Page 105 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

“And that’s why I’m sure …” Her nod is slow. Barely a dip. “No, I’m positive this place will be a big success without me.”

Whoa.

I clear my throat, and my heart begins to rattle in my chest. This is not how I’d been imagining our conversation going. “I won’t stand here and pretend I can’t run this place on my own,” I say. “Thanks to you taking the time to teach me, I actually think I can.” I gather one of her hands in mine, our fingers slowly entwining. “The thing is, I don’t want to do it on my own.”

“I know.” She swallows hard. “But …”

“But what?”

She releases my hand. “I didn’t want to say anything earlier because we were so focused on Hadley and Link. And I had a lot to consider, which I couldn’t do clearly if I was only thinking about you.”

“Okay.” Heat rises from my chest to my throat. I had a whole speech prepared. I was ready to broach the possibility of Olivia continuing to work at The Beachfront. All week, I’d been dreaming of us managing the inn side by side. Sure the budget might be tight, and I’d have to talk to the Johnsons first. But they trust my judgment, and I’m almost certain they’d agree to whatever I asked. And the way our numbers are looking, there’s going to be a lot more money coming in now.

“Before you say anything—” I shift my jaw, not wanting to jump ahead of her, but once Olivia speaks, she won’t be able to unsay whatever she’s got on her mind. “I want to talk to the Johnsons about hiring you full time,” I say. “Between the inn, the pub, the beach, and all the extras we’ve added to the business, I think we can justify a second manager’s salary.” I pause for a beat, and my heart’s a hammer. All I can hear is my pulse throbbing in my ears.

“Hudson.” She furrows her brow.

Uh-oh.

“I wouldn’t feel right taking profits from The Beachfront just so it’s easier for us to keep seeing each other,” she says. “That’s not fair. It’s selfish. And selfish is the last thing I want to be.”

My eyes flash, ready to defend Olivia against … herself. “You’re the most generous person I know, Liv.”

“Then you need to trust me,” she says.

“Trust what?”

“That you’ve got a bright future here.” Her pupils are black holes drawing me in, and I couldn’t look away, even if I wanted to.

“Maybe I want to try building a future with you,” I say. “Slowly,” I add. “We’re not in any hurry.” I don’t want to freak Olivia out. Or myself, for that matter. This is new territory for both of us, but I’m finally ready to explore the possibilities with her. “As long as we’re together.” My words are gruff, clawing up from deep in my gut.

“But I have no idea what that looks like.” Her eyes shine under the darkening skies. “I’ve never been in love. I’ve never even had a serious boyfriend.” She clutches the porch swing rope, like she needs support. “I’m terrified of … wanting something that much.” Her breath hitches, and her volume drops. “Of needing someone. Of … losing them.”

“I am too.” I reach a hand under her chin to gently lift her face. “But I’m more afraid of not trying.” Her gaze meets mine again. “Liv, I know this may seem like it’s all happening fast, but we’ve spent all day, every day together for weeks now. And I think you feel the connection, too. So if you decide to stay in Abieville, we can take our time. Get to know each other better. Sure it’s a risk, but I’m willing to take that leap now. Whatever it takes. If you just give us a chance.”

She makes a small noise in the back of her throat.

“Francine Tomlin offered me a job,” she blurts. “Back at Luxe.”

My stomach clenches, and I taste acid. “What?”

“I know. I was shocked too.” Olivia’s lids flutter like moths around a flame. “But after she heard about Link and Hadley coming here, she convinced the team to offer me the marketing manager position with an even higher salary than they originally posted. They want to steal me from The Beachfront.” Olivia straightens her spine and squares her shoulders. She’s so strong. So determined. But Francine Tomlin didn’t fight for her in the first place. And I’m ready to fight for her now.

But.

I don’t want to take away her dream.

If this really is her dream.

“Did you accept the job?” My voice is a gravelly croak.

“I didn’t give her an answer yet.” Her chin trembles. “She hasn’t officially made her pitch. But the management team’s flying me out to discuss the details face to face.” She swallows hard. “I leave in the morning.”

“Tomorrow?”

She nods, glancing down at the docks, then back at me. “And while I’m there, I’m going to see my old roommates, Sutton and Naomi. My room’s available again, and they want me to move back in.”

“Wow.”

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