Page 64 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

My hand finds his. Intertwined. Natural. Like we've done this a thousand times before.

The thing about love - or whatever this crazy thing between us is - is that it never goes according to plan. One moment you're chopping onions and plotting how to save your town, the nextyou're standing on a beach with the man who was supposed to be your enemy.

Life is weird. But right now?

It's pretty damn perfect.

Chapter seventeen

TROY

I’ve been back in Seaside Cove for a few days now, and for the first time since I stepped foot in this small town, I feel a flicker of something I haven’t allowed myself to feel before—contentment.

It’s been a week since the board meeting where I managed to convince everyone to support my plan.

I still can’t believe they came around, but the thrill of that victory is quickly fading, replaced by the nagging question of how to execute this plan perfectly.

Despite my grumpiness towards small towns—where everything feels too slow, and everyone knows your business—there’s something about Seaside Cove that has drawn me in.

Maybe it’s the ocean breeze that carries a hint of salt and freedom, or maybe it’s the way the sun casts a golden glow over the quaint buildings.

I should be irritated by the endless chatter of the townsfolk, but there’s a charm I can’t quite deny.

It makes my skin itch, but at the same time, it makes me feel… alive.

As I walk through the main street, I spot the food truck - the very one that turned our first meeting into a disaster. It’s parked prominently near the beach, and I grin.

The sound of laughter from a nearby group catches my attention, and I glance over to see families enjoying their time, kids running around, their carefree joy flowing through my veins.

This feels so good.

There’s a warmth in the air today, a reminder that I’m not just here for a corporate takeover. I’m here to make a difference, to protect this town that’s somehow started to mean something to me.

It’s odd, really.

A place that once felt like a trap is now starting to feel like a home—if only a little.

I make my way toward the beach, the waves crashing gently against the shore. I should feel annoyed, irritated that I’m here when I could be back in New York, ruling my empire. But there’s something about the sound of the ocean that calms my restless spirit.

Am I slowly becoming like Drew?

Then I see her. Skye is standing outside her food truck, laughing with a group of customers, her curls dancing in the breeze.

My heart stutters at the sight.

Why does she have to be so damn captivating?

I watch as she wipes her hands on her apron, her movements confident and assured.

There’s a fire in her that I admire.

I approach, my steps purposeful.

“Troy!” she calls, her eyes lighting up. “What are you doing on my side of town? I thought you’d be cooped up in your room lamenting about how you’re back in small town USA.”

I chuckle. “I’m not finding it in me to complain this time, I do want to be here.”

“Well then come here!” She beckons and I walk over to her.

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