The Best Man novel Chapter 23

Olivia's POV

Invite.

"What's going on here?", my father looked at me and Nathan simultaneously, and we exchanged looks. Well this was awkward.

"We're planning a surprise bachelor party for Tristan, so Nathan here came by to help me finalize a few ideas", my voice was shaky and unsettled as I spoke. Nathan was still dressed in yesterday's clothes but there was no obvious indication that he slept over or anything.

"It's not even eight in the morning", my Dad threw me a quick gaze before his eyes settled on Nathan again, who seemed uncomfortable as he gulped down under my fathers interrogative stare

"I wanted to catch her before she went to work because I'll not be available for the rest of the day to go through some things", Nathan stuttered nervously as he scratched the back of his neck

"Hmm", my dad gave what seemed like a nod of understanding with his eyes still fixed on the other man in the room cause yep, he was that intimidating

"What are you doing here, Dad?", I interrupted on the staring contest my father was initiating with Nathan before he finally turned to me

"I was in the neighborhood and thought I should pop by to give you these", he handed me a bouquet of white roses he was holding, and I cooed lovingly

"They're beautiful", they smelt heavenly, and I wrapped my arm around him, and he kissed my forehead

"Thanks Dad"

"Yeah well I thought since I'm now the only man in your life, I should start pulling my weight around and spoil my little girl with her favorite flowers"

"You're really sweet", my lips spread into a smile. "But that's not the real reason why you bought me these flowers, is it?"

"Not quite", he laughed. "Your mother threatened to skin me alive if I don't get you to agree to coming to dinner tomorrow night. Those flowers are my way of bribing you into saying yes".

"Your honesty will never cease to amaze me"

"What can I say?", he shrugged, his playful more fun side was into motion as he laughed softly. "I'm an honest man"

"Well I'd love to come to dinner", I kissed his cheek. "Tell Mom that next time, all she needs to do is call me if she wants something"

"I tried to tell her, but you know how persuasive your mother can be", I heard his chuckles as I walked to the kitchen to put the flowers in water. He fixed his eyes back on Nathan, who seemed to have frozen on the spot.

"You were at the Johnson's brunch the other day, isn't that right young man?", his interrogative tone and look back into position

"Yes I was, Sir", Nathan nodded his head before he extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm Nathaniel McCarthy"

"Arthur Davis", they firmly shook hands. "Pleasure to meet you, Nathan McCarthy"

"The pleasure is all mine, Sir", Nathan gave a genuine smile as they broke their contact and my father gave a nod of approval while twisting the toothpick in between his lips before he asked the unspeakable

"You could have just said no to that dinner invite"

"Why on earth would I possibly want to do that?", he grew a smug smile on his face

"My parents are going to think we're dating"

"That's a bad thing because....?", he quirked up an eyebrow. I took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose in the process.

"Other people can't know about the nature of our relationship, Nathan", I explained, and he seemed to be taking the whole situation lightly

"I think we're going to need some sort of rules in order to make this thing work"

"Rule number 1", he put up his index finger. "There are simply no rules", he pulled me closer to him, leaning to my height.

"Rules complicate things, Bella. I honestly think it's better if we just go with the flow. No one will know if we don't let them", he wrapped his arms around me and pecked me tenderly on the lips.

"We're just friends to everyone else, right?", he whispered against my lips and I nodded my head

"You and I are just friends"