She Ran a Small Fishing Shop, Not Knowing Her Customer Was a Millionaire Falling for Her

Bridging Different Worlds

After Wade left, Poppy returned to organizing her inventory, trying to ignore the flutter of excitement she felt about their upcoming fishing lesson. It had been a long time since she looked forward to spending time with someone new.

True to his word, Wade returned the following Thursday, just as Poppy was flipping the sign from open to closed. She had changed into a comfortable pair of jeans and a light sweater, her hair pulled back into a practical ponytail.

“Ready for your first fishing lesson?” she asked as he entered the shop.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied with a grin that transformed his serious face. “I’ve been practicing those knots you showed me, by the way”.

“Impressive dedication,” Poppy laughed. “We’ll head to Pelican Cove. It’s quiet this time of year, and the fish tend to bite even for beginners”.

The drive to the cove was short, with Wade following Poppy’s weathered blue pickup in a sleek black Range Rover that looked brand new.

As they unloaded their gear, Poppy couldn’t help noticing the contrast between her well-worn equipment and the pristine items Wade had purchased from her shop.

“So what brings you to Baybrook?” she asked as they made their way down to a secluded spot on the shore. “It’s not exactly a bustling metropolis”.

Wade set down his tackle box, gazing out at the horizon where the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks. “That’s exactly why I chose it. I needed somewhere quiet. Somewhere real”.

He glanced at her. “I run a shipping company, Evans Maritime. It’s grown significantly over the years”.

Poppy paused in the middle of setting up her rod. Evans Maritime was no small operation; it was one of the largest shipping companies on the East Coast. She’d seen their vessels pass through the harbor countless times.

“Wow, that’s impressive,” she said, trying to reconcile the down-to-earth man beside her with the CEO of such a massive corporation.

Wade shrugged, looking almost embarrassed. “It keeps me busy. Too busy, probably. That’s why I decided to buy the place here. Force myself to slow down occasionally”.

As they settled into fishing, Poppy found herself relaxing in Wade’s company. Despite his obvious wealth and success, he was refreshingly unpretentious, laughing at himself when he tangled his line and listening attentively to her instructions.

“My dad always said fishing teaches patience better than any teacher could,” she shared as they sat side by side, lines cast into the gentle waves.

“Smart man,” Wade replied. “In my business, everything is about efficiency and speed. This is peaceful. I can see why you love it”.

The evening passed quickly, with Wade catching a modest-sized bass that he insisted on releasing after Poppy showed him how to remove the hook properly.

“The first catch is always special,” she said, watching the fish dart away. “Even if it’s not a keeper”.

As the light faded, they packed up their gear, and Wade insisted on helping Poppy load hers into her truck. “I had a great time,” he told her as they prepared to leave. “Maybe we could do this again”.

Poppy found herself nodding before she could overthink it. “I’d like that”.

Over the next few weeks, their fishing outings became a regular Thursday ritual. Each time, Poppy discovered something new about Wade: how he built his company from a single cargo ship inherited from his grandfather; his passion for marine conservation; and his dry sense of humor.

She found herself looking forward to their time together, even as she tried to remind herself that a man like Wade would eventually return to his real life.

One Thursday in late April, as they were packing up after a particularly successful fishing trip, Wade hesitated beside her truck.

“Poppy, I was wondering if you might like to have dinner with me tomorrow night. Not as fishing buddies, but as a date”.

Poppy’s heart skipped a beat, but uncertainty quickly followed. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she’d never outgrown. “Wade, I… I’m not sure that’s a good idea”.

His expression fell slightly, but he nodded. “Can I ask why?”.

She gestured vaguely between them. “We’re from different worlds. You run a multi-million dollar company. I struggle to keep my dad’s little shop afloat sometimes. I’m just being realistic”.

“Is that what you think matters to me?” Wade asked, his voice gentle but firm. “Poppy, I’ve dated women who fit perfectly into my world, as you call it. Women who cared more about my bank account than who I am”.

“These past few weeks with you have been the most genuine connection I’ve had with anyone in years,” he continued. His sincerity was impossible to doubt, and Poppy felt her resistance wavering.

“I don’t even own a dress fancy enough for wherever you probably take dates,” she attempted to joke.

Wade smiled. “Then how about this? I’ll cook for you at my place. Nothing fancy, just dinner”.

“You cook?” she asked, surprised.

“Another skill I picked up living alone. I make a pretty impressive grilled salmon”.

Poppy couldn’t help but smile. “All right. Dinner at your place, but I’m bringing dessert”.