Page 66 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

I’m usually great in crowds, always on my game. But I’m not necessarily so good with people in vulnerable moments. The corporate world is a battlefield of numbers and strategy;emotions aren’t part of the game. Here, all those numbers are cocooned in the townspeople, people important to Skye … and now to me.

As we finalize our plans, I glance up to see a few unfamiliar faces entering the community center—suits that are far too polished for Seaside Cove.

My instincts kick in, and I can feel the irritation bubbling to the surface.

Who the heck are these? I ask even though I know who they are.

“Hey, Troy,” Skye says, her voice low as she leans in closer. “Those guys don’t look like they’re here to support us.”

I grunt.

It’s people from one of our rival companies, a name I’ve loathed for years.

I can’t let them derail everything we’ve worked to build here. “They must have caught wind of our plans. They’re probably here to sabotage us.”

“Great. Just what we need,” she mutters, her expression tense. “What’s our move?”

I narrow my eyes. “We confront them. We can’t show weakness.”

As I stride over, I can feel Skye’s presence beside me, her energy crackling with resolve. She’s more than just a partner now; she’s my ally in this fight. I stop a few feet away from the rival representatives, their smirks immediately raising my hackles.

“Looks like we’ve got a little party going on,” one of them—their lead negotiator—sneers, crossing his arms over his chest. “What’s this? A rally for a town that’s about to be taken over?”

I narrow my eyes, refusing to back down. “We’re here to ensure Seaside Cove’s future, not to exploit it. You know that’s not what we’re about.”

Eric chuckles, his arrogance infuriating. “Really? Because it looks to me like you’re trying to win over the townsfolk before you pull the rug out from under them.”

I step forward, my voice steady but laced with irritation. “If you think that undermining our efforts is going to make your company look good, you’re sorely mistaken. We’re committed to this town, and I’ll prove it.”

“Good luck with that,” he shoots back, a smug smile on his face. “You’ll need it.”

As I turn away, frustration simmers within me. I’m ready to lash out, but Skye’s presence beside me keeps me grounded. “We can’t let them get to us,” she whispers, her voice low but firm. “We need to show the community that we’re united, no matter what they throw at us.”

She’s right, of course. We have to focus on what we’re building, not on the obstacles in our way. I glance at her, surprised by her unwavering resolve. “You’re not intimidated by them?”

“Intimidated? No,” she replies, a spark in her eyes. “I’m furious. They don’t know what and who they’re up against.”

I can’t help but grin.

As the rally preparations continue, I can see how much this means to Skye. Her passion ignites something within me – a strong desire to protect not just my interests but hers as well. I’m determined to show this town that I’m not just a city-boy billionaire playing at being a hero; I’m someone who genuinely cares.

“Let’s show them what Seaside Cove is really made of,” I say, stepping forward with renewed vigor.

Skye’s smile is radiant, and for the first time, I see a flicker of what can be between us. And I’m a total believer. “Together,” she replies, her eyes shining with determination.

Together. It’s a word I never thought I’d associate with anything, let alone a small town and its fierce, infuriating foodtruck owner. But here we are, ready to take on the world—and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I might just belong.

***

The energy in Seaside Cove crackles with excitement.

I stand at the edge of the makeshift stage, surveying the crowd gathering in the town square. Bright banners flap in the salty breeze, and the chatter of townsfolk blends into an almost harmonious backdrop.

But beneath that excitement lies uncertainty, and I can feel it tightening in my chest like a noose.

Skye steps into the spotlight, her presence commanding. She radiates passion, and I can’t help but admire how she carries herself—strong, determined, and fierce. She addresses the crowd with an intensity that makes my heart race.

“Today, we stand together against the forces that seek to exploit our community! We are not just a collection of businesses; we are a family!”

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