Page 6 of Spring Break with a Billionaire

“Good choice,” she says, handing me a ceramic mug filled to the brim with rich-smelling coffee and a warm muffin wrapped carefully in wax paper. “Enjoy.”

I thank her and move outside to sit on the small patio that overlooks the ocean. It’s beautiful, the perfect setting for reflection, and maybe to clear my head of thoughts about Cricket.

Just as I take my first sip, savoring the bold taste, the café door opens behind me, and I hear a familiar, melodic laugh that makes my heart speed up inexplicably. I turn, almost certain my ears are deceiving me, but there she is, stepping onto the patio with Abby at her side. My pulse kicks up even more.

She spots me instantly, her face lighting up with surprise and pleasure. “Cameron! Hi!”

I set down my coffee, smiling broadly, undeniably happy to see her. “Morning, Cricket. Abby. Fancy meeting you here.”

Abby grins, giving Cricket a pointed glance that’s filled with silent teasing. “Small beach.”

Cricket blushes slightly, and something about her shy reaction makes her even more endearing. “We were just grabbing coffee before hitting the beach. Mind if we join you?”

“Please do.” I gesture to the chairs across from me, silently grateful Abby chooses the seat slightly further away, leaving Cricket to sit directly opposite me.

She sinks into the chair gracefully, looking relaxed and beautiful even in simple shorts and a loose, pastel-colored blouse. Her hair falls around her shoulders in loose waves, catching the sunlight perfectly.

“I’m glad we ran into you,” Cricket says softly, her voice warm and genuine. “Last night was fun. Please tell Natalie that we enjoyed ourselves.”

“It was,” I agree, unable to tear my gaze away from hers. “I’ll give Natalie your message. I have to admit, I was hoping to see you again.”

She arches an eyebrow playfully, her eyes sparkling. “Oh really?”

I chuckle, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “Really.”

Abby coughs lightly, hiding a laugh behind her coffee mug. “Well, I think I’m gonna walk down and check out that bookstore we passed earlier. Cricket, I’ll catch up with you later?”

Cricket gives her friend a knowing glare but nods, smiling. “Sure. I’ll find you in a bit.”

Abby stands, throwing me an exaggerated wink as she walks away. “Have fun, you two.”

We sit quietly for a moment, both laughing softly at Abby’s not-so-subtle exit. I break the silence first, leaning forward slightly. “You know, I feel like I should thank her.”

“For what?” Cricket asks, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“For giving us this opportunity to talk alone,” I admit honestly. “I enjoy your company.”

Her smile softens, cheeks faintly pink. “I enjoy yours too.”

There’s a gentle pause before she continues. “So, Cameron, what brought you to Love Beach, besides spending time with Natalie and Luke?”

“I needed a change,” I admit, stirring my coffee thoughtfully. “My life has always been busy. Chaotic. Constant travel and business obligations. I realized I hadn’t taken time to slow down, enjoy simple things, like a cup of coffee by the ocean, without constantly checking my phone or emails.”

She nods slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. “I know exactly how that feels. Even on spring break, I’ve struggled to just relax.”

“Maybe we’re more alike than we thought,” I tease gently, enjoying how easily the conversation flows.

She laughs softly, leaning in a bit closer. “Maybe we are.”

Our conversation deepens naturally, moving from simple talk about work and stress to subjects like favorite books and places we’ve traveled. Cricket listens intently, her eyes bright with genuine curiosity, her laughter warm and easy. We discover shared interests effortlessly—classic films, long walks, quiet evenings with a good book, and an appreciation for the quiet beauty of nature.

Every minute that passes, my attraction to her grows, fueled not just by her obvious beauty but by her intelligence, kindness, and genuine warmth. She’s refreshing, captivating in a way that feels entirely new and thrilling.

After a while, she sighs contentedly, glancing out at the endless blue sea stretching before us. “You know, I didn’t come here planning on meeting someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” I echo curiously, feeling a small flutter around my heart.

She blushes softly, glancing down at her coffee cup. “Someone intriguing. Genuine. Different from what I expected.”

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