One

Chapter One

Cameron

The breeze rolling off the ocean whispers against my skin, and I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty air. As I climb from the driver’s seat of my black Range Rover, my shoulders immediately drop, the tension draining from my body. Everything here feels quieter, simpler—exactly the opposite of my world back home.

I glance around, taking in the scene that unfolds in front of Luke and Natalie’s sprawling beach house. The sand stretches beyond the walkway, pale gold fading into a vibrant blue horizon. Even in March, Love Beach looks like paradise. And right now, paradise is exactly what I need.

“You finally made it!” Natalie calls from the front porch, waving enthusiastically. She’s barefoot, wrapped up in a thick sweater over shorts, and her blonde curls blow gently around her smiling face. The warmth in her welcome melts the last fragments of tension in my chest. She rushes down the steps to hug me, her arms tight around my shoulders.

“Hey, sweetheart.” I squeeze her close for a moment, enjoying how quickly the comfort of family seeps into my bones. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“You know you’re always welcome here.” She steps back, grinning. “Luke’s inside, pretending he knows how to grill snapper.” Natalie lowers her voice, “Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.”

“That’s slander,” Luke’s deep voice rumbles from the doorway. He emerges, looking every bit the laid-back beach bum even though he’s a tech billionaire. His grin stretches wider than usual. “Good to see you, Cameron.”

“You too.” I clap him on the shoulder, feeling instantly at home in their presence. There’s something undeniably grounding about being with family.

“How’s the drive?” Luke asks, already taking my bag despite my protest. He’s always been that guy—hospitable, generous, easygoing. I’m so glad that we got past all the drama that I made when he and Natalie got together.

“Quiet, thankfully.” I rub the back of my neck, releasing the lingering stiffness. “Exactly what I needed.”

Natalie nudges my arm gently as we head inside. “You look tired, Dad. Have you taken a break since Christmas?”

I chuckle softly, though there’s truth in her teasing. “Not really. You know how I get.”

“We do,” Luke agrees, his voice serious despite the playful jab. “That’s why we insisted you come. You deserve to slow down and breathe a little.”

He’s right, of course. It’s the curse of success: the harder I work, the less I know how to stop. Every project, every investment, every decision demands constant vigilance. Years of late nights and endless flights between coasts have left me craving something simpler.

Luke shows me to the guest suite, and I pause at the threshold, absorbing the view. Sliding doors open onto a balcony overlooking the beach, where the Atlantic stretches endlessly beneath a clear sky. The soothing roar of waves breaking gently onto the shore is already pulling at me, reminding me exactly why I’m here.

“Think you can survive a few weeks of peace and quiet?” Luke leans against the doorframe, his arms crossed casually.

“I’ll try,” I smirk, glancing around the perfectly decorated guest room. Natalie’s thoughtful touches—fresh flowers, soft linens, a few of my favorite books placed casually on the nightstand—tell me how much they want me to feel comfortable.

Luke chuckles, clearly reading my mind. “Nat spent hours fussing over everything. She worries about you.”

I sigh, feeling a pang of guilt. “She shouldn’t have to. I’ve managed fine on my own.”

“Have you?” Luke’s gaze is knowing. “It’s okay to admit you need a break. Life doesn’t have to be one big sprint.”

I laugh quietly, knowing he’s right, but old habits die hard. “I don’t know if I even remember how to relax.”

He pushes away from the doorframe with a grin. “Lucky for you, you’ve got experts around. Natalie will make sure you relearn fast. We’ll start tonight—seafood and drinks out on the deck at sunset. No business talk allowed.”

“I’ll try to restrain myself,” I joke, feeling lighter already.

He leaves me then, closing the door softly behind him. Alone, I move to the balcony, stepping outside to lean against the railing. The vastness of the ocean captivates me, pulling my attention into its rhythm. It feels like a heartbeat, a steady pulse that grounds me, calming the chaos that constantly hums in my veins.

I take another deep breath, savoring the silence broken only by waves and the occasional cry of a gull. The knot between my shoulders loosens slightly, my mind starting to unwind from months of constant pressure.

What would it feel like, I wonder, to truly embrace the simplicity of this place? To walk along the shore without an itinerary, to enjoy long afternoons without checking emails or conference calls? It sounds foreign, almost impossible. Yet it’s exactly why I came here.

Maybe this break will give me a glimpse of the life I’ve quietly longed for: uncomplicated, genuine, and slow. As I watch the gentle rhythm of the ocean, I make myself a silent promise. For the next few weeks, no business. No stress. Just sunshine, sand, and family.

I’m going to find peace, whether I’m ready for it or not.