Page 31 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

“I do,” he says, his eyes still focused on the road.

“I’m supposed to protect you.”

I furrow my brow, frustration bubbling up inside me.

“I’m not a kid, Nate. I’m not some little girl who needs protecting. We almost kissed, and even if it had happened, we’re both adults.”

He grips the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles turning white.

“Liz, nothing will happen.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, sending a sharp pain through my chest. I didn’t realize how much I wanted him to contradict himself until now. I wanted him to say that he felt the same pull I did—that he wasn’t denying it.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “Right. I get it. I’m not your type.”

He glances at me then, a flash of something like regret flickering in his eyes before he looks away.

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is the point, Nate?” I ask, my voice quieter now, almost broken. I hate how much his words are affecting me, but I can’t help it. The sting of rejection is like a thousand tiny cuts, each one deeper than the last.

He sighs, his shoulders tense. “You’re like a little sister to me, Liz. That’s how I’ve always seen you.”

That hurts more than anything. A little sister? I should be glad relieved even that he’s drawing such a clear line between us. But hearing those words come out of his mouth makes my heart shatter. I don’t want to be his little sister. I want him to see me as a woman.

I bite my lip, nodding even though everything inside me is screaming.

“I understand,” my voice betraying the tears I’m holding back.

“Let’s just... not bring it up again.”

The rest of the drive is silent. The weight of his rejection hangs heavy in the air, pressing down on me like a lead blanket. I turn my face toward the window, watching the trees blur by, trying to keep the tears from falling. Because no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, Nate’s words feel like a final blow to whatever hope I had left.

A little sister. That’s all I’ll ever be to him.

And for some reason, that’s not enough anymore.

Chapter eight

Nate

Becky storms into my office without warning. Her heels clack against the hardwood floor with a confidence that instantly grates on my nerves. I’m sitting behind my desk, reviewing a file, when the door opens without a knock, followed by Liz’s voice, sharp with authority.

“Excuse me, ma’am, you can’t barge in here. Mr. Kingston has appointments—”

Becky snaps, turning on Liz with a glare that’s all too familiar.

“Do you know who I am?”

I look up in time to see Liz’s eyes narrow, fire blazing behind them.

“I don’t care who you are. Everyone needs an appointment.”

A small smirk pulls at my lips. Liz doesn’t back down not for anyone, and certainly not for Becky. I’m pleased to see her stand her ground, even though she’s been distant since I told her nothing could happen between us. I hate that distance between us but seeing her protect my space like that it means something.

“Liz,” I say, interrupting before things escalate. “It’s fine. I’ll handle it.”

Liz turns to me, her gaze asking if I’m sure I don’t need help. I catch the glimmer of determination in her eyes, and for a moment, I feel a warmth spread through me. No woman has ever stood up for me like that, least of all Becky.

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