Page 13 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

Chapter Five

Olivia

An hour later, I’m cruising down Main Street on my way to my future.

One small step for The Beachfront Inn, one giant leap for Olivia McCoy.

Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but managing the inn for the Johnsons could be the solution to most of my problems. I’ll have a steady income, a position to add to my resume, and a reason to stay near my family for longer than two weeks.

As usual, the streets are pretty quiet after lunch, with only a few people window-shopping. The sidewalks are lined with barrels serving as planters for seasonal flowers, and the lamp posts are decked out with red, white, and blue bows. Afternoon foot traffic should increase next month, once the A-Fair comes to town. That’s Abieville’s summer carnival that runs through all of July.

For now, Murphy’s Jewelers and Flower Power Floral both have their Open signs lit. And the doors of Bookishly Yours and Dips & Scoops are propped to welcome visitors.

At the stop sign on the corner of Main and Bridge, I check my reflection in the dusty rearview. I’m driving an old Chevy pickup that belongs to my uncle Phil and my aunt Elaine. Luckily, I packed my cosmetics bag in my carry-on, so if nothing else, my lipstick is on point.

Making a right, I turn onto Bridge Street, a mile-long road that arches over the lake. On the other side is a stretch of docks that share parking space with The Beachfront.

As I make my way toward the bridge, morning sun beams through the windshield, as bright and hopeful as my future feels. A fresh grin creeps across my face.

You’re making this happen, Liv.

My phone buzzes. It’s my brother. I called him while I was getting changed to see if he had any advice on how to pitch myself to the Johnsons. But he was already at work, so I left him a voicemail.

“MAC!” My voice cracks with excitement. Or nerves. Probably both.

“Hey, Liv. I got your message. How’s it going?”

“I’m a little anxious, to be honest. I just hope this job’s not too good to be true.”

“Are you kidding? Robin and Gerald will be thrilled that you’re willing to take this on.”

“You didn’t call them, did you?” I wrinkle my nose. “I really want to do this on my own.”

“I have zero say with staffing. I’m just an investor, and I organized the renovation. But I do think they’d be lucky to have you, sis.”

“Awww. Thanks, Mac.” A wave of warmth crests in my chest.

“Don’t thank me,” he says. “What you did at The Blue Bell and Luxe was amazing. I’m sure you’ll have The Beachfront turned around in no time.”

“You think so?”

“I do. And making The Beachfront the place to stay in the Adirondacks will be good for everyone in Abieville.”

“I guess.” The warmth in my chest turns into a beehive of stressful buzzing. I hadn’t thought about anyone else benefiting from this besides me and the Johnsons. But Mac is right. The influx of business from new guests could definitely help the locals. And half the locals are related to me.

No pressure, Liv.

“Where are you now?” he asks.

“Just crossing the bridge.” On either side of me, Abie Lake is a blanket of summer blue. Boats drag water-skiers through stretches of frothy waves. And pods of paddle-boarders push themselves along the shore. “I’ll be at the docks in less than two minutes.”

“Or—as Big Mama would say—quicker than a jackrabbit stealing a kiss.”

Stealing a kiss.

Mac chuckles, while my mind flies back to the moment Hudson told me he wasn’t interested. Then I made things worse walking away from him with my underwear on full display. I haven’t thought of that night in a while. I try not to think about Hudson at all. Thank goodness he’s living in the city now, safely out of sight.

And mostly out of mind.

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