Page 57 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

“I’m terrible at stuff like that,” I protest, but before I can argue further, Max bursts into the room, his face lit with excitement.

“Are we going now?” he asks, bouncing on his toes. “Did you tell her, Dad?”

Nate chuckles. “I told her. Now we just have to convince her.”

Max turns to me, his blue eyes wide and pleading. “Pleeeze, Liz? It’ll be fun!”

I stare at him, surprised by his enthusiasm. Usually, Max isn’t this bubbly in the mornings. “What’s gotten into you?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully.

He shrugs, but there’s a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Nothing. I just want you to come.”

Smirking, I reach out to tickle his sides. “You’re up to something, aren’t you?”

Max squeals, trying to squirm away. “Stop! Stop!”

“Not until you admit it!” I tease, laughing as he wriggles under my fingers.

“Okay! Okay! I just want you to have fun!” he gasps, his laughter infectious.

I let him go, shaking my head. “Fine. I’ll come. But don’t blame me when I fall flat on my face.”

Max grins triumphantly and turns to Nate. “See? I told you she’d say yes!”

Nate gives me a look that’s equal parts amused and triumphant. “You won’t regret it. I promise.”

After finishing my breakfast, I change into something comfortable - a pair of shorts and a loose tank top over a bathing suit – just in case. When I come downstairs, Nate and Max are already outside, loading gear into the car.

“Do you guys have everything?” I ask, stepping onto the porch.

“Almost,” Nate replies. “We grabbed an extra paddleboard for you.”

Max is running around with Boomer, laughing as the dog chases him in circles. It’s such a simple, carefree moment, but it tugs at something deep inside me.

“Come on, Liz!” Max calls, waving me over.

I laugh and jog down the steps, joining them as they finish loading up. Boomer jumps into the backseat with Max, his tail wagging furiously.

The drive to the beach is filled with chatter and laughter. Max keeps asking if we’re there yet, and Nate keeps threatening to turn the car around, although his tone is far from serious.

By the time we arrive, the beach is bathed in golden sunlight. The water is calm, reflecting the clear blue sky, and there’s a gentle breeze that carries the salty tang of the ocean.

Max and Boomer take off down the beach the moment we unload the gear, leaving Nate and me to set up.

“Ready?” he asks, holding out a paddle.

I eye it warily. “Not even a little.”

He chuckles and steps closer, his presence warm and grounding. “I’ll teach you. It’s easier than it looks, I promise.”

With his guidance, I manage to get onto the paddleboard without falling. Barely.

“You’re doing great,” Nate says, his hands steadying the board as I wobble precariously.

“Fibber,” I mutter, gripping the paddle like my life depends on it.

He laughs, the sound deep and genuine. “Okay, maybe you’re a little wobbly. But you’ll get the hang of it.”

As I paddle cautiously along the water, Nate stays close, offering tips and encouragement. At one point, I lose my balance and nearly fall, but he grabs my arm, steadying me.

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