Page 4 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

"With a toddler and a newborn? No thanks. But, of course, congratulations again on the new baby."

I look out the window, watching the disgustingly quaint buildings roll by. "I don’t want to ruin your time with your family by butting in. Plus, Drew, you know I'm only here to …" I catch myself just in time.

Almost disclosed why I’m really here.

I doubt this Drew would ever agree to why I’m here.

"To what?" His voice is sharper now.

"To check some investment opportunities," I say smoothly. "Won't be here more than a few days."

Drew's hands tighten on the steering wheel. "Right. Well, the inn's probably better for you anyway. Though you should know we're doing renovations on the east wing."

"As long as there's a room with a shower and clean sheets, I don't care." I check my phone, pretending to read emails. "The board's breathing down my neck about these investment opportunities."

"Troy..." Drew's voice has that warning tone I hate. "This town isn't just another business opportunity. You can’t go around causing trouble. The folks like the town as it is. WE like the town the way it is."

"Everything's a business opportunity." I force myself to sound bored rather than defensive. "That's how we built the empire Dad left us into something actually worth having, remember?”

"And that's why you're still single at almost forty?" The question hits harder than he intended. "Some things matter more than business, brother."

I think of him and Meg, how nauseatingly happy they are with their simple life and children. "That works for you," I say finally. "But I'm not built for... this."

I wave my hand at the pastel-painted shops and people actually stopping to chat on the sidewalks. "Small town charm makes me break out in hives."

"Sure, it does." Drew pulls up to the inn.

It’s big, it’s beautiful but not the majestic accommodation I’m used to.

"That's why Skye, the food truck vendor, looked like she wanted to cook you and fry your ass."

"I’m supposed to care about that? I’m literally covered in her curry!" But I can feel my ears getting hot.

"You should be more careful, Troy, and try not to gain more enemies than friends in this small town." He grins as I grab my bag from the back. "Room 204's open. Best view of the harbor."

I eye the renovated Victorian building, trying to ignore its obvious charm. "Thanks for the ride. Give my best to Meg and the kids."

"You could come tell her yourself."

"Maybe before I leave."We both know I probably won't."I've got work to do."

Drew shakes his head. "You know, one of these days, someone's going to come along and make you realize there's more to life than spreadsheets and acquisitions."

I think of flashing brown eyes and wild curls.

Of the way my skin tingled when she got close, even while she was tearing into me. "Not going to happen, I'm here for business. That's all."

As I watch Drew drive away, I try to convince myself I mean it.

I'm here to close a deal, not... whatever that was with the food truck owner. Skye.

Even her name makes me scowl.

I head into the inn, curry-stained and annoyed, determined to focus on what matters: business.

Everything else – especially infuriating, beautiful food truck owners – is a distraction.

A distraction I fully intend to avoid.

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