Page 1 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

Chapter one

Liz

"Thank goodness! I was afraid that you were out of town, too. Hi, it's so good to see you again!"

I stand there with a bright smile, expecting... well, something. A warm welcome, maybe? A friendly smile? But no. Instead, Nate stares at me like I’m speaking a foreign language. His brows knit together, and his mouth opens slightly, but no words come out.

Okay, awkward.

"You don’t recognize me, do you?" I ask, crossing my arms and leaning against the doorframe. I watch as confusion flickers across his face. He is staring at me like I’m some lost tourist asking for directions.

For a second, I question if I showed up at the wrong house. But no, this is Nate Kingston, my big brother’s best friend. Same tall physique, broad shoulders and rugged jawline. The years have been kind to him. He’s filled out more since I last saw him—back when I had a tiny crush on him, well, maybe more than tiny.

And even now, seeing him again, my toes curl as if they have a mind of their own. His scowl, though, is still as prominent as ever, etched deep into his face. This guy is annoyingly handsome. The kind of man who looks better with age, like one of those movie stars who only get more attractive as the years go by.

I realize that I am staring when he blinks, his brows furrowing even more.

"Uh, should I?"

Great. Just great. I give him a tight-lipped smile.

"It’s me. Liz Lawson. Bryan’s sister." I drop the name, hoping it’ll jog his memory.

"You know, the same one who grew up in this town before leaving for college?"

He stares for a moment, and I'm just about to wave my hand in front of his face when his eyes finally widen in recognition.

"Liz? Holy…"

"Yeah, yeah," I mutter, rolling my eyes.

"I know it’s been a while, but I didn’t think I’d changed that much."

Nate rubs the back of his neck, still looking a bit thrown off, but at least he’s not gaping at me like a fish anymore.

"Sorry. You just... it’s been years. And you look—"

"Different?" I finish for him, raising a brow. "Older?"

"Not what I was going to say," he grumbles, finally stepping aside to let me in.

"Come in. Bryan didn't mention you were back in town."

As I step inside, my eyes scan the living room, taking in the sleek, modern furniture. It's all sharp lines and neutral tones. Polished wood floors and a massive fireplace dominate one wall.

Its elegance is clear. But a colorful array of toys scattered across the room softens the space. A toy car, a miniature train set, and a stuffed dinosaur are scattered on the plush grey rug.An open children's book, tattered from use, rests on the coffee table. Nearby, a cozy dog bed sits in the corner, surrounded by scattered chew toys.

The warmth of the room, with its sweet signs of life, feels out of place next to the stoic man beside me.

"Well, let’s say I didn’t give him much notice," I say, maneuvering my suitcases to avoid stepping on a toy car.

"But yeah, I’m back. Surprise!"

Nate frowns.

"Oh, I see…"

I blink.

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