Page 94 of How to Fall for the Secret Billionaire
Sam doesn’t say anything, but I feel his quiet agreement beside me.
The Honeysetts smile and continue down the path, still holding hands, still laughing about something only the two of them understand.
I watch them go, something warm settling in my chest.
Something that feels suspiciously like longing.
Or maybe hope that one day, I can have a love like that.
“You know, Margot has never had a boyfriend.”
I turn my head, surprised. Sam’s looking at me, squinting a little against the sun, but his expression is unreadable. I wonder why he’s bringing this up—but it doesn’t matter. I’m already interested. I inch a little closer, wiping my hands on my jeans.
“You mean never?”
“Never,” he says, straightening up. “At least not here in Everfield.”
I frown. “Why’s that?”
Sam shrugs, picks up the old hose coupling again. “I think men are scared of her.”
Scared? That word sits strangely in my chest. Margot—fierce, brilliant, capable—but not someone to be feared. Admired, yes. Maybe even worshipped a little.
I shake my head, voice quiet but certain. “Not me.”
Sam doesn’t say anything right away. But when I glance over, he’s smiling to himself. Just a little.
And I think he knows exactly what I mean.
MARGOT
Iwake up with my lips still tingling from the kiss.
For a moment, I just lie there, staring at the ceiling, heart fluttering like I’m sixteen again. The memory is sharp, vivid—Cal’s hand on my cheek, the way he looked at me like I was something fragile and important all at once. And then the kiss. Slow, warm, deep. Not rushed. Not unsure.
I exhale and sit up.
When I step into the shower, I try to go about the morning like I always do. Shampoo, rinse, condition. Towel. Moisturizer. Clothes.
But everything feels… different.
Lighter. Like something tight inside me has loosened. But also more dangerous—like I’m walking along the edge of something I don’t fully understand.
Should I have kissed him?
I don’t know. But I don’t regret it. Not for a second.
I’d do it again.
I’m late. I should have been up and out of here two hours ago, but for some reason, I want my pace a little slower today. The inn will take care of itself. I want to take care of me.
Suddenly, I feel completely self-conscious about seeing Cal this morning. I stand in front of the mirror longer than usual. Debating whether I should wear the navy blouse or the white one. Whether I should bother with mascara. My hair won’t stay where I want it to, and I redo the same parting three times.
It’s ridiculous. I’m a grown woman. I’ve managed business crises in high heels and fought off construction permits and PR nightmares without blinking. But today… I’m nervous because I kissed a man I actually care about.
I lean forward, studying my reflection like it might give me answers.
He kissed me. I kissed him. And it meant something.
