Page 63 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

The beach is my sanctuary. Especially this time of day – when the sun starts dipping, painting the sky in these insane watercolor shades of orange and pink. The waves create a constant, rhythmic soundtrack that always calms my racing thoughts.

Troy's already there when I arrive. Standing with his back to me, hands in his pockets, watching evening fall. He looks different.

Less corporate shark, more... human.

When that happened, I still don’t know.

I clear my throat. "So. We won?"

He turns. Our eyes lock. And just like that, the entire world narrows down to this moment.

No fancy words. No dramatic speeches.

Just us. The beach. The promise of something incredible.

"We won," he confirms.

And then he pulls me close, and everything else just... disappears.

The town's drama, the past few crazy weeks, my absolute rollercoaster of emotions - just... disappears. His arms around me feel like home.

Which is ridiculous. I've known this man for what, a month? And he nearly destroyed everything I love about Seaside Cove.

But here we are.

"You're incredibly infuriating, you know that?" I mumble into his chest.

His laugh rumbles through me.

Deep. Genuine. Nothing like the chuckle I'd heard before.

The waves crash against the shore, creating this perfect rhythm.

It’s my favorite time of day - when the sky looks like someone spilled watercolors across the horizon. Oranges bleeding into pinks, soft purples creeping in at the edges.

Nature's own masterpiece.

"Tell me everything," I demand, pulling back just enough to look him in the eye. "And I mean everything. No corporate speak. No bull."

Troy's smile is a dangerous thing. The kind that makes my heart do these ridiculous gymnastics. "My sisters agreed to the silent partnership and helped me get the board in line. We'll protect the town's character, invest sustainably. No massive developments. No soul-crushing corporate takeover."

I raise an eyebrow. "And the rivals?"

"Blocked," he says simply. "They won't touch Seaside Cove."

I raise an eyebrow, trying not to look as surprised as I feel. “Just like that?”

“Just like that,” he says, a hint of pride slipping into his voice.

I should be more suspicious. I should be grilling him with questions, tearing apart every word for hidden motives.

But here, in the fading light with his arms still around me, I can’t bring myself to care about the details.

The man who was supposed to be my enemy is standing here with me on this beach, making promises that feel like hope. And I want to believe him. Truly, I want to believe that maybe, just maybe, he’s telling the truth.

"You realize this doesn't mean I like you, right?" I say, trying to sound tough.

Troy's laugh is pure magic. "Of course not."

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