20. SKYE

Chapter twenty

SKYE

The ocean breeze hits my face as I make my way down to the beach, my feet sinking into the warm sand with every step.

The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow over everything, and the waves are a steady, calming rhythm in the background. Normally, I’d be taking in every second of this, breathing it all in like it’s the last day of summer. But right now, I’ve got a hundred different thoughts racing through my mind, all of them centered on one person.

Troy.

I don’t know what he’s going to say, but he sounded… different.

Excited, maybe? Or was it nerves?

I can’t quite shake the feeling that whatever he’s about to tell me is big. Like, life-changing big. And I don’t think I’ve ever been this hopeful and terrified at the same time.

My heart is pounding as I spot him standing by the water, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the horizon. And what are those? He’s wearing shorts?

He hasn’t noticed me yet, and for a second, I just watch him. He looks so natural here, so at home—like he’s already a part of this place. And part of me.

He turns, finally seeing me, and his face lights up in that way that always makes my pulse skip. I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation as I walk up to him.

“Troy Bellamy,” I say, raising an eyebrow, doing my best to hide the whirlwind of nerves inside. “Calling me out to the beach like we’re in some dramatic movie scene. You always do this when you have something serious to say? What’s this about?”

He grins, a soft, warm look that sends all my nerves into overdrive. “You’re about to find out.”

He reaches for my hand, and I let him, my heart hammering a little harder as his fingers lace through mine.

We stand there for a moment, neither of us speaking, just taking in the ocean stretched out before us. I know this beach like the back of my hand but standing here with him… it’s like seeing it all in a new light.

“Skye,” he says finally, his voice steady but soft, “there’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. Something I needed to figure out.”

I squeeze his hand, giving him a gentle nudge. “Stop being mysterious and just tell me already.”

He chuckles, but there’s a hint of nerves there. “Alright. Here goes.” He looks me straight in the eyes, and his expression shifts—serious, determined, and a little vulnerable. “I want to stay here, Skye. Permanently. I’ve worked things out with my family, with the company. I’ll be managing everything from here, in Seaside Cove.”

For a split second, his words hang in the air, and it feels like the whole world just stopped.

For a moment, I'm pretty sure my brain short-circuits. Did he just say what I think he said?

I blink. Once. Twice.

"Wait, what?" My voice comes out somewhere between a squeak and a laugh. "You're staying? Like, actually staying? In Seaside Cove? Permanently?"

Troy looks amused, that infuriating half-smile that used to drive me crazy now makes my heart do this ridiculous little flip. I punch his arm lightly, just to remind myself I can still be me.

"I mean, yes," he says, squeezing my hand. "I've worked everything out with my family. My part of the company can be managed from here. Drew helped me convince our sisters that having a base in a small town isn't just possible, it's actually strategic."

My brain is doing somersaults. The guy who originally rolled up in this town, all corporate ego and pressed suits, is now talking about making Seaside Cove his home. The irony is not lost on me.

"So let me get this straight," I say, crossing my arms but unable to hide my grin. "The billionaire CEO who was originally here to buy out our town is now going to live here? Permanently? And manage his entire empire from my little coastal paradise?"

He laughs—a real, genuine laugh that makes his eyes crinkle. "YOUR coastal paradise, huh?"

"Absolutely," I shoot back. "And don't you forget it."

The ocean waves crash behind us, a perfect backdrop to this moment. I can feel the warmth of the sun, the soft sand beneath my feet, Troy's hand still holding mine. It's like the universe is giving us this perfect, picture-postcard moment.

But this is me—Skye Martinez—and perfect moments need a dash of sass.

"Just so we're clear," I lean in, my eyes sparkling with mischief, "this doesn't mean you get to boss people around. This is a democracy, Mr. CEO. We do things the Seaside Cove way."

Troy pulls me closer, and suddenly I'm hyper-aware of how close we are. His breath smells like the sea and something uniquely him—coffee, maybe a hint of that fancy cologne he loves.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," he murmurs.

My food truck. My community. My town. And now, apparently, my billionaire boyfriend who's choosing all of this over his corporate world.

Talk about a plot twist.

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.