Page 31 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

“Good.” His mouth ticks up. “We’ve got the same goal, then.” He turns his attention to his computer, then makes a big show of clicking around on the keyboard. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to arrange a training session for the serving staff, check on a shipment of linens, and order a couple of Beachfront polos for my new assistant.”

A smile breaks across my face. “Whatever you say, exacting bossman.”

“Shhhh.” He raises a finger, but his lip twitches. “Stop distracting me.”

More loud clacking from him.

“I’m distracting you?” I say under my breath.

“Distractor …” he whispers, stifling a grin.

It’s been less than an hour, and he’s more than adorable.

I am in so. much. trouble.

Chapter Eleven

Hudson

“Teller! What’s up? I’ve been trying to reach you for two days.” I’m in my suite, feet up on the coffee table, and Teller’s face filling my phone screen. Across from the couch, there’s a maple sleigh bed flanked by a couple of log-style nightstands. Like all the rooms at the inn, this space is woodsy and warm. Old-school Adirondack.

The polar opposite of my apartment in the city.

“Sorry, man.” Teller winces. “Been crazy-busy. How are things going there in small-town America?”

“You are not going to believe this.”

“Let me guess.” He hoists one sandy eyebrow. “You finally found out there’s no Santa?”

“Wow, dude,” I deadpan. “I’m sorry you have no magic in your life.”

“I’ve got Winnie,” Teller says. “She’s all the magic I need.”

I groan and fake an over-the-top cringe. “That is some supreme cheesiness, my friend. And thanks for rubbing your perfect relationship in my face. That’s just great.”

“Hey, man.” Teller tips his other eyebrow. “Swearing off women is a you choice. Not the way I’d go.” He glances over his shoulder. “In fact, I’m at Winnie’s place now. We just got back from dinner, celebrating the one-year anniversary of our first date.”

“Poor thing.” I guffaw. “She had no idea what she was getting into, did she?”

“I told her a million times she’s too good for me, but for some reason she’s unconvinced.” He takes a beat, cutting off his chuckle. “Anyway. What’s so unbelievable?”

“Ah, right. You’ll never guess who’s in Abieville.” Olivia’s green eyes flash across my brain. Then I add, “Nope.”

He grunts. “I didn’t guess yet.”

“No, I’m talking about Nope. That bridesmaid.”

Teller squints for a moment, then his lids fly open. “Wait. The one who kissed you? I thought you said she was in California.”

“Colorado,” I say. “And she was. But she quit her job, so she’s staying with her mom and grandmother for a while. Here in town.”

“Whoa.”

Winnie appears over Teller’s shoulder, waving at the screen. “Hey, there, Hud. What are you two whoa-ing about?”

“Hudson’s new lady friend,” Teller quips, and I lurch up from my reclined position.

“Ooh. You’ve got a new lady friend?” Winnie beams at me. “Say more. What’s her name?”

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