Page 104 of The Billionaire's Teacher

“You’ll figure it out. Now you go on home. I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, Zee. Thanks for everything.” It was bittersweet to walk out of the charter offices, knowing I wouldn’t be going back as an employee. And really, the only reason to go back would be to visit Zee, which the boss would want us to do on our own time. So maybe it was the last time ever.

I stopped on the sidewalk and looked back at the squat building. I had a lot of good memories tied up there. And some that weren’t so good. But that was life. Lots of good, a little bad. The mixture made it work out.

I turned back to the water and strode quickly out to my boat. This, at least, I wouldn’t have to sell. We’d leave it at the island. It was a good boat for diving off. Not as fancy as the yacht Wes had chartered, but we wouldn’t be going as far either. Day trips into the water surrounding his island. This would work perfectly for that.

After my checks were complete, I cast off and headed toward home. Was this the last time I’d make this trip, too?

I shook my head. Too many lasts. I shouldn’t focus on them. I wouldn’t. There were firsts ahead, too. I’d be better off focusing on those rather than dwelling on the others.

I let my mind drift as I steered across the water. Wes’s mother was a delight. She’d had a moment when she realized my age and the relative impossibility that we’d be giving her grandchildren. She’d recovered quickly, but it had caused me to panic. And Wes had talked me down and then kissed me thoroughly to ensure I understood it wasn’t a problem. Mom—she insisted I call her that—had followed up later with a hug and an apology.

The General was a big, gruff teddy bear. I loved him instantly. He grumbled some about everything, but his eyes were almost always glinting with humor. I was pretty sure he just liked getting a rise out of everyone.

And Wes. Oh my goodness. That man. I’d loved Luca fiercely. I hadn’t believed it would be possible to love someone like that again, but Wes made it easy. He loved the ideas I’d given him for his classes—and he asked for more. He was always looking to learn, he said, and then told me I was the best teacher he’d ever had.

I grinned.

I didn’t know what made the time fly, but soon enough, I was pulling up at the marina in town. I secured the boat and jumped off. My bike was there, no worse for wear, though sand clogged a few of the tumblers on the lock. I blew on them and gave the lock a bang against the rack, then tried again. This time they spun.

I straddled the bike and, after a moment, headed into town. I’d grab food first. There was nothing to eat in my cottage except canned food. And I didn’t feel like cooking right now, anyway.

I waved to folks as I passed them and pictured news of my return spreading through the town. Joys of a tight-knit community. Was it something I’d miss? Maybe.

Probably not.

I parked my bike by Clara’s door and strode in.

“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.” Clara fisted her hands on her hips. “About time.”

“Hi, Clara. What’s the special today?”

“That’s it? What’s the special?” Clara grinned and came out from behind the counter, her arms open wide. She pulled me into a tight hug. “For you, the special is whatever you want, because I owe you.”

“You do?” I eased back. Clara wasn’t someone I would normally consider demonstrative. “Why?”

“Bennie, that’s why.”

As if summoned, Bennie came out of the kitchen, whistling. “Mi amor.” He stopped when he spotted me and pointed. “Sunny!”

Bennie danced out from behind the counter and hugged me before putting an arm around Clara and kissing her cheek. “She finally gave in. I didn’t let her have time to think and got the pastor to marry us right away.”

Clara’s face turned red and she sniffed. “Got tired of you nagging me. Hanging out at a table looking all sad.”

Bennie laughed. “Good try, but no. Sunny, go sit. I have spicy pork tacos today that you will adore. Make her one of those fancy coffees she loves.”

“Go cook.” Clara sighed and watched Bennie head back into the kitchen.

“You’re happy.”

“I am. Surprisingly.”

I chuckled. “He’s a good man.”

“He is. You have one, too.” She nodded at my left hand before she took it and spun the ring on my finger. “With good taste.”

“So everyone keeps saying.”

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