Page 11 of Billionaire's Fantasy
My face feels sticky, and I feel embarrassed as I realize there’s drool all over my face. I quickly wiped it off, hoping he didn’t see it.
“Hey there,” he says, a smirk on his face. “I see you had a good nap.”
Is he going to make fun of me for it? He is probably out here trying to rehash our argument from earlier.
I feel myself flush as I try to gather my thoughts. “Oh, um, hi. Yeah, I must have dozed off.”
He nods and runs a hand through his wet, black hair. “I was just swimming and thought I’d keep an eye on you. Make sure you’re okay.”
“So, um, how long have you been watching me?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
I was intending for the question to be innocent, but as soon as it was out of my mouth, I realized it sounded a lot bitchier than I intended for it to come off.
“Uhm…” I try to backtrack, but he interrupts me, his voice going back to the stoic, gruff voice he has been using with me since the plane. The only time he was remotely nice to me, I realize, was when I walked into his hotel room before I told him that we cannot leave as planned. I swallow loudly, already regretting my statement.
“I did not want anyone taking advantage of you or whatever.” A blush creeps up his throat. I think I just made stoic Mr. Pilot uncomfortable.
I feel gratitude mixed with embarrassment as I sit up, trying to shake off the drowsiness. “Thank you. That’s kind of you.”
He shrugs, the water droplets on his skin sparkle in the moonlight. “No problem. So, how’s the influencer life treating you?”
I roll my eyes, feeling a bit self-conscious. “It’s... fine. A bit overwhelming, to be honest. But it’s a good opportunity.”
He nods, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. “Yeah, I bet. Must be cool to travel all over and get paid for it.”
I nod, feeling a twinge of guilt at how privileged my life. “Yeah, it is. But it’s not always as glamorous as it looks on social media.”
He chuckles a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. “I can imagine. So, how did it go with the interview? Any chance you can still get it done tonight?”
“I’m here to work with a few brands and do some content creation. It’s my first time in the Caribbean, so I’m pretty excited. I am going to work on that tonight. As for the sit-down, I don’t think I can get it done any earlier. I am sorry.”
“That’s okay.”
I am surprised at how civil we are right now. This version is preferable to the man I was dealing with a few hours prior. Maybe we can be something like friends at the end of this trip.
When I think that thought all the way through, I shake my head. There is no way I can be friends with this grump. Not only because he is in a bad mood most of the time, but because I’m physically way too attracted to him.
“Ever been to the Caribbean before?”
He nods, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Yeah, it’s a beautiful place. I’ve been coming here for years. It is usually for work, so I have never really taken the time to explore.”
“Must be nice having to travel to such fun and cool places for work.”
He looks at me, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “Yeah, it is. But it can also be a bit isolating. Sometimes it’s nice to settle down. To build roots.”
A shadow passes over his cerulean blue eyes, and he quickly blinks.
“Care to join me for a swim?” He gestures at the infinity pool behind him. “It is pretty late, and I thought I would have seen Liv by now, but she is still nowhere to be found.”
I feel a flutter in my stomach at his words, wondering if he’s implying what I think he is. “I... I appreciate the offer. But I don’t want to intrude on your time off.”
He waves his hand dismissively, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m always up for a bit of adventure.”
I feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of exploring this island with him, but I try to play it cool. “Well, we’ll have to see. I’m pretty busy with work, you know.”
He nods, his gaze never leaving mine. “Of course. If you ever need a break, you know where to find me.” But before he walks away, I hear him scoff.
I am not sure why, but it feels like a sting, a mockery, a reminder that some people will always roll their eyes at me when I mention my job as an influencer.
