Page 48 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

“Nothing, I guess. Thanks, Tess. For the record, you did make me feel better.”

“Well, it’s about time. You’re always helping Darby and me.”

“Sure.” I press on a smile. “Probably because that’s a whole lot easier than being honest with myself.”

“Stop selling yourself short, Liv. You’re an excellent listener. Mac, Darby, and I all think so. Whenever we talk about you behind your back—which is constantly, by the way—we say how great you are at really hearing other people. I’m just glad I got to return the favor for once.”

“Wait. You guys talk behind my back?”

“Constantly.”

I choke out a laugh. “You suck.”

“And you get jokes, right?” She flashes me a grin. “Now, go. Be the fun-bringer.”

By five o’clock, Hudson still hasn’t returned from running errands, and I’m starting to get a teensy bit worried. Maybe I freaked him out with the cupcakes. Or maybe he freaked himself out with that hug. Or maybe he didn’t appreciate my excessive love for the sesame seed buns at The Merry Cow. Either way, I’m about to give up and leave for the day when my phone buzzes with an incoming text.

HUDSON

You still at the inn?

OLIVIA

Yep. Just earning my keep, bossman. The Beachfront isn’t going to save itself.

HUDSON

Well I’m probably not coming back at this point, so you can definitely head out.

OLIVIA

Cool. So. Where have you been all afternoon? Burying my cupcakes?

HUDSON

Heh. No. I’m at the Abie Campgrounds across the lake.

OLIVIA

Abie Campgrounds? Did you decide to pitch a tent in the middle of the workday?

Bubbles dance across my screen, then they disappear. Bubbles. Bubbles.

Blank space.

HUDSON

OLIVIA

What?

HUDSON

Pitching a tent. Really?

My stomach plummets.

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