Chapter 296

I had to keep reminding myself I was single now, and being single meant freedom. Freedom to be with someone I liked. Nathan was good-looking, tall, and lean. He was my type. I heard the secret to living a long life was to look at hot guys more often, so I guessed I was laying the groundwork for living to a hundred by hanging out with him.

Thinking about how I kicked the bucket in my fifties in my old life, I felt salty. As I led Nathan into the apartment complex, his handsome face seemed a bit awkward, almost like he was shy.

Was this his first time going home with a woman? I was surprised to have this thought. This must be my queen mode.

“Should I pick up some fruit for your place? I didn’t bring a gift,” Nathan said, looking a little awkward. He’d come in a rush, but he didn’t forget his etiquette—showing up without some gifts made him feel uneasy.

I grinned and teased, “If you feel bad, just be the gift yourself.”

Nathan just stared at me, lost for words.

My cheeks burned at my boldness, so I quickly laughed it off. “Just kidding. We know each other so well already, no need to be so formal.”

When Nathan heard it, he visibly relaxed, and his eyes seemed to shine even brighter. When he looked at me, there was unmistakable warmth in his gaze.

After stepping out of the elevator, I unlocked the door. “Sorry, I don’t have any men’s slippers in my place. These are my spares, so you’ll have to make do,” I said, chucking him a pair of white ones.

Nathan froze for a second, staring at the slippers in disbelief.

“If they don’t fit, I can run downstairs and grab you a new pair. Pretty sure the shop downstairs is still open,” I added in a hurry.

“I’ll go buy them,” Nathan mumbled under his breath.

“Alright then. If you want to pick up anything else, go ahead,” I said, trying to sound casual, but my face was burning, and I couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Is there anything else you need me to buy?” Nathan asked, looking innocent, missing my hint completely.

I paused awkwardly. Since he didn’t get it, I might as well drop it—no point in making myself look too eager. “Nope, just the slippers,” I said, waving him out the door.

Nathan walked out, still looking lost.

I put my hands on my hips and gave my cheeks a little slap, feeling awkward. Was Nathan serious about planning to crash on my floor? Did he find my floor more attractive than me? What a wooden head.

While Nathan was out, I sliced up some fruit and fixed us some coffee. A little over ten minutes later, he came back, slipped on the new slippers, and walked in. “Come grab a coffee cup,” I said, gesturing to the table.

Nathan walked over, coffee cup in hand, and stood there looking around my place. “Did Mr. Holcomb buy this for you?”

“It’s part of the divorce settlement,” I said with a smile.

Nathan nodded. “If you’re planning to build your career in Shaville, are you going to live here from now on?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here,” I said, heading to the guest room and opening the door. “You can crash here tonight, but there aren’t any blankets, just so you know.”

Nathan chuckled. “It’s hot anyway, so I don’t need a blanket. Thanks for letting me stay.”

“You’re not a stray dog, you know. ‘Letting you stay’ sounds weird,” I said, grinning at him.

Nathan’s face flushed a little under my gaze, but this time, instead of dodging like he usually did, he met my eyes, his gaze burning with intensity. “Victoria, has anyone ever told you your eyes are beautiful?” Nathan asked, a little bashful.