Page 61 of Never With You
“What?”
Before he can move, my hand loops through his arm, and I lean in, whispering in his ear, “I hope you’re a good actor, because we’re doing this.”
I pull back just as his parents are upon us.
“If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought you were avoiding us,” Mack Farnsworth says as he notices my hand clasped around his son’s arm. His brows furrow, and a scowl takes over his expression.
Nate’s gaze shifts to me, an amused question behind his eyes. He wants confirmation before he introduces me as his girlfriend.
I flip my smile toward his parents. “No, he’s been dying to see you guys. Haven’t you, babe?”
“Uh…” A slight laugh puffs over his lips. “Mom, Dad, you’ve met Carly, right?”
His mother’s mouth curls into a smile. “We have, but we didn’t know you two were?—”
“Together?” Nate shifts his arm from under my hand and snakes it around my waist. There’s a moment of panic as his fingers slowly glide across my body, an ‘Oh, crap. What have I done?’ feeling that accompanies the chills from his touch.
My eyes flick to the side where Isaac stands. If I have to suffer with Nate’s arm around me, I better be getting some mileage out of this. Isaac peeks over his champagne glass, keeping a watchful eye on us.
Okay, deep breaths. This isn’t all for naught. I’m proving I’ve moved on. Mr. International will be so proud of me.
“I didn’t realize you were dating someone you worked with,” Mack says disapprovingly. “Is that wise?”
Connie hits his arm. “Falling in love can happen anywhere, especially at work.”
“You’re going to love Carly. What she’s done for this trip in the short time we’ve had is impressive.” Nate’s eyes skip to me, and for the briefest second, I think I see genuine pride, like having me on his arm is his greatest accomplishment.
“I didn’t do it alone.” I stare back at him. “You helped too.”
Mack scoffs. “In between tee times and pickleball tournaments?”
I can see where Nate gets his jerky side.
“Actually, no.” My chin flicks upward. “He’s been working himself ragged to pull everything together.”
“We’ll see if it pays off.” His dad looks around as if he’s already not impressed.
Connie’s smile shows her discomfort. “I’m sure it will.”
“Let’s go find a seat at the head table. I want to be close to the buffet.” He nods at us and turns to leave.
“Carly, I look forward to getting to know you better this week.” She places her hand on her son’s cheek. “And you, don’t you look handsome tonight?”
Nate releases his hold around me, and I immediately feel his warmth disappear. He pulls his mom into a hug. “I’m just trying to keep up with you.”
“Such a flatterer.” She winks at me as they embrace. “I’ll catch you two later.”
We smile and wait until she’s out of earshot before Nate speaks. “To what do I owe this change of heart?”
“You can thank Isaac and his knack for being a complete jerk.”
“More like, after much consideration and thought, you find me irresistible.”
My head tilts with a tight smile. “You wish.”
I walk to the bow of the boat, taking in the city's skyline from the river. Tall buildings with unique architecture flank each side of us, twinkling with lights. I’ve been working so hard since we arrived that I haven’t had a chance to experience the culture.
“So what’s the play?” Nate says beside me. “Do you want to start making out in front of Isaac now or later?”
