Page 62 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

Fifteen minutes later, Nate returns, his hands behind his back and an almost boyish grin on his face.

“What’s with the look?” I ask, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

Instead of answering, he steps closer, producing something from behind him. It’s a kite; a beautiful, brightly colored one with a tail that flutters in the breeze.

“You… bought a kite?” I say, my voice laced with surprise and amusement.

“You mentioned it was a favorite childhood memory,” he says simply, holding it out to me. “Thought we could make a new one.”

For a moment, I can’t speak. The thoughtfulness of the gesture hits me harder than I expect, and I blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay.

“You really listen, don’t you?” I finally say, my voice quieter now.

“Always,” he replies, his tone steady and sincere.

We head to the open field where the wind is perfect, the kite’s tail whipping around as Nate holds it up. Max is ecstatic, bouncing on his toes as he waits for the signal to run.

“Ready, buddy?” Nate asks, crouching slightly to hand him the string.

“Ready!” Max yells, gripping the spool tightly.

“Go!”

Max takes off, Boomer barking excitedly as he chases after him. The kite catches the wind almost immediately, soaring into the sky with vibrant grace.

“Wow!” Max yells, looking over his shoulder. “Look, Liz! It’s flying!”

“You’re a natural, Max!” I call back, laughing as I watch his little feet pound the ground.

Nate steps beside me, crossing his arms as he watches Max with quiet pride. “I think we’ve got a kite master in the making.”

I glance at him, smiling. “He gets it from his dad.”

Nate raises an eyebrow. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”

“It is,” I say softly, my eyes meeting his.

The wind picks up again, and Max calls out for help. “Liz, it’s your turn!”

I laugh nervously, taking the spool as he hands it to me. “I haven’t done this in forever. What if I crash it?”

“You won’t,” Nate says, stepping closer. His hands come to rest over mine, adjusting my grip. “Just feel the wind and let it guide you.”

The warmth of his hands, the way his chest brushes against my back sends a shiver through me. My breath catches, and for a moment, I forget all about the kite.

“You okay?” he murmurs, his voice low.

“Yeah,” I manage, focusing on the kite as it dips and rises. “I think I’ve got it.”

“Good,” he says, his breath brushing my ear.

I steal a glance at him, my heart pounding as his eyes meet mine. The intensity there makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world.

Max, not to be outdone, decides it’s his turn again and asks before he grabs the spool from me. “Watch this!” he announces, running off with Boomer hot on his heels.

I laugh, stepping back and brushing the sand off my hands. “He’s unstoppable.”

Nate grins, his eyes sparkling. “He takes after you.”

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