Page 47 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

I indulge in a laugh. “My old boss would disagree. But separate from work, it’s been nice to be here with Mom and Big Mama. Visiting Abieville for holidays and weddings isn’t the same as living here. Like, it’s actually fun to run into our cousins in town. And the aunts stop by to say hi every day. Uncle Phil’s letting me borrow his truck.”

Tess squawks. “That bucket of bolts?”

I snort back at her. “My point is, everyone’s been super supportive.”

“That’s how I feel about being here in Apple Valley close to Mac and his family.”

“Then, I guess we’re both where we’re supposed to be right now.”

“Okay. That still doesn’t explain your face then. What gives?”

“Fine.” I chew at my lip. “You got me. I maybe did something dumb today.”

“Uh oh.” Tess cringes. “Did you finally get that tattoo?”

“What tattoo?”

“I’ll take that as a no.”

“Yes. That’s a no.” I grit my teeth. “But I did sort of bake Hudson cupcakes for his birthday.”

“So what?” she scoffs. “That’s sweet.”

“I also might’ve hugged him a little too long when he was thanking me. And I think he caught me smelling him. And then Brady walked in on us.”

“I knew it!” Tess straightens in her chair, leaning over her desk. “You kept telling Darby and me you weren’t interested, but I could tell two years ago. It’s why I dared you to kiss him in the first place.”

I blow out a long breath. “The thing is, there’s no way anything can happen with us, Tess.”

“Why not?”

“He’s still my boss, and this town isn’t my end game. Even he keeps reminding me I’m only here for a short time. Plus I haven’t changed my mind about relationships.”

“Overthink much, Liv?” Tess’s sisterly sarcasm stretches between us. “You’re acting like the fate of the western world rests on your shoulders. You need to loosen up.”

“But getting The Beachfront turned around is a big deal.”

“And you’re going to knock that out of the park, Liv. So in the meantime, do what you do best.”

“Which is what?”

“Bring the fun, Liv. Enjoy being near the family while you can.”

“Be the fun?”

“Technically, I said ‘bring the fun.’ But they’re pretty much the same thing. And if you want to flirt a little with Hudson, go for it. You both know your stay has an expiration date, so it’s kind of perfect. Nothing can get too serious between you two.”

A tiny pit sinks in my stomach. “Nothing serious. Right.”

Tess leans in closer to the screen. “I mean, personally, I think you’d make a great girlfriend or wife someday. But that’s not your thing, and that’s okay. You can still be a fun-bringer. That’s the best way to help The Beachfront.”

My brow dips. “You really think so?”

“Trust me. I didn’t get this camp director job by being serious all the time. I had to think like a kid. That’s how to get into the true spirit of the job. That’s how you’ll set yourself apart at The Beachfront and make a name for yourself wherever you go from there.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“What have you got to lose?”

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