Page 38 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"Dinner? Why?"

He shrugs, though he has a small smile on his lips.

"To thank you, for going along with this whole fake relationship thing. Becky’s been off my back lately, and it’s because of you. The gossip’s spread all over town, and it’s working."

I stare at him, caught off guard.

"You don’t have to take me out, Nate. It’s no big deal."

"It is to me," he insists, his gaze holding mine.

"Let me do this. It’s just dinner. Sue is all set to stay with Max until we get home."

I hesitate, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirl inside me. Dinner with Nate? It’s supposed to be simply a friendly gesture, but the idea makes my heart race in a way it shouldn’t. Still, I can’t exactly say no.

"Alright," I finally say, offering him a smile.

"But don’t expect me to be all dressed up. I didn’t exactly come to work prepared for a fancy night out."

Nate chuckles. "Liz, you could wear anything, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the room."

His words hit me harder than they should, and a blush creeps up my neck. I laugh it off, waving a hand.

"Flattery won’t get you out of buying me dessert."

He smirks, nodding in agreement. "Noted."

We arrive at the most upscale restaurant in Ocean Bay, and as we step inside, I can’t help but feel out of place. The chandeliers cast a soft glow over the elegant tables, and the faint sound of a piano fills the room. Everyone here looks polished and put together, and I suddenly feel very aware of my simple work dress.

"Nate," I whisper as we’re led to our table.

"I don’t think I’m dressed for this place."

He looks at me, his expression softening.

"You’re perfect," he says, his voice low, almost intimate. "Trust me, you’re the most beautiful woman here, no matter what you’re wearing."

I glance at him, my heart stuttering at his words. There’s a sincerity in his tone that makes my stomach flip.

"You’re good at this," I joke, trying to deflect the tension growing between us.

He smiles, but there’s something else in his eyes—something deeper.

"I mean it."

We take our seats, and for a moment, I’m grateful for the distraction of the menu. I don’t know why but being here with Nate feels... different. It’s supposed to be casual, but the way he’s looking at me, the way his eyes linger just a little too long—it feels more like a date. And that thought terrifies me.

Once we’ve ordered, the conversation starts off light, both of us easing into familiar topics. But then, as our food arrives,Nate’s expression shifts, and I can see he’s about to open up in a way he rarely does.

"I haven’t talked about Becky much, have I?" he asks, his voice quieter now.

I shake my head. "No, not really. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"I owe you an explanation. You’ve been thrown into this mess, and you probably wonder why I’m so... guarded."

I say nothing, just wait for him to continue.

---