11. Liz
Chapter eleven
Liz
The kiss has been replaying in my mind all morning, no matter how hard I try to push it away. Nate’s words from breakfast cut through me like a blade every time I think about them.
"It was a mistake."
I’ve heard those four words over and over, as if my brain is a broken record, stuck on the part that hurts the most. Each time the memory loops, my chest tightens, and tears threaten to spill, but I don’t let them. Not here. Not now.
Instead, I bury myself in work, focusing on organizing schedules, replying to emails, and tidying Nate’s desk—not because it’s messy but because I need to keep my hands busy. The alternative is letting my thoughts wander back to him, to his words, to the way he looked at me when he said them.
A mistake. That’s all it was to him.
The realization stings more than it should. It shouldn’t matter what he thinks. It shouldn’t. But it does, and that’s what terrifies me.
I glance at the clock. It’s only 11:30 AM, and the day is crawling at an excruciating pace. My phone buzzes on the desk, snapping me out of my haze. I reach for it, grateful for the distraction, but the name on the screen stops me cold.
Bryan.
Panic floods me as I stare at the phone, my heart pounding in my ears. The last thing I need right now is my brother picking up on the chaos swirling inside me.
I hesitate, my finger hovering over the decline button. But avoiding him now will only make him more suspicious. With a resigned sigh, I answer.
I take a deep breath and answer. “Hey, Bryan.”
“Liz,” he says, his tone light but tinged with curiosity. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” I lie, forcing a smile into my voice. “Busy, but good.”
“Busy, huh? Nate keeping you on your toes?”
I laugh, though it feels strained. “Not really. Things have been running smoothly since I got here.”
“Hmm,” Bryan says, and I can almost hear the frown in his voice. “You sure you’re okay? You sound a little off.”
I swallow hard, panic creeping up my spine. “I’m fine, Bryan. Really. Just a lot on my mind.”
He doesn’t respond immediately, and the silence stretches uncomfortably. “Liz,” he says finally, his tone soft but firm. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”
I close my eyes, guilt gnawing at me. “I know,” I say quietly. “But everything’s fine. I promise.”
Bryan doesn’t sound convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. “Alright,” he says. “But if Nate’s giving you a hard time, let me know. I’ll set him straight.”
“No!” The word bursts out before I can stop it, and I cringe at how defensive I sound.
“No, not at all. Nate’s been great. Really.”
There’s a pause on the other end of the line, the kind that feels heavier than words. “Okay, if you insist.”
I close my eyes, guilt prickling at the back of my neck. If Bryan knew even half of what was running through my head right now—about Nate, about the kiss—he’d probably book the next flight back and drag me out of here himself.
“I insist,” I say quickly. “Work’s fine. Everything’s fine. I’ve just been a little tired, that’s all.”
He doesn’t sound convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. “Alright,” he says. “But if something’s bothering you, I want to know. Got it?”
“Got it,” I reply, though the words feel hollow.
“How’s the trip going?”
Bryan sighs, his tone shifting to one of mild irritation. “Busy. Meetings, deadlines, the usual. But the renovations on the beach house are almost done. By the end of the week, you should be able to move back in.”
I should feel relieved, but instead, the thought of leaving Nate’s house makes my heart ache.
“That’s great,” I say, forcing enthusiasm into my voice.
My stomach twists again, but this time, it’s not panic—it’s something closer to sadness. Moving back to Bryan’s house should feel like a relief, but the thought of leaving Nate’s home feels ... wrong.
“But maybe I should wait until you’re back. I don’t really want to be in that big house all by myself.”
Bryan is quiet for a moment, and I hold my breath, hoping he doesn’t read too much into my excuse.
“Yeah, I get that,” he says finally. “No rush. Stay at Nate’s as long as you need.”
I exhale, relief washing over me. “Thanks, Bryan.”
“Just don’t let him overwork you, I know he can be a workaholic,” he adds, his tone lighter now. I can imagine the smile gracing his lips.
I laugh, though it feels strained. “I won’t.”
We talk a bit longer about his trip, the renovations, and some general updates. When he finally says he has to go, I feel a pang of guilt for not being entirely honest with him.
“Take care of yourself, Liz,” Bryan says before hanging up.
“You too,” I whisper, even though the line has already gone dead.
I set the phone down and lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. Was I making the right choice by staying? Every logical part of me screamed no, but logic seemed to hold little weight these days.
Being around Nate is torture—an emotional rollercoaster I can’t seem to get off. But at the same time, it feels like home. Not just the house or the routine, but the people. Max’s laughter, Sue’s warmth, and Nate...
Nate.
I press my palms to my face, willing myself to stop thinking about him, about the way his eyes darken when he looks at me, the way his touch lingers longer than it should. And that kiss...
I groan softly, the memory of his lips on mine making my chest tighten. It had been everything I didn’t know I was longing for, and everything I knew I couldn’t have.
But then he’d called it a mistake.
The thought sends a sharp pang through me, and I drop my hands, staring blankly at the desk. Was it a mistake because of me? Or because of Bryan? Or because of Becky?
The name makes my stomach churn. Nate had said he couldn’t love again, but was that because he still loves her? Was I his shield, the excuse he used to keep himself from feeling anything for her?
The idea hurts more than it should, and I hate that I care so much.
The rest of the day drags on in a blur of half-hearted productivity. I avoid Nate as much as possible, keeping our interactions brief and professional. But every time I see him, the pull in my chest grows stronger, and it takes everything I have not to let my emotions spill over.
By late afternoon, I’m practically counting the minutes until the day ends. I glance at the clock, willing the hands to move faster. But time seems to have other plans, stretching each second into an eternity.
***
It’s Saturday and I survived the workweek. The sunlight filtering through my window feels warmer than usual, a soft golden hue that makes everything seem a little more hopeful. A full day to myself without the constraints of work, tension, or forced proximity with Nate.
I stretch lazily before slipping out of bed, a small smile tugging at my lips. Saturdays have become my favorite day here, mainly because of Max. His grumpy morning routine, his laughter once he warms up, and the way Boomer always leaps around like a puppy whenever I come downstairs. It’s a perfect distraction from the chaos in my chest.
The stairs creak beneath my weight as I make my way down, and sure enough, Boomer is the first to greet me. His tail wags furiously, and he lets out a happy bark, bounding toward me like I’m the best part of his day.
“Morning, boy,” I say, crouching to scratch behind his ears. He nuzzles into my hand, his fur warm and soft.
“Lucky Boomer,” Max grumbles from his chair at the breakfast table. He’s poking at his cereal like it personally offended him.
“Good morning to you too,” I tease, standing and ruffling his messy hair on my way to the counter.
He swats at my hand half-heartedly but doesn’t complain.
“Still grumpy, huh?” I ask, pouring myself a cup of coffee.
Max shrugs, his usual morning scowl firmly in place. But I catch the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, and it’s enough to make me grin.
“Don’t worry. We’ll fix that,” I say, sitting across from him. “What do you want to do today? Play outside? Go for a walk with Boomer?”
Before Max can answer, Sue bustles into the room, carrying a plate of fresh pancakes. “Good morning, Liz! I made your favorite.”
“You’re the best, Sue,” I say, already reaching for the stack.
She winks at me before setting the plate down. “I know.”
As I butter my pancakes, Sue leans against the counter, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Nate left for work early this morning,” she says casually.
I freeze, fork halfway to my mouth. “Work? On a Saturday?”
Sue shrugs. “He said something about the project being behind schedule. You know how he is. Always working.”
I nod slowly, my appetite fading. Of course, he went to work. It makes sense. The marina project has been consuming him lately, especially after the mess with his former assistant. But something about it doesn’t sit right.
“I should call him,” I say, setting my fork down. “Maybe I can help.”
Sue raises an eyebrow. “On your day off?”
I shrug. “It’s not like I have big plans.”
She doesn’t argue, and I head to the living room, phone in hand. Dialing Nate’s number feels oddly nerve-wracking, but I ignore the unease and press the call button.
It rings twice before someone picks up—but it’s not Nate.
“Hello?” Becky’s voice is sweet, almost saccharine, and it sends a chill down my spine.
For a moment, I’m too stunned to speak. “Becky?” I finally manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Liz,” she says, her tone dripping with faux surprise. “What a lovely surprise. How can I help you?”
I clench my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “I need to speak with Nate.”
“Oh, he’s busy at the moment,” she says lightly. “But I can give him a message if it’s important.”
My stomach twists, and my grip on the phone tightens. “Busy with what?”
Becky lets out a soft laugh, the kind that makes my blood boil. “We’re having coffee. At my place. He’s such a sweetheart, really. Came by to help me with a little... project.”
Every word feels like a dagger.
“I see,” I say, keeping my tone neutral despite the storm brewing inside me. “Can you tell him I called?”
“Of course,” Becky says sweetly. Then, as if she can’t resist twisting the knife, she adds, “Oh, and don’t worry about Max. Nate said he’d pick him up later for our little family picnic. Isn’t that just adorable?”
The air leaves my lungs, and for a moment, I can’t breathe. “Tell Nate I called,” I say again, my voice clipped.
“Will do, darling,” Becky says, her tone smug.
I hang up before she can say another word, my hands trembling.
I sit there for a moment, staring at the phone in my lap. The anger comes first, burning hot and fierce. How could he? After everything, after last night...
But then the anger fades, replaced by something heavier, something that feels a lot like heartbreak.
"Liz, is everything okay?" Sue asks making me force a smile.
"Yes, everything is fine,"
I stand abruptly, muttering an excuse to Sue and Max before heading upstairs. Once I’m in my room, I close the door and lean against it, my chest heaving as I fight back tears.
I told myself I wouldn’t get attached. I promised myself I wouldn’t let him in. But somewhere along the way, Nate Kingston became more than just my boss, more than Bryan’s best friend. He became... everything.
The tears come then, hot and unrelenting, spilling over before I can stop them. I sink onto the edge of the bed, my head in my hands, the weight of it all crushing me.
I don’t know how long I sit there, but by the time I lift my head, my resolve has hardened.
I can’t do this anymore. I can’t stay here, torturing myself with what can never be. Nate has made his choice, and it’s clear that choice isn’t me.
I grab my phone and open my messages, typing out a quick text to Bryan:
Hey, is it okay if I move back earlier? Let me know when the house is ready .
I hesitate for a moment before hitting send, my heart aching with every keystroke. But it’s the right thing to do. It has to be.
Starting over is the only option. A fresh start. Away from Nate, away from Max, away from the life I foolishly let myself imagine.
I place the phone on my nightstand and lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
“It’s better this way,” I whisper to myself, though the words feel like a lie.
Because no matter how hard I try to convince myself, the truth is undeniable.
I’ve fallen for Nate Kingston.
And if I don't act fast it’s going to break me.