Page 41 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

Thankfully, salvation comes in the form of a sleepy Max, trudging into the kitchen with a grumpy pout. His hair sticks up in every direction, and he rubs his eyes with tiny fists.

“Mornin’, buddy,” Sue says, breaking the silence as she places a plate of pancakes on the table.

Max climbs onto the chair beside me, his mood already improving at the sight of food. “Good morning,” he mumbles, though it’s directed at no one in particular.

Sue announces, “I’ll be heading to the grocery store in a bit. Need to restock.”

“Oh, I can help with that,” I say quickly, eager for an excuse to get out of the house and away from Nate’s intense stare.

Sue waves me off. “You don’t need to, honey. I’ve got it.”

“I want to,” I insist. “It’ll be good to stretch my legs. Plus, I could use the fresh air.”

Max perks up, his sleepy demeanor vanishing. “Can I come, too?” he asks, his face lighting up for the first time this morning.

I smile at him. “Are you sure? Grocery shopping isn’t exactly thrilling.”

He nods enthusiastically. “I wanna go!”

“Well, then, I guess it’s settled,” I say, looking over at Nate. “Is that okay?”

Nate’s eyes flicker between Max and me before he gives a slight nod. “It’s fine.”

But then, to my utter surprise, he adds, “I’ll come, too.”

“What?” I blurt out, my voice higher than I’d like. “You don’t have to. Really.”

Sue cuts in, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “Oh, I think it’s a great idea. Family outing and all that. I’ll give you the list, Liz.”

“Sue,” I groan, but she’s already bustling out of the kitchen, leaving no room for argument.

Nate raises an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but almost amused. “Looks like I’m going.”

Great. Just great.

Breakfast is filled with light chatter and silence, though the tension between Nate and me doesn’t dissipate. Max chatters away about wanting to help pick out snacks, and I cling to his enthusiasm as a lifeline.

Once we finish eating, I head upstairs to get dressed, taking a moment to steady myself. I need to stop letting Nate get under my skin. He’s off-limits. He’s Bryan’s best friend.

He’s waiting downstairs when I return, looking far too good in a simple dark polo and jeans. Max is at his side, clutching a small reusable bag, and when he sees me, he beams and runs over to grab my hand.

“Ready?” Max asks, his excitement infectious.

I glance at Nate, who’s watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. “Ready,” I say, forcing a smile.

Max tugs me toward the door, and Nate follows close behind. As we step outside, the fresh morning air does little to cool the heat blooming in my chest.

This is going to be a long day.

***

The parking lot of the Ocean Bay Mall is alive. Kids dart between cars, a dog barks from an open truck bed, and someone’s arguing loudly about parking spots. It’s charming in a way only Ocean Bay can pull off—nostalgic and bustling all at once.

Max tugs on my hand as we cross to the entrance, his small fingers warm and full of energy. “Liz, do they have those sour gummy worms here?”

I laugh. “I’m sure we can find some if you behave.”

“Deal,” he says, beaming up at me. His enthusiasm is contagious, and I squeeze his hand as we step inside.

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