Page 75 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

The sunset paints everything in shades of gold and pink, and I can't help but think how perfectly it matches this moment. Troy's decision isn't just about him choosing me. It's about him choosing everything I love.

Seaside Cove. My home. Our home.

Who would've thought?

Troy's hand is warm in mine, and I'm hyperaware of every single breath between us.

"Skye," he says, and something in his voice makes me look up. His eyes are intense, like he's about to say something that could change everything.

And then he kisses me.

Not like our previous kisses - soft and tentative. This kiss is different. It's like he's pouring every unspoken emotion into this moment. My brain goes completely offline, and all I can do is feel. His hands cup my face, gentle but firm, and I'm melting into him.

When we finally break apart, I'm slightly breathless. Typical Troy move - always making an entrance, always taking my breath away.

"I can't stop thinking about you," he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine. "These past weeks, every single moment has been about you. Your sass, your passion, your incredible spirit."

I quirk an eyebrow. "Careful, Mr. CEO. Your romantic side is showing."

He chuckles, a sound that sends little tingles down my spine. "I'm serious, Skye. I love you."

The words hang between us, electric and real.

My comeback dies on my lips. Because suddenly, I realize I feel exactly the same way. "I love you too," I whisper, and it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

"Be my girlfriend?" he asks, and there's a vulnerability in his voice that melts my heart completely.

"Well, duh," I respond, because that's so quintessentially me - unable to be entirely serious even in the most romantic moment.

He laughs, and it's the most beautiful sound.

Hand in hand, we walk along the beach.

The waves crash rhythmically, the sand soft beneath our feet. My food truck empire, my beloved Seaside Cove, and now, this incredible man who chose me - chose all of this - over his corporate world.

Chapter twenty-one

TROY

The months pass by in a whirlwind. I’ve opened my office in an old building just off Main Street. The renovations took quite a while, but I was adamant that the façade of the building remained unchanged.

So,Bellamy Hotels and Inns, Southeast Division,looks from without like it’s been here for decades. Inside is another story. Sleek and modern, it has all the flavor and efficiency of the New York office. In fact, my executive assistant and several other key employees decided to move and make their new homes in Seaside Cove. That was purely voluntary, of course.

But truth be told, their decisions have made my life a hundred percent more efficient and organized. Their demeanors have slowly changed, and I see them all looking so much happier than before when they dealt with the stresses of city life and huge commutes. My company helped with their moves financially, so each has been able to purchase a home and begin a totally new lifestyle.

I have the opportunity to fly to the city now and then, but for the most part I work here in Seaside Cove.

Seriously!Why would I want to leave? I can walk the beach with lunch from a certain food truck I know about. I sure can’t do that in New York City!

Along with Skye, I’ve gotten to know various locals, enjoying game nights, concerts, and lots more. Meg and Drew often have us over for his “famous” BBQ nights. Meg’s sister Mia and her husband Adrian frequently join in with other couples from town.

Luckily, I rarely run intoLizaard with two a’s. I know in my head that she is a “total sweety” as Meg and Mia continue to drive into my brain. But still, she just isn’t a poodle.

I’m also enjoying a men’s tennis group along with a rare poker night where I typically and consistently lose the entire fifty-dollar limit.

I feel like this is home now – fully and completely. The only thing missing would be our two sisters, who have consistently told Drew and me that it would be a cold day in h-e-double l before they would give up Bloomingdales for T-shirts and bare feet. But who knows? We can hope.

I’ve given a lot of thought to what I want my future to look like. Bottom line it includes Skye, always.

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