A Billionaire for Christmas

What a Cruise might bring

2 weeks later

*Sawyer*

The warm Miami breeze wraps around me like a welcoming embrace as I step onto the deck of the cruise ship. The ocean sparkles under the sun, promising a Christmas in the Caribbean filled with relaxation and adventure. I take a deep breath, letting the salty air fill my lungs, hoping it can clear my mind of the tangled thoughts that have been haunting me since my unexpected encounter with Theo.

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks since that day at the podcast studio. I’ve actually crossed paths with Theo a couple of times since then, but they were fleeting moments, each leaving me more unsettled than the last. Once was at a charity event where I was volunteering, and another at a conference where I was speaking. We exchanged polite nods and smiles, but there was never time for more than that. I was always rushing to the next appointment, and he seemed to respect my busy schedule.

Yet, each encounter left me with a lingering sense of curiosity… and yes, a twinge of nostalgia. Seeing Theo again has stirred up old memories, feelings I thought I had long buried. But life has moved on, and so have I, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Also made me wonder what he Was doing there, neither place seemed his usual playground.

As I stand by the railing, watching the shoreline of Miami slowly recede, I wonder if these encounters are just coincidences or if fate is playing some kind of trick on me. Part of me wants to believe that people from our past reappear for a reason, but another part is cautious, wary of reopening old wounds.

The ship’s horn sounds, signaling our departure, and I’m reminded of why I’m here. This trip is my gift to myself… a chance to unwind and enjoy the holidays away from the hustle and bustle of New York. Perhaps it’s also an opportunity to sort through my emotions and decide how I really feel about Theo re-entering my life. If I should have accepted that coffee.

Leaning over the railing, I let the wind play with my hair and close my eyes, imagining the adventures that await. Whatever happens, I’m determined to make the most of this journey, to embrace the present, and to leave the past where it belongs, at lest for now.

As I make my way down the corridor toward my suite, I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement. I decided to splurge on one of the best suites on the ship, a little indulgence I've been looking forward to for weeks. The thought of having my own private balcony to watch the sunsets over the Caribbean is more than enough to justify the expense.

Reaching my door, I pause for a moment, savoring the anticipation before unlocking it. Just as I’m about to enter, I hear the soft click of a door opening beside mine. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a familiar figure step out, and my heart skips a beat.

For a fleeting second, I think I’m imagining things, that perhaps the tropical sun has gotten to my head. But then he turns, and our eyes meet. It’s Theo, looking as surprised as I feel.

"Sawyer," he greets me with a warm smile, the kind that seems to light up his whole face. “Fancy meeting you here.”

I blink, trying to process the situation. "Theo? What… are you doing here?" The words tumble out before I can stop them, and without thinking, I blurt out, "Are you stalking me?"

He laughs, a deep, genuine laugh that echoes down the corridor. "No, I promise I’m not stalking you," he says, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I had no idea you’d be on this cruise. Just a happy coincidence, I guess."

I narrow my eyes playfully, although I can’t help but mirror his smile. "Happy coincidence, huh? You sure you’re not following me around the world?"

He chuckles again, shaking his head. "Cross my heart, I’m here for a little vacation with my dear mother. It seems the universe just keeps bringing us back together."

I lean against the doorframe, trying to mask my surprise with nonchalance. A holiday with his mother, hmm. "Well, it’s certainly unexpected. But I suppose if we’re both here, we might as well make the best of it."

Theo nods, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Maybe we’ll finally get that cup of coffee we talked about," he suggests lightly.

I ignore that he Was the only one talking about coffee and consider his words, weighing the risks and the possibilities. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something. "Maybe," I reply enigmatically, feeling a sense of adventure bubbling up inside me.

With a final smile, we both retreat into our respective suites, leaving the figurative door open to whatever the cruise… and fate… might bring.