Page 12 of Spring Break with a Billionaire

Standing on the doorstep, I meet his gaze shyly, my cheeks warm under his intense, gentle eyes.

“Tonight was perfect,” I whisper, meaning it deeply.

He smiles gently, cupping my face tenderly again, pressing one last, soft kiss to my lips. “Sleep well, Cricket.”

“You too,” I murmur, watching until he disappears into the night, leaving me breathless, dizzy with emotion.

Inside, I find Abby curled up on the sofa, flipping through a magazine. She glances up, eyes widening immediately at my flushed, dreamy expression.

“Well, someone had a good night!” she teases, setting the magazine aside with a knowing smirk.

I sink beside her, sighing softly. “Abby, I’m in trouble.”

“Trouble?” She laughs gently, amused.

“It was amazing,” I confess quietly, cheeks warming further. “Cameron is incredible. Thoughtful, kind, genuine.”

Her smile softens, sensing the seriousness beneath my joy. “You’re falling for him, aren’t you?”

I hesitate, heart fluttering nervously. “Maybe. It’s complicated. This was supposed to be casual—just fun during spring break.”

Abby squeezes my hand softly, eyes full of gentle understanding. “Cricket, you deserve happiness, even if it’s unexpected.”

“But it’s temporary,” I whisper, sadness flickering softly in my chest. “In a week, we’ll both return to our separate lives. I can’t get attached.”

“Who says?” she asks gently. “Life isn’t always predictable. Maybe this connection with Cameron means something more. You won’t know unless you let yourself feel it.”

I sigh softly, considering her words carefully. She’s right—this connection is undeniably special, powerful. Cameron isn’t just a casual fling; he’s someone who genuinely touches my heart.

“You’re right,” I finally whisper, smiling gently. “I shouldn’t overthink this. I’ll enjoy whatever we share, while we can.”

“Good,” she says warmly, squeezing my hand encouragingly. “You deserve this happiness, Cricket.”

Lying in bed later, staring quietly at the ceiling, I replay the evening over again in my mind, the warmth in Cameron’s gaze, the tenderness of our kiss, his gentle sincerity. I’m falling deeper every moment we spend together, but despite my fears, I’m going to choose to embrace this happiness, this genuine connection.

Whatever happens next, I refuse to regret these moments. Cameron is special, our connection rare and beautiful, even if fleeting. I’ll treasure every second of it, no matter how brief. Because, despite my worries, falling for Cameron Shaw feels entirely right.

Six

Chapter Six

Cricket

Sunlight spills through the sheer curtains, gently coaxing me awake from dreams filled with Cameron—his laughter, the tender warmth in his eyes, and the lingering softness of his lips against mine. For a long moment, I lay still, staring up at the ceiling, my heart fluttering at the memory. The intensity of my feelings both thrills and terrifies me.

Sitting up slowly, I swing my legs out of bed, stretching my arms overhead and glancing toward the window. Outside, the beach looks peaceful and inviting, the ocean a serene sheet of blue beneath a clear sky. My thoughts immediately drift back to Cameron. A slow smile curls my lips, impossible to resist.

“You look like you’re plotting something,” Abby teases lightly, appearing in the doorway with a steaming mug of coffee in her hand. She leans casually against the doorframe, studying me with amused curiosity.

I laugh softly, grateful for the distraction from my complicated emotions. “Just thinking.”

“About Cameron, I assume?” She raises an eyebrow knowingly, a teasing grin playing on her lips.

I sigh dramatically, falling backward onto the bed and staring up at the ceiling again. “Who else?”

“You’ve got it bad,” she says gently, pushing away from the doorway and stepping into the room. She sits down beside me, handing over the coffee with a knowing look. “You want to talk about it?”

Wrapping my fingers around the warm ceramic mug, I sigh softly again. “It’s complicated, Abby. This was supposed to be a fun, carefree vacation fling—no expectations, no strings attached.”

---