Best Friends with a Royal Billionaire

by Sophia Summers

  Then a loud horn sounded from Arlo’s right. Nico Valdez! The king of Torren had decided to join them. He was a huge partier back in his day but had settled down with an awesome American wife and now led the Mediterranean in leadership and protection of the environment. Arlo waved with a quick blurp of his horn in response.

  Before too much longer, Arlo was dropping the anchor. Clara had already jumped on board their small dinghy and headed over to Nico’s yacht. Apparently, some of Emily’s American brothers were over there.

  Amara stood beside him. “Thanks for having us.” She was close. Her eyes intent, sincere.

  He shook his head. “Hey, you’re welcome. But this isn’t something you say thanks about, right? This is just expected. Of course you’d come with me.” He tried to communicate so much more with his expression, hoping she would understand, hoping she wouldn’t run away.

  For the first time in a long time, she didn’t turn or make a joke or literally run away. She returned his gaze, rocking ever so slightly back and forth, her face inching closer to his own. He didn’t think she was even aware of it, but her body language told him more than her words ever had. The attraction surged between them.

  He reached his hand out and placed it on her hip.

  Her eyes widened in surprise, so he turned it into a brotherly hug, though pulling her up against his chest brought nothing brotherly to mind. “Anytime, Amara. You belong here.”

  She hugged him back but then stepped away. Nico blared his horn again. They looked to wave, and Clara waved back.

  “Hey, I’m going to slip on a cover, then let’s say hi to everyone.”

  “You sure?”

  She turned, halfway across the deck. “About what?”

  “About the cover?” He winked.

  “Oh, please.” She flipped her hair, but he could tell she was pleased.

  Hmm. Things were already looking better than he had hoped.

  Then the dinghy started heading back his way with Beck, Felix, and another guy who must be Seb. And Seb was already doing things to Arlo’s gut. Twisting it around and sinking it. He was a big guy, ripped, without a shirt on. His hair was coifed. Like he’d run a hand through it and then hair-sprayed it to death so it didn’t move. He was tan. Clara stood on deck watching them go.

  Arlo looked for Amara. She hadn’t seen them yet. He made his way over to where they would be climbing up the rope ladder.

  “Ahoy.”

  “Hey, Arlooooo!” Beck called. “You ready for a few more partiers?”

  “You know I am. Good to see you, man.”

  “Hey, good to be seen.” As they pulled up to the side, Beck tied the dinghy and started climbing up.

  As soon as he reached the top, he pulled Arlo over, away from the railing. “Hey, thanks man. We appreciate it. Truth is, my brothers couldn’t handle one more second with Seb there, so we get him all to ourselves.”

  “Wait what?”

  Beck moved away. “You’ll see. But you’re way more chill than Brooks. He’s actually a great guy.”

  Felix climbed over next and then Seb’s head appeared.

  A soft. “Oh.” Sounded behind him, and Arlo stiffened.

  “Amara!” Beck stepped over and embraced her. “Good to see you! How are things? Prague, right?”

  How did Beck know where Amara was studying?

  “You got it. I love it, but I’m so ready for this break. I don’t even want to think anything smart for a full week.”

  Beck laughed. And Arlo snorted.

  “Not possible, but at least you can think what you like.”

  “True. Is that Felix?”

  “Oh, hey, Amara. Good to see you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Beck cleared his throat. “So, Arlo, Amara, this is Sebastian. We call him Seb.”

  Arlo waited to hear if there was more to this guy, but that’s all Beck said.

  “Hey, good to have you.” The man’s handshake was respectable, his smile seemed genuine. Maybe he wouldn’t be as bad as Beck made him sound, Brooks did tend to be overly uptight. But when Seb turned to Amara, he brought her hand to his lips. “Now I have no reason to ever leave. I’m enchanted.”

  Arlo’s eyebrows rose to his hairline and Beck choked back a laugh, but Amara smiled like the guy was totally sincere and led him further along the deck. “Tell me about yourself. How do you know these guys?”

  Arlo was very interested in learning the answer to that question, but Beck clapped him on the back. “We’ll bring our bags over later tonight.” He put a hand on Arlo’s shoulder so he could talk lower. “So, Amara…”

  The look he gave Beck must have been enough because he backed away, both hands up. “Say no more. And Clara?”

  “Up to her.”

  “Okay. So, you and Amara?” Beck’s eyebrows wiggled too many times, but eventually Arlo laughed.

  “I don’t know, man. Honestly. If it were up to me… But you know it never is—up to me.”

  “Don’t I totally get that.”

  “What’s going on with you?” He started walking back toward the living area of the boat, which is where he’d seen Amara go.

  “Nothing really, just working. My brothers have the whole throne thing taken care of. I’ve just got to find my place in all that.”

  “Brothers. That would be nice, man, I’m telling you.”

  “It’s the family business, right? We all have our jobs.”

  “All I’ve got is me and my parents. I could use a team.”

  Felix joined them. “I have some brothers I’d be happy to share.”

  “No doubt. How’s it going, Felix?”

  “Good, man. It’s about time we all got together. I think Brooks is calling a full legit meeting once the mega yacht gets here, then other than that, we are legit having nothing but party.”

  They clasped hands. “I’m so needing this, man. It’s time for a breather.”

  “What’s that? The ever-studious, super-responsible Arlo is calling for a break?”

  He stopped, considering Felix’s words. “Yes, I am.”

  “That’s what I like to hear!”

  They opened the door to soft music and the new Seb putting the moves on Amara, who didn’t look too unhappy about it either.

  “What’s this?”

  “What’s what?” Amara’s immediate, overly innocent response said it all.

  “Oooh. That’s the Seb machine. He doesn’t waste time.”

  “Pardon me?” Amara’s bristle was visible from the doorway where Arlo stood.

  “Be respectful. Amara is not someone any guy’s moves could influence.”

  And then Amara’s bristle melted into a pool of gooey puppy dog eyes, all staring at Seb. And Arlo thought he might be sick.

  5

  Amara stepped outside of her cabin the next morning full of happy expectation. Arlo had been in good spirits. They’d actually had a moment where she thought he was feeling things for her; she thought they might have a chance. And then the other guys came, and they were easy and fun. Clara was having a blast. This was going to be a great summer month after all.

  Marguerite had a delicious spread of fruits and muffins and breads. The sun was just barely peeking out over the horizon. The air was crisp but not cool, the water calm.

  “I hope the wind picks up.”

  Amara jumped.

  Seb approached. “I’m sorry to startle you.”

  “No, it’s fine. I thought Marguerite and I were the only ones up.”

  “Marguerite?”

  “Our cook. We’ve known her forever.”

  He started to fill his plate. “We?”

  “Oh, yeah, I guess technically she’s Arlo’s cook. But we all grew up together. She’s like family.”

  They moved to the front of the boat and sat at the railing, Amara’s legs dangling over the edge.

  “You and Arlo are close?”

  She looked away, never sure how to answer that question. “We grew up together.”


  “And are you together still?”

  She laughed. “That’s complicated.”

  “Then perhaps I can help complicate things further?” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

  “What? I don’t need more complication in my life.”

  “Okay, but maybe another option? We are here. I’d like to get to know you. And this much I know. If I was so lucky as to have you in my life, there would be nothing complicated about it.”

  Wow, he was forward. She studied his face, but he seemed perfectly at ease. Maybe he didn’t mean exactly what she thought he was trying to say.

  “Can I join you?” Arlo’s lovely morning scratch in his voice sent happy thrills through her.

  “Sure, pull up a piece of deck.”

  Seb just lifted his chin, in that masculine way of greeting another guy that Amara thought was ridiculous. Just say hello.

  “Hello. How are you both this morning?” Arlo’s grin was overly friendly, and Amara thought she might find him equally annoying. Oh boy. It might be a day.

  “Great. Just moments ago I was thinking that this morning was full of promise. Everything was quiet and beautiful.”

  Arlo chuckled and winked at her. “And then two scraggly men joined you?”

  She didn’t answer, but she knew Arlo got her.

  “That’s not to say the day won’t still be beautiful.”

  “I’m hoping for some wind.”

  “We’ve got the surf kites. Is that what you’re after?” Arlo put a berry in his mouth.

  “Yes. The last time I was out on one, off the barrier reef, I got a thirty-foot lift.”

  Amara almost laughed at his brazen bragging. “Really! That’s amazing. Are the swells high? And the wind always good?”

  “The wind is gusty, and the swells help, yes.” He gestured out over the calm water. “But I don’t know if kite surfing will be possible.”

  Arlo pulled out his phone. “Let’s see what the weather has for us.” He frowned. “Actually you might get what you wish. There is something brewing and heading our way.’

  “The storm?” Amara could hear the concern in his voice.

  “Not that original one. That one is still out there—it looks like it’s growing. This one is complicating things and might hit later this afternoon. It isn’t anything, really. But it will make for some awesome kite flying, especially if we get out of this inlet.”

  “Oh, so do you also like to surf?”

  “I do. We’ve got all the gear.”

  Amara knew Arlo wouldn’t mention it, but she couldn’t let the moment pass. “He’s actually quite good. All the guys are hoping to get some pointers from Arlo while they’re here.”

  “Really! A fellow pro. I’d enjoy a bit of a challenge.”

  “You looking for a competition?”

  “A friendly wager.” Seb’s eyes flashed in challenge.

  Amara leaned back on her hands so that the two could do their testosterone thing.

  “I’m not one to compete among friends.” Arlo adjusted his position so that his thigh pressed against hers. “But I would like to push myself out there, get some lift, maybe some spins…”

  “What is life if not a healthy competition. I’m in. I too could use a little push.” Seb’s eyes flitted to Amara and back. “Sometimes I’m more motivated when I notice someone else might have a stake.”

  Arlo’s whole body tensed. Amara could feel a sudden vibration move through her as though all his muscles went taught. His jaw flexed and rotated as he gritted his teeth, but then he smiled. “Absolutely. You’re on.” He held out his fist for Seb to bump.

  The man paused, studying Arlo and then they knocked knuckles.

  Amara wasn’t totally sure she read all the male undercurrents that just passed between them, but she was pretty certain that Arlo and Seb were not going to be fast friends.

  Arlo rested back on his palms beside her, his arm crossing hers so that they sat closer. “You going to surf with us?”

  She tried to ignore Seb on her other side. “If you can handle it.”

  “Oh, I can handle it.”

  “Then, yes! I haven’t gone in over a year.”

  Something bumped the bottom of the boat, large enough that they felt the slight shift.

  Arlo sprang to his feet. Amara and Seb joined him looking over the front railing.

  Then about ten feet to their front, a large tail fin lifted in the air.

  “What! A whale! In here!” Amara couldn’t believe it. She stared at the water, hoping for another sighting. And then the beautiful animal rose so that the blowhole was directly to their front.

  “She’s gonna blow!” Arlo shouted, and then the spout blew out a tower of misty water all around them.

  Amara laughed looking at her drenched muffin. “Well, there goes my breakfast!”

  Seb wiped down moisture from his arms, looking none too pleased.

  But Amara laughed again. “That was incredible!”

  After a moment, the whale just sunk back beneath the surface.

  “I wonder what it’s doing in here.” Arlo studied the horizon.

  A breeze picked up.

  “And there’s our wind picking up. It’s coming, Seb. Today is going to be an epic kite-surfing day.”

  “I hope so.” He grimaced. “I think I’ll go change.”

  “Great. Most of the other guys won’t be up for hours yet. They’re kind of a late night, sleep all day crowd.”

  Amara reached for their plates. “I’ll just help Marguerite with these.”

  As soon as Seb stepped inside, Arlo reached for her, placing a hand on her arm. “Let’s get in.”

  “In?”

  He indicated the water.

  “Where is the snorkel stuff?”

  “All the gear is in that box behind you.”

  She put the plates back down. They unlatched the box and reached for some snorkels. “What if the whale’s still there or has friends!’ Excitement filled her. “I’m gonna freeze.”

  “No, you won’t. The water’s nice.”

  “True.” She shook with excitement. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  They put on the masks and snorkels, sat at the side to put on their flippers, and then lowered themselves into the water, with minimal splash.

  At first the water seemed dark, murky, but she paused, floating on the surface, Arlo at her side, and she made out the sandy bottom. Right in front of Arlo’s boat was a drop-off. Genius. Had he done that on purpose? They kicked in the water toward the dark expanse and waited, searching.

  Arlo pointed.

  Sure enough, the whale rolled through the water up ahead. They kicked towards it, probably a football-field distance between them. Arlo held up his thumbs. She turned to see his big, goofy, happy eyes behind his mask. She tried to grin in return but realized the snorkel stopped all smiles. They kicked closer and then just paused, floating at the surface, watching the magnificent animal move slowly about in the water.

  Amara didn’t think she’d ever see anything so remarkable again. It was huge. The enormity of a whale was at once humbling and awe-inspiring. And peaceful. Arlo reached for her hand. She squeezed back and added this moment to the hundreds of other awesome memories she had with Arlo.

  One time they were sitting on the rocks watching waves come in during low tide. They’d found tide pools, beautiful starfish, hermit crabs, and eels. Arlo had seemed really thoughtful that morning, and Amara was quiet, letting him think. Then he said. “You know what I love about you?”

  She sucked in her breath. Loved? “My charming sense of humor?” She tried to keep the conversation light but held her breath, hoping for a sincere response.

  He shook his head. “When I’m with you, I’m just Arlo. Not Prince Arlo, not cool, press-worthy Arlo or any of the rest of it. I love that I can just be me.” He leaned close and pressed his lips to her cheek. “Thank you for that.”

  And the moment passed. But her face burned from the attention, tingles ra
cing through her. She might have been bold enough to kiss him right back, but a family of otters swam over. When one rolled onto its back and started hitting a rock to his chest, all other conversation stopped. “What is he doing?”

  “He’s got an oyster, look.”

  She hadn’t seen many otters on their island and was enchanted. The two of them sat and watched the otters play, banging rocks against the shells on their chests and eating what was inside, rolling and dipping and playing in the waves, until the sun went down.

  Watching the whale felt very much like that. The world came one step closer to center, to where she felt it should be, while floating in the water, holding Arlo’s hand. If only he would see things the same way.

  6

  Arlo pulled on his gloves, adjusted his wetsuit and frowned. Seb was over there, showing off something or other for a group of girls that stood nearby. Their excited chatter grated his every nerve. At least Amara wasn’t with them.

  “Amara! Come take a look!” Seb’s barreling voice was the last thing Arlo heard before he let his kite go, whipping up into the air while he leapt from his yacht. “WOOOOO!”

  The shouts behind him made him smile. That would give them something else to look at for a minute.

  Then he had to turn all his concentration to navigating the waves. The wind had picked up, and the day could be classified as an expert-only level for kite surfers. The waves rolled higher the further out from the bay he moved. But the wind picked up and Arlo was after some air. He wanted height. Seb’s boast that he’d gotten thirty feet didn’t sit well. Arlo had done the same, even higher, but somehow that man’s braggadocio made Arlo want to prove Seb was as average as any of them.

  Was he being childish? No. He was being a guy. And for the moment, he was proud to be. Someone had to show Seb—no, someone had to show Amara that Seb wasn’t all that he talked himself up to be. Arlo would let his performance speak for itself.

  A wave hit him extra hard and he almost tipped over into the choppy water. Concentrate.

  “Easy, Arlo.”

  He whipped his head around. “Amara, what are you doing out here?”