Page 112 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

Winnie could be my new best friend.

And Jacqueline is … complicated.

Under different circumstances, I might even like her.

Okay. Maybe that’s going a little too far.

But the truth is, she’s not all bad. Sure she started out flirty and aggressive—but she didn’t keep up the act for long. Over the course of the night, I’ve seen a different side of her—probably the side that drew Hudson to her in the first place. I feel like she works hard to cover up her insecurities, but in the end, she’s not all that different from anybody else masking vulnerability with false bravado.

From what I’ve gathered, her goal is to make something of her life. She’s just kind of unsure how to go about that. And I can relate.

Boy, can I relate.

When the candles have burned down and the cheese plate’s been devoured, we begin to stand and stretch, checking our watches and phones for the time.

Teller feigns an enormous yawn. “Man, being engaged is exhausting.”

“You two are going to love the rooms here,” Hudson says. “I can take you up now.”

“I just need to finish this last sip of champagne,” Winnie chirps. “It’s the bride-to-be’s prerogative.”

“I’ll show Jacqueline to her room,” I offer.

“You’re very kind,” Jacqueline says. “And I’m not even being sarcastic.” She hoists her bag from the back of her chair. “I’ve been told it’s hard to tell with me sometimes.”

“I’m happy to help,” I say. Although, to be fair, I would’ve been happier if Jacqueline hadn’t shown up and interrupted Hudson and me in the first place. I turn to him now, tipping my head. “I think I’ll stay tonight after all.”

“You can stay as long as you want. I’ll be right next door if you need me.” His voice is a deep promise. “Sweet dreams, Liv. Sleep well.”

For the record, I’m not sticking around because I don’t trust Hudson around Jacqueline. In fact, I think I could even trust her around him, at this point. But I’m planning to take her to rent a car first thing in the morning, so I don’t want to drive home to Big Mama’s now, then drive back to pick her up again tomorrow.

I’m paying for gas, after all, and my uncle’s truck is a total fuel guzzler.

Still, as I head off down the hall that separates the pub from the guest wings, I cast a quick glance over my shoulder. Hudson’s still with Teller and Winnie, but he’s only got eyes on me. He lifts his chin, just the slightest rise, and my heart skips a beat.

I’m glad there will only be one wall between us.

For now.

Chapter Forty-Five

MCCOY SIBLING GROUP CHAT

MAC

Hey, girls. Who’s here?

OLIVIA

Present and accounted for.

TESS

HEY HEY HEEEEY!

DARBY

That was entirely too enthusiastic, Tess.

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