Law #1: Never Bet on Love: A Sweet Billionaire Love Story (Laws of Love) by Agnes Canestri (i read book txt) 📕

I nod, surprised that he keeps my work schedule in mind, wondering what fun he might be referring to and secretly sorry that he has dismissed the conversation about our dating so easily. Despite chickening out before asking him, it would have been great to shed light on what he meant by “for now”. Is it “for now” because we are going somewhere from here? Somewhere more? Or because it’s just a quick stop before our roads part again?

Nathan puts out his hand. “Ready to go?”

I put my palm into his. “Ready.”

A warmth from his skin sweeps to my arm, and his touch feels thrilling and familiar at the same time. Perhaps it isn’t bad that we’ve gotten rid of that fake “friends” tag. Dating can turn into anything. So if, and only if, I feel certain that Nathan has serious intentions with me…then…maybe then…

A smile spreads on my lips. Perhaps I got a small share of Abuelita’s dreamy genes after all.

Chapter 21

(Nathan)

I pace up and down in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of my living room. I must look like a caged tiger waiting to be fed—cranky and inpatient.

Not that anyone is watching me.

Eva is standing by the black marble counter in the kitchen, blabbering with my aunt like they’re best friends. If it goes on like this, I won’t have time to show Eva my surprise in my climbing room. Why did Marjorie decide to pay a surprise visit today of all days? She already dropped by once this week. Is my aunt so worried about my bet that she has decided to monitor me? It’s enough that Murphy checks in with me twice daily. I certainly don’t need another family member tracking my actions with Eva. And even less so on a date—the first one labelled as such by Eva too.

I sigh and throw a glance at the two women who are smiling widely at each other.

It’s almost bothering to see how well the two of them get along. Eva was way more reserved with me during our first encounter. And on the second. And the third. It took me almost four tries to break through her heavy, protective shell. How had my aunt succeeded in ten minutes?

Great, now I feel envious of my aunt because Eva is nice to her. Can I get any dumber?

I love my aunt, and I’m so happy she’s feeling better after her debilitating sickness and is able to drop by unannounced, but how am I supposed to get cozier with Eva with Marjorie around? Especially when all my aunt has done since arriving is reveal goofy past events about me to the woman I wish would see me as a desirable and sexy adult.

Eva arches her brows at my aunt. “I can’t believe this. So not like him.”

“It’s hard to fathom, I know.” Marjorie chuckles. “He’s all grown up and serious now. You’d think he’s never pulled a prank in his life. But I assure you that inside our Nathan, perhaps buried somewhere, there’s still a careless young boy wanting to get out.”

My neck tenses at my aunt’s words.

What’s she trying to do? Sabotage my efforts with Eva?

Eva giggles.

Her jingling laugh fills my chest, and my glance flicks to her lips. I like seeing Eva happy. I don’t exactly know why, but I just do. Even if her good mood is triggered by an embarrassing story about my younger self.

Eva turns to me, her voice still throaty from laughing. “Did you really do that, Nathan?” Her glance glistens with warmth and a curious depth that makes me hope that Marjorie’s reminiscence hasn’t cancelled out all my charm.

“Guilty.” I nod. “Now you see why I couldn’t scold Juan. I know that kids do stupid things to get attention from adults. With time it becomes much harder to impress those around you, and sometimes extreme measures are needed.”

Marjorie frowns at me, but I ignore her glare. She must have understood my not-so-subtle reference to Mother and clearly disapproves. But if she does, then she should convince her sister and Murphy to stop their test and grant me my well-deserved promotion.

Even if…then I would have no excuse to spend time with Eva.

This unexpected idea fazes me. The puzzling sensation I had after my talk with Zach fills my mind. To redirect my loitering thoughts to the present, I saunter over to them. “By the way, how is Juan doing?” I ask.

“Good. He gets his fair amount of scolding each day from me, but it’s always filtered through Abuelita’s kindness.”

“Your grandmother sounds like a delightful person,” Marjorie says. “I’d love to meet her one day.”

“Oh, I’m sure she would love that too.” Eva nods enthusiastically. “And, yes, you’re right. She is an amazing woman, strong and positive. Always having faith in the noble intentions of others and in life’s goodness in general. Even beyond the limit of the impossible sometimes.” Her voice seems off-key at these last words. Her eyes are fixated on her hands, and she picks at her nails.

Marjorie peers down at her watch. “Oops, it’s time to go and take my medication. I just wanted to see how Nathan was doing; but, I can see he’s in the best of company, so I’ll be on my way now.” She squeezes Eva’s hand. “Good-bye, my dear.” Then she blinks at me. “Take care of Eva, Nathan. And behave.”

“Sure, will do,” I murmur.

I know my aunt means well, but her concern is superfluous. I’m already being more attentive and caring with Eva than I ever have with any woman, or perhaps any other person, in my adult life.

Marjorie shuffles to the entrance, and Tracy appears to let her out.

I turn back to Eva. She’s studying me with an undecipherable expression. Half of her face is in the shadow, which makes reading her that much harder.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, slightly alarmed.

Why is she looking at me like she is seeing me for the first time?

“Yes.” She squints at me. “I’m