Page 4 of Spring Break with a Billionaire

He grins, eyes twinkling with obvious affection. “Your wish is my command.”

“I’ll do it, Cam. I know just how my wife likes it,” Luke says as he walks off with a smile.

Cameron rolls his eyes, chuckling as Natalie drags Abby off toward the drinks, leaving me standing awkwardly next to Cameron, suddenly very aware of how alone we are among the friendly chaos.

“So, Cricket—” Cameron’s voice breaks the brief silence, calm and confident. “Natalie mentioned you’re a teacher?”

I nod, relieved to have an easy topic. “Second grade. I’m from a small town with only one elementary school.”

“Where is that?”

“I’m from Star Mountain and I love it,” I say with a true smile. I really do love my hometown.

“Star Mountain?” His eyebrows rise with surprise. “Beautiful place.”

“You’ve been?” I ask, genuinely curious now. Most people I meet outside our little town have barely heard of it.

“I visit on occasion.” His eyes seem distant for a moment before snapping back, focused warmly on mine. “Teaching is admirable work. Those kids must adore you.”

I shrug modestly, though his compliment sends another wave of heat through my chest. “I love it. Exhausting, but rewarding.”

He studies me thoughtfully, lips curling into a gentle smile. “Exhausting, yes. I can relate. My career wasn’t exactly relaxing either.”

“Retired now?” I guess, noting the relaxed way he holds himself, the casual clothes, the tan that suggests plenty of time outdoors.

“Mostly,” he admits. “Learning to enjoy life a little slower these days.”

“Love Beach seems like a good place to learn that,” I murmur, glancing out at the endless stretch of beach, the peaceful crash of waves in the background. “It feels easy here.”

“That it does.” His voice drops slightly, more intimate now. “It’s nice to finally breathe. I’m not sure I ever knew how until recently.”

I turn slightly, facing him fully, intrigued by the quiet vulnerability beneath his composed exterior. “That sounds familiar.”

He chuckles softly, his gaze thoughtful. “Something tells me you’re the type who finds it hard to slow down, too.”

“Guilty,” I admit sheepishly. “Even on vacation, I feel like I should be productive somehow.”

His laughter rings out, sincere and warm. “Ah, a fellow workaholic. Then maybe we should help each other relax. Hold each other accountable.”

I raise an eyebrow teasingly, heart rate picking up despite myself. “Accountable how?”

He shrugs casually, eyes dancing with amusement. “I’ll remind you it’s okay to lounge around doing nothing. You can tell me when I start slipping back into business mode.”

“I think I can handle that,” I reply lightly, grateful he’s taking our flirtation in stride without making it feel awkward. His ease puts me at ease, too. It’s dangerously comfortable standing this close, our shoulders nearly brushing.

“Good,” he says decisively, eyes still locked onto mine. “Then it’s settled.”

A silence falls again, but it’s comfortable rather than awkward. I find myself struggling against an inexplicable pull toward him, curiosity mingling with a fluttering attraction that feels too strong, too sudden.

“You know,” he finally says quietly, breaking the silence gently, “it’s been a long time since I had a conversation this enjoyable.”

My cheeks warm slightly, his honesty catching me off guard. “Likewise. It’s rare to find someone who listens.”

“Oh, I’m listening.” His voice is soft, sincere. “You’re quite captivating.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling shy now, unused to such genuine attention from a man who feels so… substantial.

I remind myself sharply: this is exactly what Abby and I swore we’d avoid. The last thing I need is to complicate my carefree week with a charming older man who makes my heart race with just a glance. Especially someone so closely tied to the new friendships we’re making here.

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