddamn years. That alone should be enough to stop my thoughts in their tracks. Add on that she’s my son’s girlfriend…

“C’mon, Marcus. Pleeease?” Liliana bats her eyes at me and clasps her hands together. “You’re already in swim trunks, even.”

I jumped in the pool earlier to cool off and then got distracted by yard work, and by the time I was finished, my trunks were dry, so I never bothered to change. Didn’t think it’d be a problem. Now look where it’s gotten me.

“Not tonight,” I say. “But we’ve got all week. Why don’t you enjoy some time relaxing by yourself?”

Disappointment flashes in her eyes, but she shrugs it off quickly. “Yeah, that could be nice.” She kisses Nathan on the cheek. “I’ll see you in bed.”

“See you.” He slaps her ass before she walks off, and my hands ball into fists at the way it makes her shoulders tighten. They had a fight about that the last time they were here. She doesn’t like it when he does that in front of other people.

Once she’s upstairs, Nate eyes me. “You good? You’re acting weird.”

“Just had a long day.” With a tight smile, I grab his empty plate and turn toward the sink. “You sure you don’t want to swim with Liliana? I think she wants you to.”

“Ugh, she’ll be fine, Dad.”

I sigh. “Listen, I know I’m no expert on relationships, but—”

---