Page 55 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

I cap the pen and slide the card back to the florist and the bouquets, my heart pounding harder than it should.

“Perfect,” she says, tucking the card into the bouquet. “I’ll make sure this gets delivered right away.”

I leave for the meeting I have this morning at a local restaurant. All I can think about is Liz and whether the flowers have reached her yet.

I picture her reaction—how her face will light up, the way her lips might curve into that soft, breathtaking smile that always leaves me a little off balance.

By the time I finally return to the office, I’m practically buzzing with anticipation.

When I step into Liz’s office, she’s standing by her desk, the bouquet in a vase on her table. Her back is to me, but I can tell by the way she’s holding it that she’s reading the note.

“Hey,” I say softly.

She turns, and the smile that greets me is everything I hoped for and more. Before I can say another word, she closes the distance between us, throwing her arms around my neck.

“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice full of emotion.

The hug lasts longer than it should, but I don’t care. When she pulls back, she kisses me—soft, quick, but enough to send my heart racing.

“You didn’t have to do this,” she says, her fingers brushing the petals of the flowers.

“I wanted to,” I admit. “I want to see that smile on your face every day.”

Her cheeks flush, and for a moment, she looks almost shy. “Well, mission accomplished.”

I lean against her desk, watching her, unable to take in enough of her. “I want to tell you I have something planned for us for tonight. I hope you don't have plans,” I say casually.

She glances at me, her brow lifting in curiosity. “Oh, I don't, but I'm definitely curious about whatever it is.”

“Just wait,” I say, smirking. “You’ll find out tonight.”

The evening comes faster than I expect, and before I know it, Liz and I are in the car.

The drive is quiet at first, but not in an awkward way. Liz hums softly to the music playing on the radio, occasionally throwing me teasing comments about my terrible sense of direction.

“Umm that's not the direction of the house,” she asks suddenly, her eyes narrowing playfully.

“You’re right, this is all part of the surprise I have for you,” I admit, turning onto a quieter road that leads toward the beach.

"Now stop asking me questions and enjoy the ride,"

I wink at her, and she burst into laughter. Her excitement is contagious as we pull up to the secluded spot I had arranged. It is exactly how I want it. Lanterns hang from nearby trees, casting a warm glow over the blanket spread across the sand.There’s a picnic basket waiting, filled with her favorite snacks and a bottle of wine.

“Oh, my goodness,” she breathes, stepping out of the car. “Nate, this is… this is incredible.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool even though my heart is pounding. “I thought we could use a change of scenery.”

She turns to me, her eyes shining with gratitude. “You did all this?”

“Not by myself but this was all my idea,” I admit.

"This is so sweet,"

"I'm glad you like it,"

She laughs, walking closer to inspect the blanket. “You even remembered my favorite snacks.”

“Of course I do, there is nothing about you that I don't remember,” I say simply, guiding her to sit.

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