Page 35 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"I get it," she says quietly.

"I didn’t mean to drag you into this," I add quickly.

"You don’t have to agree to this fake relationship thing if you’re not comfortable with it. I shouldn’t have kissed you, and I’m sorry for putting you in that position."

For a long moment, Liz says nothing, her gaze drifting to the floor as she processes everything. I can feel the tension tightening in my chest, waiting for her response. I'm hoping she'll understand, but I don't want to push her into anything she doesn’t want.

And then, to my absolute shock, she looks up and says,

"I’ll do it."

I blink, my mind scrambling to catch up with her words. "You... you will?"

Liz shrugs, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Sure. I mean, if it helps keep Becky away and stops her from messing with Max, then I’m in. Besides, Ocean Bay could use a little gossip."

Her light tone eases some of the weight off my shoulders, and a sense of relief washes over me.

"Thank you, Liz. Really. I didn’t expect you to agree, but... I appreciate it."

Liz’s smile widens, though there is still a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes.

"Just remember, Nate—this is temporary. We’re pretending, nothing more."

Her words shouldn’t sting, but they do. I nod, forcing a smile.

"Of course. Just pretending."

But as I watch her walk out of my office, something gnaws at me. Even though this arrangement is meant to be fake, I cannot deny the growing attraction I feel for her.

And pretending to be with her, even if it’s just for show, might be more dangerous than I ever anticipated.

Chapter nine

Liz

The annual Ocean Bay Harvest Festival is in full swing. The air hums with the familiar energy of community spirit. Colorful stalls line the park, filled with freshly baked pies, hand-carved trinkets, and local crafts.

The sweet scent of caramel apples and kettle corn lingers in the breeze. And children dart around with their faces painted like animals, their laughter infectious.

Seven years have passed since I last attended this event, and I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it. Back then, it was smaller, a quaint gathering of familiar faces.

But now, with sponsorship from Nate, Bryan, and Liam, the festival has blossomed into something grander. It's almost unrecognizable but it still carries that nostalgic charm.

I’m standing with two older women I knew growing up, Mrs. Walker and Miss Ruby. Both have known me since I was a little girl running around with my brother. We’ve been chatting aboutold times, catching up on who’s gotten married, who’s moved away, and who’s stayed in Ocean Bay.

"My goodness, Liz, look at you!" Mrs. Walker exclaims, giving me a once-over with that same warmth I remember from my childhood. "All grown up. We still remember when you used to come to this festival with your brother. You were such a little thing, always getting into mischief."

Miss Ruby chuckles, shaking her head.

"Always sneaking extra cookies when she thought no one was looking."

I laugh; a bit embarrassed by their memories but warmed by the familiarity of it all.

"I don’t think I ever got away with anything around here, did I?"

"Not with us watching, you didn’t," Miss Ruby teases, winking. "But it’s so nice to see you back in town, dear. We always wondered when you’d come back after going off to college."

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