13. Liz
Chapter thirteen
Liz
The first thing I notice is the smell—warm, comforting, like freshly brewed coffee and something sweet. I blink slowly, letting the soft morning light seep into my room. I stretch lazily, my body still blissfully relaxed from the beach outing last night.
The door creaks open, and my heart skips a beat when I see Nate standing there, balancing a tray with practiced ease.
“Good morning,” he says, his voice low and warm.
A smile spreads across my face as I push myself up on my elbows. “Good morning and what’s this?”
“Breakfast in bed,” he replies, stepping into the room. “I figured you deserved it after last night. We were out pretty late.”
He sets the tray down on the nightstand before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. It’s so simple, yet it sends a warmth spreading through me.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say, but I’m already eying the food. Scrambled eggs, toast, a few slices of bacon, and a cup of coffee—exactly how I like it.
“You should know by now,” he says, sitting on the edge of the bed, “I like doing things for you because you deserve to be treated like a queen.”
I laugh softly, shaking my head. “You’re definitely something.”
The past two days have been surreal. Nate has been thoughtful, attentive, and everything I didn’t know I needed. The way he’s opened up, the way he’s gone out of his way to make me feel special—it’s overwhelming in the best way possible.
As I pick up my fork, Nate leans back slightly, watching me with a small smile. “Eat up. I have something planned for today.”
I raise an eyebrow. “More surprises?”
He smirks. “Not quite. Max and I usually go paddleboarding or kayaking once a month. I thought you might want to join us this time.”
I nearly choke on my coffee. “Paddleboarding? Me?”
“You’ll be fine,” he says, his tone teasing. “It’s supposed to help you unwind.”
“I’m terrible at stuff like that,” I protest, but before I can argue further, Max bursts into the room, his face lit with excitement.
“Are we going now?” he asks, bouncing on his toes. “Did you tell her, Dad?”
Nate chuckles. “I told her. Now we just have to convince her.”
Max turns to me, his blue eyes wide and pleading. “Pleeeze, Liz? It’ll be fun!”
I stare at him, surprised by his enthusiasm. Usually, Max isn’t this bubbly in the mornings. “What’s gotten into you?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully.
He shrugs, but there’s a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Nothing. I just want you to come.”
Smirking, I reach out to tickle his sides. “You’re up to something, aren’t you?”
Max squeals, trying to squirm away. “Stop! Stop!”
“Not until you admit it!” I tease, laughing as he wriggles under my fingers.
“Okay! Okay! I just want you to have fun!” he gasps, his laughter infectious.
I let him go, shaking my head. “Fine. I’ll come. But don’t blame me when I fall flat on my face.”
Max grins triumphantly and turns to Nate. “See? I told you she’d say yes!”
Nate gives me a look that’s equal parts amused and triumphant. “You won’t regret it. I promise.”
After finishing my breakfast, I change into something comfortable - a pair of shorts and a loose tank top over a bathing suit – just in case. When I come downstairs, Nate and Max are already outside, loading gear into the car.
“Do you guys have everything?” I ask, stepping onto the porch.
“Almost,” Nate replies. “We grabbed an extra paddleboard for you.”
Max is running around with Boomer, laughing as the dog chases him in circles. It’s such a simple, carefree moment, but it tugs at something deep inside me.
“Come on, Liz!” Max calls, waving me over.
I laugh and jog down the steps, joining them as they finish loading up. Boomer jumps into the backseat with Max, his tail wagging furiously.
The drive to the beach is filled with chatter and laughter. Max keeps asking if we’re there yet, and Nate keeps threatening to turn the car around, although his tone is far from serious.
By the time we arrive, the beach is bathed in golden sunlight. The water is calm, reflecting the clear blue sky, and there’s a gentle breeze that carries the salty tang of the ocean.
Max and Boomer take off down the beach the moment we unload the gear, leaving Nate and me to set up.
“Ready?” he asks, holding out a paddle.
I eye it warily. “Not even a little.”
He chuckles and steps closer, his presence warm and grounding. “I’ll teach you. It’s easier than it looks, I promise.”
With his guidance, I manage to get onto the paddleboard without falling. Barely.
“You’re doing great,” Nate says, his hands steadying the board as I wobble precariously.
“Fibber,” I mutter, gripping the paddle like my life depends on it.
He laughs, the sound deep and genuine. “Okay, maybe you’re a little wobbly. But you’ll get the hang of it.”
As I paddle cautiously along the water, Nate stays close, offering tips and encouragement. At one point, I lose my balance and nearly fall, but he grabs my arm, steadying me.
His touch sends a jolt through me, and I look up to find him watching me with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.
“See? You’re getting it,” he says, his voice softer now.
“Barely,” I reply, but there’s a smile tugging at my lips. But as the morning goes on, I begin to feel more confident.
After an hour on the water, we head back to shore, where Max is already busy building a sandcastle.
“Come help me!” he calls, waving us over.
Nate and I exchange a glance before joining him.
“Prepare to lose,” Nate says, grabbing a bucket.
“It’s not a competition,” I point out, scooping sand into a pile.
“Everything’s a competition,” he counters, his grin boyish and infectious.
We spend the next hour building the most ridiculous sandcastles imaginable. Max declares himself the judge, awarding points for creativity and structural integrity.
“Yours is crooked,” I tease Nate, pointing to the lopsided tower he’s just finished.
“Yours looks like a blob,” he shoots back, his tone playful.
I laugh and flick a handful of sand at him. “You’re just jealous.”
Before I know it, he’s chasing me across the beach, both of us laughing like kids. When he catches me, he scoops me up and spins me around, our laughter blending with the sound of the waves.
We snack on the basket of food we brought, but as lunchtime arrives Nate loads us into the car for a short hop to a nearby fish place. Bellies full we return to our spot and take another spin on the paddleboards. Watching Max scoot around so skillfully on his board gives me encouragement that I’ll eventually get better. Next thing you know, Boomer will get his own board I think with a chuckle.
As the sun begins to set, the three of us sit together on the blanket, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. Max is leaning against Boomer, his eyelids drooping.
“This was fun,” I say softly, glancing at Nate.
He looks at me, his expression unreadable for a moment before he nods. “Yeah. It was.”
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, everything else fades away. The connection between us is undeniable, and it’s growing stronger with every passing day.
I don’t know where this will lead, but right now, I don’t care. All I know is that I don’t want it to end.
***
A soft knock pulls me from sleep, my eyelids fluttering against the faint glow of dawn creeping through the curtains. Before I can fully wake, the door creaks open, and Nate’s deep voice fills the room.
“Liz,” he says gently. “Wake up.”
I blink groggily, pushing myself up onto my elbows. “What’s going on?”
Nate leans against the doorframe, a blanket slung over one arm and a thermos in his hand. He looks annoyingly awake, his hair slightly tousled but his eyes bright.
“I have something to show you,” he says, his lips curving into a small smile.
“It’s barely morning,” I mumble, rubbing at my eyes.
“Exactly.” He steps into the room, setting the blanket on the bed. “Come on, you’ll like this. I promise.”
There’s something in his tone—anticipation, excitement—that stirs me enough to throw back the covers. “This better be worth it,” I say, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.
“It will be,” he says, his grin widening.
I’m still half asleep as we drive through the quiet streets of Ocean Bay. The town is just beginning to wake, the first rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon. Nate doesn’t tell me where we’re going, and I’m too tired to ask, leaning my head against the window and watching the world blur past.
When he finally parks the car, I sit up, trying to get my bearings.
“The cliffs?” I ask, recognizing the rugged coastline in the distance.
“Come on,” he says, grabbing the blanket and thermos before stepping out of the car.
I follow him, the crisp morning air waking me fully. The path to the cliffs is narrow but well-worn, and Nate keeps glancing back to make sure I’m keeping up.
When we reach the top, the view takes my breath away. The ocean stretches out before us, its surface shimmering like liquid gold in the early light.
Nate spreads the blanket on the ground, motioning for me to sit. “Hot chocolate?” he offers, holding out the thermos.
“You thought of everything,” I say, smiling as I take the cup he pours for me.
“Of course.” He sits beside me, close enough that our shoulders brush.
We sit in silence for a while, watching the sun rise higher in the sky. The air is cool, but the blanket and the warmth of the hot chocolate make it bearable.
“This is amazing,” I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
Nate turns to look at me, his eyes soft. “I thought you’d like it. You’ve had a lot on your mind lately. I figured this might help.”
I glance at him, surprised by how well he seems to know me. “Thank you,” I say, meaning it more than he probably realizes.
As the sun climbs higher, the silence between us shifts into something heavier, charged. I don’t know if it’s the quiet of the morning or the intimacy of the moment, but I find myself speaking without really thinking.
“I used to come here a lot as a kid,” I say, my gaze fixed on the waves below. “Whenever things got too loud at home, I’d sneak out and just... sit here.”
Nate doesn’t say anything, but I can feel his attention, the way he’s waiting for me to continue.
“I met my ex here, you know,” I add, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. “Bryan introduced us.”
Nate tenses beside me, and I immediately regret bringing it up. But it’s too late now.
“He was charming, at first,” I continue, my voice quieter. “Sweet. Funny. Everything I thought I wanted.
And then he cheated,” I say, the words sharp despite the time that’s passed. “I found out a week before we were supposed to move in together. He didn’t even try to deny it—just said he wasn’t ready for the kind of commitment I wanted.”
I laugh bitterly, shaking my head. “Funny how I didn’t see it coming. Everyone else did, though. Even Bryan tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.”
Nate is quiet for a long moment before he speaks. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for that.”
I glance at him, surprised by the intensity in his voice. “Easier said than done.”
He nods, his gaze distant. “Trust me, I know.”
There’s a weight in his tone, something heavy and unspoken.
“Nate, I know Becky has hurt you deeply. So, the same is true for you as well. You shouldn’t blame yourself for her decisions.”
His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to brush it off. But then he sighs, running a hand through his hair.
He pauses, his fingers tightening around the cup in his hands. “I thought it was the perfect marriage. But then it wasn’t, like I told you before. The thing is that she was looking for someone who could give her the kind of life she wanted—money, luxury, freedom. She left without a second thought, filed for divorce, and took half of everything.”
I stare at him, my heart breaking for the man beside me. I am sorry I even brought it up again.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, the words feeling inadequate. How can a few simple words possibly comfort someone who’s been through so much?
He doesn’t look at me right away, his gaze fixed on the horizon. When he finally does, there’s something raw in his eyes, something that makes my chest ache.
“It’s not your fault,” he says, his voice low. “I just… I can’t understand how someone could walk away from their own child. From their family.”
I reach out, resting my hand lightly on his arm. “She lost more than you did, Nate. She lost you. She lost Max. That’s on her.”
For a moment, he doesn’t say anything, his jaw tight. Then he nods, just once, as if he’s forcing himself to accept the truth in my words.
“Do you ever wish things had been different?”
He exhales slowly, running a hand through his hair. “There was a time when I did,” he admits. “When I thought maybe I could have done something differently, been someone different. But not anymore.”
“Why not?”
He looks at me then, really looks at me, and the intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch. “Because I wouldn’t be here. With Max. With you.”
The words hang in the air between us, heavy and electric. I don’t know how to respond, so I don’t.
Instead, I look away, focusing on the waves crashing against the rocks below. My heart is racing, my mind a whirlwind of emotions I can’t quite name.
We sit in silence for a while, the only sounds are the ocean and an occasional cry of a seabird. When Nate speaks again, his voice is softer, more vulnerable.
“You’re different, Liz,” he says.
“Different how?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
He hesitates, as if searching for the right words. “You don’t expect anything from me. You don’t push, don’t judge. You just… see me.”
I swallow hard, his words hitting me like a punch to the chest. “Maybe because I know what it’s like to be invisible.”
His gaze sharpens, and I realize I’ve said too much.
“What do you mean?” he asks, leaning slightly closer.
I force a small laugh, trying to brush it off. “It’s nothing. Just… my ex never really saw me either. Not the real me, anyway.”
His expression softens, and he reaches out, covering my hand with his. “His loss,” he says simply.
The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, I think about leaning into it, letting myself fall into whatever this is. But then I pull away, standing abruptly.
“We should go,” I say, avoiding his gaze.
Nate stands as well, his brow furrowing. “Liz?”
“I’m fine,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “Really.”
He doesn’t look convinced, but he nods, gathering the blanket and thermos.
As we make our way back down the trail, the silence between us feels heavier than before. I keep my eyes fixed on the ground, my thoughts spinning.
By the time we reach the car, I’ve managed to push most of my emotions back into the box where they belong. Or so I tell myself.
“Are you okay?” Nate asks as we climb inside.
I nod, forcing another smile. “Of course. Just tired.”
He doesn’t push, but I can feel his eyes on me as he starts the engine.
The drive back to the house is quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio. I lean my head against the window, watching the familiar streets pass by.
When Nate pulls up in front of the house, I hesitate before getting out.
“Thank you,” I say softly, turning to look at him. “For the morning. For everything.”
He nods, his gaze steady. “Anytime.”
The way he says it, so sure and so sincere, makes my heart twist in ways I’m still not ready to admit.
***
It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon. The park is buzzing with life, children’s laughter mingling with the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Max and Boomer are already sprinting ahead, their energy seemingly endless. Nate and I follow at a slower pace, the afternoon sun casting dappled shadows through the trees.
“Do you think Boomer will ever tire him out?” I ask, watching Max throw a stick for Boomer, who bounds after it enthusiastically.
Nate chuckles. “Boomer is just as stubborn as Max. It’ll be a while.”
We settle onto a grassy patch near a small clearing where families are scattered with picnic blankets and strollers. Nate stretches out beside me, leaning back on his elbows, looking perfectly at ease. It’s a look that’s becoming dangerously familiar—and addictive.
After a playful chase through the playground, where Max insists on showing me his “super-fast slides” and “super-high jumps,” he decides we deserve a treat. His eyes light up as he points to the ever nearby ice cream cart.
“Can we get some?” he asks, practically bouncing on his toes.
I glance at Nate, smirking. “He’s asking you this time.”
Nate shrugs, standing. “How can I say no?”
Max cheers, grabbing my hand to drag me along. At the cart, he insists on picking the flavors again. When he hands me a cone, I can’t help but laugh.
“Strawberry again?” I tease, taking a small bite. “Max, you’re really pushing this flavor.”
“It’s the best,” he says firmly, licking his own cone like it’s the truth of the universe.
Nate raises an eyebrow at me. “You heard him. Best flavor.”
I roll my eyes playfully but secretly enjoy every bite. The moment is simple and sweet, but it feels like the kind of memory I’ll carry with me forever.
The park is buzzing with life, the kind of afternoon energy that feels infectious. Max and Boomer are continuing to race across the grassy fields, both of them determined to outpace the other. Nate and I follow at a leisurely pace, the sunshine casting dappled patterns across the path.
It’s the kind of day that reminds me of being a kid, carefree and full of endless possibilities. As we walk, something catches my eye—a vendor setting up near the edge of the field.
The man’s cart is small, but it’s loaded with colorful kites fluttering in the breeze, their vibrant patterns drawing attention from curious children and nostalgic adults alike. I can’t help but slow my steps, my gaze lingering.
I remember summers in Ocean Bay when I was little, my dad teaching Bryan and me how to fly kites. Those days felt magical, like nothing in the world could ever go wrong.
“Thinking about getting one?” Nate’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
I turn to find him watching me, his expression unreadable but his eyes warm.
“Oh, no,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “I was just… remembering something. From when I was a kid.”
“What kind of memory?” he asks, tilting his head slightly.
I hesitate, but the soft curiosity in his voice encourages me. “We used to fly kites here in the park when I was little. My dad taught us. It was one of those rare things we all did together as a family.”
Nate doesn’t say anything at first, but there’s a look in his eyes, like he’s filing the information away for later.
“I’ll be right back,” he says suddenly, pulling his phone from his pocket. “Need to take a quick call.”
I nod, watching as he steps away toward the parking lot. I shake off the lingering wistfulness and focus on Boomer and Max instead, both of whom are now engaged in a serious game of fetch.
Fifteen minutes later, Nate returns, his hands behind his back and an almost boyish grin on his face.
“What’s with the look?” I ask, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.
Instead of answering, he steps closer, producing something from behind him. It’s a kite; a beautiful, brightly colored one with a tail that flutters in the breeze.
“You… bought a kite?” I say, my voice laced with surprise and amusement.
“You mentioned it was a favorite childhood memory,” he says simply, holding it out to me. “Thought we could make a new one.”
For a moment, I can’t speak. The thoughtfulness of the gesture hits me harder than I expect, and I blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay.
“You really listen, don’t you?” I finally say, my voice quieter now.
“Always,” he replies, his tone steady and sincere.
We head to the open field where the wind is perfect, the kite’s tail whipping around as Nate holds it up. Max is ecstatic, bouncing on his toes as he waits for the signal to run.
“Ready, buddy?” Nate asks, crouching slightly to hand him the string.
“Ready!” Max yells, gripping the spool tightly.
“Go!”
Max takes off, Boomer barking excitedly as he chases after him. The kite catches the wind almost immediately, soaring into the sky with vibrant grace.
“Wow!” Max yells, looking over his shoulder. “Look, Liz! It’s flying!”
“You’re a natural, Max!” I call back, laughing as I watch his little feet pound the ground.
Nate steps beside me, crossing his arms as he watches Max with quiet pride. “I think we’ve got a kite master in the making.”
I glance at him, smiling. “He gets it from his dad.”
Nate raises an eyebrow. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”
“It is,” I say softly, my eyes meeting his.
The wind picks up again, and Max calls out for help. “Liz, it’s your turn!”
I laugh nervously, taking the spool as he hands it to me. “I haven’t done this in forever. What if I crash it?”
“You won’t,” Nate says, stepping closer. His hands come to rest over mine, adjusting my grip. “Just feel the wind and let it guide you.”
The warmth of his hands, the way his chest brushes against my back sends a shiver through me. My breath catches, and for a moment, I forget all about the kite.
“You okay?” he murmurs, his voice low.
“Yeah,” I manage, focusing on the kite as it dips and rises. “I think I’ve got it.”
“Good,” he says, his breath brushing my ear.
I steal a glance at him, my heart pounding as his eyes meet mine. The intensity there makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world.
Max, not to be outdone, decides it’s his turn again and asks before he grabs the spool from me. “Watch this!” he announces, running off with Boomer hot on his heels.
I laugh, stepping back and brushing the sand off my hands. “He’s unstoppable.”
Nate grins, his eyes sparkling. “He takes after you.”
“Me?” I say, feigning offense. “I’m not the one running around like a madman.”
“No, but you’ve got the same energy. The same spark.”
His words catch me off guard, and I look away, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “You’re too much, you know that?”
“Not yet,” he says, stepping closer.
Before I can respond, Max calls out again, this time accidentally letting the kite nosedive into the grass.
“Oops!” he yells, laughing.
I sigh dramatically. “Well, so much for any perfect kite-flying streak.” But I take another round, running as fast as I can down the beachfront and back. As with Max, my kite takes a nosedive and lands with a crack, not a hopeful sound. Moaning I half laugh, half gasp as I trudge back to the guys. “I’m a true amateur, for sure.”
Nate laughs, grabbing a handful of sand and tossing it playfully at my feet. “Maybe it’s not the kite. Maybe it’s the operator.”
“Oh, you’re asking for it,” I say, scooping up sand and flinging it at his legs.
The next thing I know, we’re both chasing each other across the field, laughing like kids. Nate grabs me around the waist, spinning me in a circle before setting me down.
“You win,” he says, his breath warm against my ear.
I look up at him, my laughter fading as the moment shifts into something heavier. His hands linger on my waist, his gaze dropping to my lips.
“Nate—”
“Liz,” he whispers, leaning in.
Before anything can happen, Max’s voice cuts through the air. “Boomer ate the tail!”
We both laugh, the spell broken but not forgotten.
As the sun sets, we pack up the kite and head to the boardwalk for one last treat—churros for Max and hot cocoa for the adults. The evening feels like something out of a dream, a perfect blend of fun, laughter, and something deeper I’m not yet ready to name as family time.
Walking back to the car, Nate’s hand brushes mine, and I let my fingers curl around his.
For now, this is enough.