Page 61 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

At least not to me. So at first, I totally expect her to give up when confronted with my snail-in-a-footrace learning style. That’s what I felt like growing up—that people would lose interest and move on the minute I fell behind.

But Olivia’s not a quitter, and I never feel like she’s frustrated or about to throw in the towel when I’m confused. Her patience helps me stay focused instead of glazing over at things like the algorithm and SEO.

I do a pretty decent job of keeping my head in the game and my brain on task.

That is, until the morning she breezes into the office in denim cut-offs and a tank top.

“How many kayaks do we have?” she asks.

I know the answer, but my tongue freezes up. Then my eyeballs start to sizzle like I’m looking directly at an eclipse. So I quickly shift my focus from her legs back to my keyboard.

“Six, I think.” I start clacking away like I’m checking that number for her, but I already know our kayak count, and I’m not even sure if I could find that information on my computer if I tried.

“Yep.” I nod. “Looks like it’s definitely six.” I’m forcing my eyes to stay glued to the screen. But when she crosses to the window, I find myself glancing at her again, because let’s face facts: Olivia’s a patient teacher, and she’s great at her job. But she’s also a magnet and my corneas might as well be iron.

“Are they in the storage shed?” She peers out to the rear of the property.

“No, I think they’re in the boathouse.” I’m still nodding like an idiot, but at least she’s got her back turned now, so she can’t see my awkward bob and stare.

“Great.” When she spins around to face me, her ponytail swishes over her shoulder. “I’m going to take them down to the lake today.”

“The kayaks? I thought you were in ads mode this week.”

“I am.” She slides behind her desk. “I’ve got fresh pictures and videos for the inn and pub now, but I still need updated images of the beach and the lake. I’m going for a simple vibe. Rustic. Nostalgic. Kayaks on the shore will be perfect.”

“Um.” Bob. Stare. Ugh. Say something normal, Hudson. “I think the last time I checked, the kayaks were pretty dirty. Full of dead leaves and spiders and stuff.”

Spiders and stuff? I sound like a twelve-year-old. A barely normal one at that.

“Oof.” Olivia wrinkles her nose. “I guess I’ll have to wash them out first.”

“Yeah. Probably.” Bob. Stare. “Need any help?”

Whoa.

I can’t afford to hang out washing kayaks and taking pictures, but the offer slips out before I can stop myself. And once I say it, I realize I really want to help Olivia.

Even when we’re just working side by side in the office—no conversation at all—her proximity gives me a boost. I like spending time with her, and we’ve got limited amounts of it left.

“Hmm.” She tilts her head. “Aren’t you and the chef meeting with the new pub employees today?”

Duh.

“Not until later,” I say. “I’ve got plenty of time.”

No, I don’t.

What am I doing?

You’re getting yourself in trouble, Hudson. That’s what.

But the truth is, I’m drawn to Olivia in a way I’ve been unable to fight. And I don’t want to fight it. So it’s a good thing she’ll be leaving soon. How much damage can being near her do in the meantime?

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” She shuffles her feet. Man, she’s cute.

“I wouldn’t have offered if I did.” I square my shoulders. “I can protect you from the spiders. And the dead leaves. And the … stuff.”

She chuckles. “In that case, I accept your kind offer. But I’ll do the bulk of the washing while you ward off any killer arachnids.”

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