Page 65 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

I can’t help but watch her instead of the display. The way her lips curve into a soft smile, the way her eyes shine—it’s enough to make me forget the rest of the world exists.

When the final firework fades, leaving behind a trail of smoke, Liz turns to me.

“That was incredible,” she says, her voice hushed.

“You’re incredible, I keep telling you that.” I reply without thinking.

Her breath catches, and for a moment, we’re just staring at each other, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us.

As the night stretches on, I take her hand and lead her to the boardwalk, where the lights cast a romantic glow over the empty space.

“Dance with me,” I say, pulling out my phone and playing a soft, slow tune.

“Here?” she asks, laughing.

“Why not?” I step closer, holding out my hand. “No one’s around. Just us.”

She hesitates for only a moment before slipping her hand into mine. I pull her close, my other hand resting lightly on her waist as we sway to the music.

Her head tilts back, her eyes locking with mine. “You’re full of surprises tonight, Nate.”

“Only for you,” I murmur, my voice barely audible over the music.

As we dance, the rest of the world fades away. It’s just her, the warmth of her body against mine, and the quiet hum of a melody that feels like it was made just for us.

Her head rests against my chest, and I breathe her in, the soft scent of her hair mingling with the salty breeze from the ocean. I let my hands slide down to the small of her back, holding her just a little closer.

“Liz,” I whisper.

She tilts her head up, her eyes meeting mine. The way she looks at me. It’s like she’s seeing every part of me, even the parts I’ve tried so hard to hide.

“Yes?” she asks softly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“I don’t think I’ve ever…” I trail off, searching for the right words. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before.”

Her breath hitches, her lips parting slightly. “Nate…”

Before she can say anything else, I dip my head, my forehead brushing hers. I’m so close I can feel her breath against my lips, warm and steady.

“Tell me if I’m wrong,” I murmur.

“You’re not,” she whispers, her hands tightening on my shoulders.

That’s all the permission I need. I close the gap, pressing my lips to hers in a kiss that feels both inevitable and entirely new.

She melts into me, her fingers tangling in the fabric of my shirt as she deepens the kiss. The music fades into the background, replaced by the sound of the ocean and the erratic thudding of my heart.

When we finally pull apart, her cheeks are flushed, her eyes wide and filled with something I can’t quite name.

“I didn’t see that coming,” she says, a hint of a laugh in her voice.

I chuckle, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Neither did I.”

We stand there for a moment, the silence between us comfortable but charged.

“I should probably get you home,” I say eventually, though I don’t move.

She smiles, her gaze soft. “Yeah. Probably.”

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