Page 13 of Spring Break with a Billionaire

“Yet you’ve clearly developed feelings,” she says gently, not judging, just observing.

“Yeah.” I stare into the coffee, watching the steam rise in delicate tendrils. “Cameron isn’t like anyone I’ve met before. And when he kissed me…”

Abby chuckles softly, nudging me playfully. “Sounds pretty perfect to me. So, what’s the problem?”

I glance at her helplessly. “The problem is, this isn’t supposed to be serious. It’s temporary. A week from now, I’ll be back home, back to my life—work, responsibilities, reality. And he’ll be gone too, back to his world. I don’t want to get hurt. I think this could be worse than the Cozumel trip.”

She studies me quietly, eyes gentle with understanding. “Cricket, do you remember last summer when I went to Italy?”

“Of course,” I reply softly, smiling faintly at the memory. Abby had returned from her month abroad glowing with happiness, a new confidence evident in her eyes.

“I met Lorenzo, remember? It was short-lived—just a summer romance, something neither of us expected to last beyond the trip. But do you know what?”

“What?” I whisper, curious.

She smiles warmly, squeezing my hand gently. “That summer romance was exactly what I needed. It reminded me that life isn’t always about what comes next. Sometimes it’s about living fully in the moment, enjoying every second we’re given. I don’t regret a single moment of it.”

I exhale slowly, absorbing her words carefully. “So, you think I should just…embrace this? Even if it’s temporary?”

“Exactly,” she says warmly. “Stop worrying about how long it might last. Just enjoy it while it’s happening. Allow yourself to feel deeply, to be happy without overthinking it.”

“I’m just afraid,” I admit quietly, voice barely audible. “Afraid of getting hurt.”

She squeezes my hand reassuringly. “I understand. But Cricket, isn’t happiness, even temporary happiness, worth risking a little heartbreak?”

My heart thuds gently in my chest, recognizing the truth in her words. Cameron is worth the risk. The joy, connection, and genuine intimacy we share far outweigh any potential pain of saying goodbye later.

“You’re right,” I finally whisper, determination blooming slowly within me. “I shouldn’t let fear keep me from enjoying what we have now.”

Abby smiles gently, nodding in encouragement. “Exactly. So, go out there, be happy, and stop overthinking everything. Life’s too short to deny yourself moments like these.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, grateful for her unwavering friendship and wisdom.

“Always.” She squeezes my shoulder warmly. “Now, go get ready. I have a feeling Cameron will be eager to see you again today.”

Laughing softly, I rise from the bed, feeling lighter, more determined. Abby’s right—I won’t let fear keep me from embracing happiness with Cameron. Whatever the future holds, I’ll treasure every moment we have now.

Dressed casually in shorts and a loose tank top, I step outside onto the small porch of our cottage. The sea breeze greets me softly, stirring gently through my hair. In the distance, I spot Cameron strolling down the shoreline, hands tucked comfortably in his pockets, lost in thought.

Abby was right—life’s too short to deny myself joy, even if fleeting.

* * *

Cameron

The afternoon sun spills brightly across the deck, warm and golden, as Luke and I sit comfortably in Adirondack chairs, watching the waves roll gently onto the sand. Natalie has gone to town to pick up a few groceries, leaving just the two of us to talk privately. After everything that happened with Cricket, I find myself grateful for Luke’s easygoing presence and thoughtful wisdom.

“So,” Luke begins casually, sipping from a cold glass of lemonade, eyes sparkling knowingly behind his sunglasses, “you and Cricket seem to be spending a lot of time together.”

I chuckle softly, shaking my head gently. “You could say that.”

“You’re falling for her, aren’t you?” he asks gently, sincerity replacing playful teasing.

I pause thoughtfully. “Yeah, Luke. I think I am. I didn’t expect this, not now, not here. But Cricket is special. Being with her feels right.”

He smiles warmly, nodding in understanding. “Sometimes the best things in life are completely unexpected.”

“I haven’t felt this way in years,” I admit quietly, staring thoughtfully out at the ocean. “Cricket has a way of seeing beyond the surface. She genuinely listens, cares deeply about the people around her. Being with her reminds me of what matters—love, happiness, connection.”

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