Page 49 of Coffee Break with the Billionaire

Only it’s not.

“It’s so peaceful,”I tell him, still staring above.

He hums. “I like peaceful.”

“I never thought I did, but I like this.”

We sit in silence for a long moment, but it’s not awkward or uncomfortable. We justsit, breathing in the cool air, admiring the beauty of the spot.

“No taking pictures?” he asks.

I shake my head. This is different than last night—more solitary. It’s not only that my latest posts got more traffic than I expected, and that there may be a ‘Find Fenella’ game on TikTok, much like Pokémon Go, but for once, I don’t need to have video evidence of everywhere I go.

“Don’t you take pictures?” I ask.

“Sometimes.” Silas tilts his head back and I let my gaze skim the column of his throat. “But I find that people are too concerned with taking the perfect picture and miss out on so much. I think forgetting about the phone or the camera means you take in more. Enjoy it more. Experience it fully so you can have that memory, not just a picture on your camera reel that you may never look at again.”

I just want to enjoy this moment. Experience it. And no one needs my memory of it.

Silas is solid beside me, my shoulder resting against his arm, his thigh pressing lightly against mine. His coffee/pine/sweet-something scent surrounds me, making me think it might be nice to get a little closer to him. Not just for warmth but because he smells really good.

What would happen if I slid onto his lap? Rested my head against his chest? Twined my fingers in his wavy hair, teasing the curls at the back of his neck. Moving my mouth close enough to touch my lips against his.

The image hits me like a wave crashing against the rocks below.

What would happen if I acted on it?

What could happen is that he might be surprised enough that he’d dump me in the water by accident, so I best not try any of the above. Silas gives me the impression that he moves at a slower pace than I’m used to, so I check my speed.

“We should have chowder,” I decide. “Only… I don’t have a spoon.”

“Well, that’s a shame.” He takes the thermos from me. “But this here is a cup, so we’re good. It is soup, after all.” As Silas carefully opens the silver container and pours a cupful, I spread the blanket across our laps, careful not to knock his arm.

Not to touch him at all because I’m afraid if I do, I’ll forget about surprising him and give in to the urge and crawl right onto his lap.

I’ve never stopped myself from acting on my attraction to a man.

If I meet someone and there’s a connection, I act on it. I don’t wait for him to call or make the first move. There’s no wondering if he’ll kiss me tonight or wait for the next date.

I’m a go-getter. If I see someone I want, I go get him. It’s how every single one of my relationships has begun—me taking initiative.

I’m not going to do this with Silas because I don’t think me making the first move on this new attraction is the right thing to do.

This attraction isn’t exactly new—if I’m being honest, I’ve been secretly interested in Silas since the first time he handed me my pumpkin spice latte, with the hearts etched on the foam. I just never imagined ever being in the position to do anything about it. We’re from different worlds. Small town, big city. He drives a solid, staid Corolla and I race around in my flashy yellow Charger.

That says it right there.

But when Silas hands me the cup of chowder, steam rising and the scent of cream and butter and lobster making my mouth water, something inside me says that maybe sliding into his world might not be the worst thing.

“Thank you,” I say, brushing my fingers against his as I take the cup. I blow on the soup before I take a sip and then— “Oh. Wow.” Rich, creamy broth flavoured with lobster. Chunks of lobster meat. “This is so good.” I moan, taking an even bigger mouthful.

“Smells good.”

“I’m going to eat it all unless you stop me,” I warn.

“Take as much as you like. I’ll just sit and listen to the sounds of your appreciation.”

Itsounds… interesting… the way he says that. And then I take another mouthful and moan again.

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