Page 80 of Never With You
“Isn’t it obvious?”
My jaw hardens. “Not to me.”
“Because you’re rude. Why would I want to go on a trip with someone who hates me?”
His words sting.
I’m a lot of things, but I’ve never been labeledrude.Until now.
For better or worse, my defense mechanism clicks in. “You’re the one who’s rude to me, joking about my checklists and how I like to control everything.”
“Yeah,joking.I’m only ever reacting to you.”
“Well, your jokes aren’t funny.” I glance ahead at Isaac, thinking about all the similar things he’s said about me.
Nate’s eyes follow my stare, and like he’s just read my mind, he says, “If I had known that those jokes were hurtful, I wouldn’t have said them. It was low-hanging fruit. I’m sorry.”
Why does it feel like Nate doesn’t hate me as much as I hate him? That’s a scary thought.
“You don’t have to apologize. I wasn’t offended,” I lie to get our tumultuous relationship back on track.
“Well, I’m offended that you think I’m only here for the money. If I wanted money, I’d work for Pureskin. I’ve given up a lot to travel as much as I do.”
“What have you given up?”
“For starters, a relationship with my dad…or at least his respect. I was supposed to be next in line for taking over the company, but I’m not interested in working my life away.”
“Is that what he did?”
“He’s a workaholic through and through. Every soccer game, family vacation, school program, and family dinner, he was working. He might’ve been present—some of the time—but he was never really there.” He glances over his shoulder at his parents’ boat. “Just like right now.”
My eyes follow Nate’s to where Mack Farnsworth looks down at his phone, not enjoying the scenery at all.
“The man is good at building an empire but terrible at enjoying life and being a father.”
“So you wanted something different?”
“Yep, and now I pay the price. He critiques every choice I make, comparing me to my brother. Dawson is the example to follow, and I’m whatnotto do.” He lifts his shoulders. “That’s why when Dawson announced his engagement, I lied and said I had a serious girlfriend. I just didn’t need one more thing for my dad to say I’m failing at that my brother is succeeding in.”
“Your dad is a jerk.”
“Yeah,like father, like son, right?” he huffs.
“I said that last night, but I was wrong. The more I get to know you, the less jerky you become. You’re actually nothing like him.”
There’s something about Nate’s boyish smile that destroys my stronghold. “What is this I see? A rare sight of Carly paying me a genuine compliment?”
“Oh, shut up.” I roll my eyes, trying to play it off. “I still don’t like you.”
“If you say so.” His boyish grin grows into something big and delightful.
I turn my head and bite my cheeks, trying to rein in my own smile.
The long-tail boat floats from the canal into the river, where the main part of the market begins.
“Look at all the boats and shops.” I get my phone out to film. “This is so cool!”
The change in scenery allows me to shift the subject to something less flirtatious.
