Page 80 of Nate

“You look beautiful,” he said, handing her a pink carnation. She wore a stunning blue blouse with a tight white skirt and those damn white stilettos on her feet.

“Thank you,” she replied, taking the flower from him. “And you look very handsome. Come inside while I put this in water.”

Nate removed his cowboy hat before wiping his feet on the mat and following her into the apartment. He caught sight of her cat lounging on the couch, glaring at him with an intensity that could rival any woman’s cold stare.

“Cats,” he muttered under his breath.

“What about them?” Markie asked curiously.

“She always seems to glare at me for no reason. Just like women do.”

Markie laughed lightly. “Women glare at you?”

Nate shook his head. “You know what I mean.”

She sighed and rested her head against his chest. “I hate going out tonight.”

“I know, but your mother wants to spend time with you, and since Knowles wouldn’t want to be excluded, we’ll all have to go,” Nate replied, wrapping his arms around her.

“But if I punch him, it’s no one’s fault but his own,” he added with a stern look.

Markie smiled mischievously and kissed his lips. “Go for it.”

“As tempting as that sounds, I’ll try to behave. We should probably get going,” Nate said with a grin.

“Alright,” Markie agreed reluctantly. “Let me grab my purse.”

Nate waited patiently as she collected her purse, and they made their way out of the apartment. He took her keys from her and locked the door before handing them back. As they walked down the steps hand in hand, he hoped tonight went as well as possible.

He held the passenger door open for Markie before walking around to the driver’s side and climbing into the truck. After exchanging a brief glance with Markie, he started the engine and drove them to the restaurant. Upon entering, they stopped at the hostess podium.

“Welcome to The Hartland. Do you have reservations?” the hostess asked politely.

“Yes, ma’am. Under Jefferson. We’re meeting another couple,” Nate replied.

The hostess nodded and grabbed two menus before leading them to a booth where Stella and Knowles were already seated.

“Hi, Mom,” Markie greeted with a smile as she slid into the booth beside her mother. Nate removed his hat, and Markie placed it on the seat beside her.

“Stella, you look lovely this evening,” Nate complimented sincerely.

“Thank you, Nate. You look very handsome yourself,” Stella responded kindly.

“He didn’t even bother wearing a suit,” Knowles sneered.

“I didn’t have to wear a suit,” Nate retorted through gritted teeth, but took a deep breath when Markie touched his knee. He looked at her and nodded in silent gratitude.

“Don’t be silly, Jarrett. You can wear whatever you want here. Wearing a suit is entirely up to you,” Markie said firmly, giving Knowles an icy stare that left no room for argument.

“I was just saying—”

“Jarrett, let it go,” Stella said with a sigh, making Markie look at Nate with raised eyebrows.

Nate tilted his head down to hide a grin, then looked at Markie and winked. The corners of her lips curled up in a small smile as she tried to suppress a laugh.

After the server came by and took their order, Nate listened half-heartedly to Markie and her mother talking about their lives. His attention kept drifting to Jarrett Knowles, who seemed to be staring at Markie the entire time. It wasn’t surprising since Jarrett was the type of man who thought all women wanted him. But Nate knew better - Markie had no interest in Knowles whatsoever. He couldn’t understand why anyone would want such an arrogant and self-absorbed man; aside from Stella, who seemed strangely enamored with him. Maybe she was just afraid of being alone, as Markie had mentioned before. But she didn’t need someone like Knowles in her life; she deserved so much better.

Once the meals arrived, everyone dug in. Nate didn’t have much of an appetite, but he was there to support Markie more than he was there to eat. He’d do the meal justice because the food was always good at this restaurant.

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