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Chapter 40 : Moving On Without Him
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 41 : I Was Wrong
*Michael*Seeing her again, so gorgeous in every way, brought back painful memories that, just hours before, I had said goodbye to. Yet here I was, staring her down with likely an incredibly pleading expression. A pit formed in my stomach as I wondered if this was disrespecting her wishes about space. I did not walk any closer to her, even though I very much wanted to take her into my arms and hold her close. I swallowed and let out a soft sigh, opening my mouth to start. “Shelby, I–”“Michael, what are you doing here? You–”“I know, it–”“Seeing you here again, I–”“I wanted to talk about–”We stopped, getting nowhere given our words were being tangled by talking over one another. I had the delight of seeing an amused glint to her eyes. She brought her hand up to her lips, covering her mouth for a moment in amusement before clearing her throat and letting out a sigh. Her expression hardened as, no doubt, she decided to stand her ground.
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 42 : A Night of My Dreams
*Shelby*I may have second-guessed myself at first regarding this decision, but that was all down the drain when I got into the jet. The inside was decorated with black leathers, and there was a room with a hot tub in it. Yes, a hot tub on a jet! Only two passengers could fit, but that was just right for Michael and I. There was a drink cabinet with listings of the most expensive alcohol I’d ever seen. I gawked at the extravagance, taking everything in. My heart pounded in my chest as I locked eyes with Michael. “This is beautiful,” I breathed, giving a wonderfully bright smile. I threw my arms around him, much to his surprise I’m sure, and hugged him tightly. I held him there for a moment, burying my face into his chest before pulling away, my cheeks flushing. “Thank you, Michael. I’m so excited,” I said, energy rushing through my veins. We got settled, sitting together as the jet took off, conscious of safety. When we were given permission to move about t
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 43 : Making Plans
*Shelby*“Do you have a plan, Michael?” I asked in a hushed voice, swallowing hard. My heart was pounding in my ears, and I needed to take a few steps back, turning to collapse onto the couch. I was so tired of feeling this way, but I couldn’t help it. My reputation was going to be ruined, that much was clear. The past pictures were not as obvious, but this one? Completely earth shattering. How was I going to get a handle on this? All of my fears were staring me in the face, but after last night, I didn’t want to leave Michael. Honestly, I didn’t think I could at this point. No matter how much I knew I needed to. Michael followed me to the couch, taking me on his lap and wrapping his arms around me. I didn’t realize tears were flowing down my cheeks until he reached over and wiped away some of the warm wetness, as I stared up into his eyes. For a moment, everything was okay. I was drawn into his gaze, starstruck, and completely out of it. My negative emotio
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 44 : Blaine’s Downfall
*Michael*Shelby and I rode to the park, intending on spending a day in the city. During the ride, I kept glancing over to her to ensure she was alright. All of this stress wasn’t good for her, and she was rightfully concerned. Something had changed, however, because she held her chin up and kept her eyes narrowed. There was confidence flowing from her posture, and a determined spark to her gaze that had me curious. I didn’t ask, but I was quite intrigued. This plan would include some fun, thankfully, so hopefully it took her mind off of things even if it was directly part of what was causing this distress. We parked and exited the car, walking side-by-side but not holding hands. No public displays of affection; that was important for the plan. My eyes focused ahead as we entered the park. Tree branches swayed in the wind as we walked over fallen leaves and broken twigs. The fresh air was invigorating, and I smiled as I took a deep breath. The smog of the c
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 45 : Ending with a Kiss
*Shelby*That had worked out so much better than I could have imagined. As we wandered through the rest of the aquarium, I felt elated. My heart pounded, and my cheeks tinged red, no doubt from the excitement that, yes, things were working out. I could actually relax, at least for now. I was free. I stared at some tropical fish displaying a menagerie of colors, going over just how much of a dream my time with Michael had been. Except, now it didn’t have to just be a dream or a few days of luxury. This all could be a reality while I advanced in my career like I was meant to. Well, somewhat. I was jumping to conclusions. I furrowed my brow, refocusing on Michael, who was standing behind me, and focused on the fish. It took him a few seconds to realize I had turned to look at him. “Something the matter?” he asked, his voice dripping with concern. He inspected me, no doubt trying to discern if stress was still weighing on my shoulders. A much less potent version of i
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 46 : All to Myself
*Shelby**4 Months Later*“That’s a cute bikini. I’ve said it once, and I will say it again. Michael is one lucky man,” Lin said as I folded a light blue bikini top in my suitcase.“Do you think he will like it?” I asked as my cheeks warmed at the thought of an entire week alone with Michael.We had been surviving the long-distance relationship with late-night phone calls and short weekend trips to see each other. Michael had begged me to take a vacation with him during my Thanksgiving break, but the guilt of leaving my grandfather home alone over the holiday put an end to that daydream. “Shelby, Michael would like you in just about anything. I don’t know why you’re worried about what you’re wearing anyway. If I had an unbelievably rich silver fox that was taking me on a week-long vacation to Maui, I’m pretty sure I’d be naked the whole trip,” Lin responded with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.I wadded up a pair of shorts I was just about to pack and c
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 47 : Joining the Mile High Club
*Shelby*I gladly took the glass of champagne from Michael as he guided me up the steps of his private jet, his hand gently resting on the small of my back.The cabin was decorated in cool tones accented by black leather seats and couches. The shades were halfway drawn on each of the windows, and the lights slightly dimmed, giving a romantic glow to the space. I stood in the center of the cabin, unsure of where to sit or how to behave on a private flight. “Make yourself comfortable, and I will let the pilot know that we are ready to take off,” Micheal said. Before walking away, he slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me in for another slow kiss. The smell of his sandalwood cologne enveloped me, and I instantly felt at ease.I took a seat on one of the couches, embellished with a caramel-colored fur blanket over the armrest. I took a sip of the champagne, and Michael returned, taking the seat next to me. “We are about ready to go. We will b
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 48 : Touching Down
*Michael*Shelby squeezed my hand tightly when the wheels hit the tarmac. I could tell that flying made her nervous, so I reached out and placed my hand on her thigh. She looked up at me with a weak smile which I returned.“You are absolutely going to love this resort. I stayed here on business, and since we started dating, I have been thinking about how much you would enjoy it here,” I said, hoping to distract her from the jet landing.“I can’t wait to see it. Can we explore the island a little tomorrow? I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. The wildlife here is so diverse. I really hope we get a chance to see some in the wild,” she said.I wasn’t sure if she realized that the jet had fully landed and was pulling into the hangar.“We can do whatever you like tomorrow. I know a guy who funds a bird sanctuary here; maybe we could stop in if you are interested.”“That sounds amazing,” Shelby said with a bright smile.With the plane on the ground, I stoo
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Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 150 : The New Associate
*Shelby**Five Months later*I sat staring out the small window in my office. It was nowhere near as impressive a view as Michael's top-floor CEO office, but I liked the fact that it was mine. I’d been an attorney at Stockton and Associates for five months now, and just last month, I was promoted from my tiny cubicle in the corner to my very own office.I’d framed photographs of Michael and me at our wedding, at a castle in Ireland on our honeymoon, and of us in Greece from our most recent vacation. I couldn't help but imagine another picture frame of a beautiful little baby, swaddled up tight in a hospital bassinet sitting next to the rest. Michael and I had taken a more active approach to try to have a baby. I took my temperature every morning to track my fertility window, and our bathroom was littered with boxes and boxes of ovulation tests. It seemed like the majority of my free time I now spent thinking of our future family. I even had an entire nursery planne
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 149 : The Test
*Shelby***One Year Later**“To you, my amazingly talented, intelligent, and beautiful wife,” Michael said, holding a glass of wine in the air over our cozy two-person table.I clinked my glass on his and took a small sip of the wine as I looked out over the dark blue sky littered with thousands of tiny bits of starlight. The lights of the city shone brightly below, illuminating the blue dome roofs over the buildings. The waves crashed against the cliff faces below, sending bits of seawater into the air, making everything smell like salt.We’d been in Greece for the last few days and were currently eating dinner in a quaint little restaurant toward the top of the city, with an amazing view. For the past month, we’d been touring Italy and Greece on our yacht. I’d recently graduated from NYU with my law degree, and Michael planned the trip as a way to celebrate. I’d been interning at a law firm called Stockton and Associates, and I was surprised by their o
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 148 : The Wedding Day
*Shelby*I woke up and stretched across the king-size bed. It felt so strange to be in such a large bed all by myself. I lay there, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of the hotel room. Then the realization hit me; it was my wedding day. The day I was going to become Mrs. Shelby Astor.I sat bolt upright, and let my feet hit the floor. In one swift motion, I was up and taking leaps across the room with a little squeal. I swung open the door and rushed into the main room of the hotel suite.“Aubs! Lin! Get up! I’m getting married today!” I squealed.Within a few seconds, Aubrey was up, rubbing her eyes as she opened the door to her private room. All we heard from Lin’s room was a sleepy moan, which made me laugh loudly.“I know that some brides get cold feet on their wedding day, but something tells me we don’t have to worry about that with you,” Aubrey said, yawning a little.“I can’t believe it’s actually here, Aubs. I mean, after all that we’ve gone t
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 147 : Wedding Plans
*Shelby*After a hasty breakfast, Lauren’s words still lingered in my mind. The click of the coffee pot being pulled off of the warmer snapped me back to reality. I set my phone down on the counter and flashed Michael a soft smile. He grabbed a travel mug from the cupboard and poured the remainder of the dark liquid into his cup. While he screwed the lid into place, he leaned over and kissed me quickly on the lips.“I’m so sorry I don’t have time to say much in the way of a goodbye, but thank you for breakfast. I had an emergency meeting with investors pop up last minute,” Michael said, slipping his arms through his sport coat.“That’s okay, I understand. Will I see you for dinner?” I asked.“Yes, you will. I’ll make sure I’m home by five at the latest. What are your plans for the day?” Michael asked.“I’m going to the country club to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow,” I answered.A huge smile took over Michael’s face, “Well, that sounds like a great way to spend
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 146 : Irredeemable
*Shelby*Lauren looked… humbled.Even her clothes were telling. She wore a long, demure skirt and a blouse that didn’t show a hint of cleavage and covered her arms down to her elbows. No big brand names or luxurious accessories. Her hair also needed a wash.I’d never seen her dress so modestly or look so run-down, and I had an inkling of what she was trying to accomplish by coming here. I stood there, frozen, not knowing what to do. I wasn’t sure Michael would want to see her, and part of me didn’t want Michael’s day to start off with a fight. On the other hand, I couldn’t make those decisions for him.“Come in,” I said, stepping aside to let her pass. I closed the door and gestured for her to sit in the adjacent living room, just as I heard Michael’s quick steps running down the stairs. “What smells so good? My mouth is watering! Shelby, honey—” He froze when he saw Lauren sitting on the couch. She gave him a smile and a quick wave.Michael’s eyes focused on me,
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 145 : An Unexpected Visit
*Shelby*Ever since that kiss in the elevator, my body ached for Michael. When he whispered into my ear, a shudder ran down my spine, turning me on.He gave me a taunting look, and his eyes wandered around the park. “Michael…” I said, “what’s going on in your head?”He chuckled and leaned closer to me. “It wouldn’t be the first time we made love out in the open,” he said in a low voice.I almost spit out the coffee I’d just sipped.“But we were alone on the beach! Well, the second time, anyway. This place is full of people.”“There are some dark places…” He smiled mischievously at me. “And you’re not making it easier for me.”His eyes wandered to my chest, where my dress hung really low and gave him a great view of my breasts thanks to the way I was leaning toward him.I felt his leg caressing mine under the table, and I pretended to scowl at him.“You aren’t making it easier either,” I said. He took his phone out of his pocket and grinned, informing me that the
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 144 : The Prenup
*Michael*When Shelby walked into the office, I could tell she was dying to tell me something. Her excitement was written all over her face.“I suppose the hunt for a dress went well?” I said, and she immediately ran around the desk and gave me a kiss. “I’ll take that as a yes,” smiling at the joy on her face.“I found the perfect one,” she said as she sat in the chair across from me. “I just wish I could show you or tell you about it, but you know how that goes.” “You could wear a T-shirt and jeans, and you’d still be the most beautiful bride to walk this earth,” I said dramatically, eliciting a giggle from Shelby. I would never tire of hearing her laugh.“I thought your lawyer would be here already,” she said, looking at her watch.“Aren’t we going home?” I had no idea what she was talking about.“Did you really forget?” Shelby laughed. “Only you could forget that we’re going to sign our prenup today.”The truth was that it had completely slipped my mind. Shelby was
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 143 : Wedding Dress Shopping
*Shelby**One Month Later*“I can’t believe it’s the end of the summer already,” Lin said with a sigh.I pushed open the door to the salon and was instantly enveloped with the smell of cucumbers and ocean salt.“I know. It seems like it went so fast, but I’m so glad we get to spend more time together before you have to go back to Cambridge,” I said.“Damn, this place is so posh,” Lin said rather loudly.I chuckled, “Shush, Lin. Just pretend that we come to places like this all the time.”“Oh, right,” she responded, a small smirk on her lips.We walked up to the front desk where a woman with purple hair greeted us. Once she found our appointments, she took us back to a private room to get our pedicures. The lights were dimmed and soft piano music played from an indistinguishable place in the room. She handed us each a glass of champagne before leaving us to wait for the nail artists.“So what are we having done today?” Lin asked me as we slip
Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy Chapter 142 : Good Dad or Bad Dad?
*Shelby*I’d just slid the baking tray, with two salmon filets and vegetables, into the oven when I heard the front door open. It abruptly closed with a shutter that echoed through the house.“Michael?” I called down the hallway.“It’s me, Shelby,” he called back, and my heartbeat slowed at the sound of his voice.“You’re just in time. I just put dinner in the oven, and it should be ready soon,” I said as Michael walked into the kitchen.I looked up to see him wearing a very serious expression on his face. The corners of his mouth were tugged down in concern, and there was a strange expression in his eyes—a mix of sadness and anger.“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” I asked, my heartbeat speeding up again. “Is Bruce okay? Lucille?”“Everyone’s fine. I just had a very unpleasant conversation is all,” Michael said, sliding onto one of the barstools.“With who?” I asked, picking up and folding a dish towel with nervous anticipation.“I went
