Chapter 270

As dusk settled in, the city lit up. Neon signs and headlights stretched down the long, busy roads like a river of light.

When I drove up to the restaurant, the old-fashioned lanterns hanging at the entrance made the place feel calm and almost timeless, a quiet spot away from the city rush.

I thought Nathan hadn’t arrived yet. But when I walked in with my tennis racket, I saw him standing off to the side in the smoking area, holding a cigarette between his fingers.

He looked surprised to see me, then quickly put out his cigarette and walked over.

The overhead light was almost blinding, shining down on Nathan as he looked at me with his eyes half-lidded, his long lashes drooping just a little. He had that easygoing vibe.

“You’re here early,” Nathan said with a smile.

“Not as early as you,” I said, seeing no one else around, and handed him the tennis racket. “It’s for you. Thanks for the necklace last time.”

Nathan looked a little surprised, then he smiled. “Thanks, I really like it.”

His quick, warm response made my mood soar. Suddenly, everything around me looked a little more beautiful.

“I’m just glad you like it. I didn’t know what would be a good return gift, so it’s nothing fancy. I hope you don’t mind,” I said.

“Not at all,” Nathan replied. “Anything from you, I like.”

Whether he was smiling or serious, he was just so captivating. I almost got lost in him. I changed the subject.

“Which room are we in?”

“I’ll take you in,” Nathan said. That’s when I realized he was still rocking a sharp gray dress shirt, tailored just right, showing off his tall frame and that powerful vibe.

He always wore glasses at night, and honestly, they just made him look even cooler. Once we stepped into the private room, Nathan said, “They’re not here yet. Let’s go ahead and order.”

“Sure, you pick,” I replied. After grinding all day at work, all I wanted was to kick back and do nothing.

Nathan flipped through the menu, smiling as he asked, “What do you feel like eating? Want to stick with the usual, or try something different?”

“I’m down for something new,” I replied.

Nathan’s fingers paused on the menu, and he glanced up at me. “Sure.”

That single word carried a lot more meaning than it seemed. By the time I realized it, Nathan was already grinning.

My cheeks suddenly burned. I hoped Nathan didn’t think I was talking about switching up my taste in guys.

After Nathan finished ordering, the room fell quiet. When I looked up from my phone, I realized he’d been watching me the whole time.

“Been busy at work lately?” he asked.

“Not too bad. Things at the hotel are pretty steady,” I replied.

“You still see Mr. Holcomb every day?” Nathan asked, his mood clearly dipping.

When he lowered his gaze, I caught that touch of loneliness in the corner of his eyes. Nathan was something to look at, that rare mix of handsome and masculine edges. Give him a few more years, and he’d be downright striking.

“We just talk about work. There’s nothing between us anymore,” I said, not even sure why I felt the need to explain.

Nathan looked up at me, and his eyes lit up a bit. “Well, tomorrow’s the weekend. Got any plans?”

“How about we try out that new tennis racket I got you?” At that moment, I was letting my guard down. The idea of playing some casual tennis or badminton with a handsome guy like him sounded pretty great.

Nathan broke into a smile and nodded. “Absolutely. Tomorrow morning, I’ll swing by and pick you up. Let’s go play.”

“You better go easy on me,” I teased.

“Of course,” Nathan replied, his eyes full of warmth as he looked at me.

I was on cloud nine, and it took me a while to settle down. These guys were so easy to reel in.

It reminded me of back when Jared first went after me. He didn’t even need bait, and I was already hooked like a clueless fish.