Page 11 of More Than a Billionaire

THREE

The annual Schultz Foundation fundraiser was something Skylar looked forward to every summer, but this year’s event was different than years past because Genevieve Willis—the woman Sebastian was head over heels for—was at the helm. She had settled into her new position as event coordinator effortlessly, organizing a unique afternoon of family-friendly activities, with an elegant regatta gala to end the day. So far, the event had been very well received, and everything was going off without a hitch.

Skylar sat next to Franky inside her dad’s yacht, Charm III, watching family and friends board, waiting to head out from the dock on Macatawa Bay onto Lake Michigan for the start of the regatta. She wasn’t sure what had her more excited—watching the big race or spending more time with Franky.

They’d been hanging out a lot the past few weeks, and she was loving every moment of this new phase of their friendship. In the past, they hadn’t spent much time together without Sebastian around, but she wasn’t complaining about the alone time with Franky. At all.

“So, your brother’s still keeping up the farce, huh?” Franky asked.

When they had first arrived at the yacht club, they had seen Sebastian across the yard, talking to Genevieve, but as soon as he spotted them and their parents, he had quickly taken off.

“He’s laying low until the gala tonight,” she explained.

Franky shook his head. “Does he really think he can go on like this much longer, pretending not to be a Schultz?”

“He’s taking her out tomorrow to finally tell her the truth.”

“I don’t envy him that conversation. She probably won’t take it very well.”

“I don’t know. They’ve grown really close, and I think they might actually love each other. I’m hoping for the best.”

“So am I. He deserves to find the right girl this time around.”

“Yes, he does.”

She stole a look at Franky, who was watching people board the boat. He was so handsome, it made her heart ache. To be this close to him and not be able to reach out and run her fingers through his sun-streaked hair or feel the tanned skin of his arm beneath her fingertips was torture. Unrequited love was the worst.

“Speaking of the right girl.” Franky tilted his head toward the side door as Genevieve stepped onto the yacht.

Skylar waved her over.

“Hi,” she said sweetly as she took a seat beside them.

“Hey, Genevieve,” Franky greeted her.

“Are you guys having a good day?” she asked.

“We are,” Skylar replied. “Everything is going really well so far, Genevieve. You should be really proud.”

“Thanks.” Genevieve pushed a loose blonde hair behind her ear and gave a humble smile.

Minutes later, the yacht began to move slowly through the channel, and Franky clapped once and rubbed his palms together. “So, who are we rooting for?”

Skylar looked at him as if he’d lost his marbles. “The Schultz crew. Who else?”

“There are a lot of great crews out there. Schultz is gonna have some tough competition.”

Skylar glared at him. “Traitor.”

He chuckled. “I’m not saying Schultz won’t win, but I’m not discounting the others right away. Gotta give everyone equal consideration.”

Skylar glanced over at Genevieve, who looked downhearted, and she was certain it was because of Sebastian. She looked at Franky and stuck her bottom lip out, tilting her head in Genevieve’s direction.

Franky reached across the space with his foot and tapped Genevieve’s leg. “Why the long face?”

Genevieve gave a forced smile in reply.

He guffawed. “That was about as sincere as Skylar when she says I’m funny.”

---