Page 45 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

“Good.” Brady huffs out a breath. “You don’t want to end up being the next Drake Hawkins.”

“Yeah. No. Sure. Definitely not.” My jaw ticks, and a bolt of protectiveness over Olivia shoots through me. Which is strange, since Brady’s saying the exact thing I thought about her too.

“The thing is, I know a little about that situation,” I say, “and I’m pretty sure Olivia only went out with the guy because of the long-distance thing. She didn’t think he’d want to get serious. So if he ended up expecting more, that’s probably on him. Not her.”

Brady takes a beat, looks me in the eye. “I’m sure you’re right. Like I said, I really do love Liv.”

“Oh yeah?” Olivia breezes back into the office carrying a steaming mug. “Wait till you taste my coffee. I’m way better at brewing than baking.”

Brady hops off the desk to take the mug. “Thanks, Liv. Smells delicious.”

While she takes her seat again, Brady and I dart a glance at each other. Based on Olivia’s smile, she didn’t hear a thing besides Brady saying he loves her. Which is all that matters, in the end.

Brady sips his coffee, widens his eyes. “Wow. Hope you don’t mind me coming by The Beachfront every morning now for the rest of my life. For the coffee. And to see you of course,” he adds with a chuckle.

She shrugs. “Too bad I’m only here until the reopening.” She’s acting nonchalant, but her cheeks pink up. “This is just a transitional thing. Then I’ve got to go find a permanent job.”

My chest constricts. “I wish we could keep you on full time.”

“Yeah, well.” She crooks her lip. “With my new and improved resume, you won’t be able to afford me.” She averts her gaze, shifting her focus back to Brady. “So you and Natalie had a great anniversary, huh?”

Smooth pivot, Olivia.

“We did.” Brady bobs his head. “And we got some amazing news on the last day.” He pauses for dramatic effect, arching his brow. “Do you two know Lincoln James?”

Olivia guffaws. “Everybody knows Lincoln James.”

“Well, apparently Lincoln James knows me too.” Brady sets his mug on my desk. “At least he knows my pen name—B.R. Graham. And get this: He says he’s read all of my mysteries.”

“Wait.” Olivia gapes. “You actually talked to him?”

“I sure did.”

“And you get to call him Link?”

“Yep.”

“I’ve read all your books too,” I interject, as Olivia and Brady volley back and forth. “They’re really great.”

“Thanks, man.” Brady ducks his head at me. “Means a lot.”

“Seriously, though,” Olivia chimes in. Her eyes are big green saucers. “Lincoln James is probably the most famous movie star in the world. And he’s definitely the most adorable.”

“Yeah.” Brady chuckles. “So adorable.”

“He’s also engaged, right?” I clear my throat.

“To Hadley Morgan,” Olivia gushes. “And he’s totally devoted to her, which only makes him more wonderful.” She sighs. “I always hoped he’d come stay at Luxe, but he’ll probably show up now that I’m gone.”

“Your grandma thought I was Lincoln James,” I say, reminding Olivia that this adorable, totally devoted actor looks kind of like me.

“Yeah,” she scoffs, like the idea’s the most ridiculous thing in the world. Seeing her show interest in another man—even one who’s got a fiancée—sends a sliver of jealousy through my gut. And I don’t love the feeling. It’s exactly why I’m steering clear of relationships from now on. I have no desire to walk this line. Besides, Olivia and I are coworkers. And she’s got one foot out the door. There’s zero reason for me to be possessive.

Don’t forget that, Hudson.

“Are you ready for the really big news?” Brady splays his hands. “Link wants to turn my vet detective series into a movie franchise.”

“Brady!” Olivia squeals. “That’s incredible!”

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