Page 7 of While We Waited

He studies me for a moment before motioning for me to follow him. “This way, please.”

I walk through the lobby as if I belong there. We enter a hallway behind the reception area and continue until we reach a door markedHudson Clark.

“Thank you for accompanying me,” I tell him. He nods before backing away.

I wait until he’s gone before I knock on the door.

“Hudson,” I holler as I knock. When he doesn’t respond, I open the door. Damn. His office is empty. Where is he? I can hardly go ask Roger after lying about having an appointment.

I notice a door at the end of the hallway and aim for it. It leads outside. I scan the area but there’s no sign of Hudson.

Kraken’s curse! Where is he?

I’ve come this far. I’m not giving up now. I will find Hudson and I will secure a deal with him to sellFive Fathomsbeer at his fancy schmancy resort.

To the left is the beach. I don’t bother with it. Hudson doesn’t enjoy the beach. Too much sand and sun for the Grumblebee. I turn toward the chalets scattered throughout the resort instead.

I meander through the paths lined with greenery and small ponds. It’s peaceful here. The entire resort vibe is the complete opposite to the rest of the island of Smuggler’s Hideaway where shenanigans rule the day.

Don’t get me wrong. I love shenanigans as much as the next smuggler but I could get used to the peace and quiet here.

I spot a golfcart in front of a chalet. Guessing by the tiles stacked outside, this chalet is still under construction. Excellent. I bet Hudson is here.

Holy mermaids! I nearly shout when I enter the chalet. This place is fantastic. My eye immediately catches on the wall of windows with a view of the ocean. There’s also a plunge pool on the patio. I’m drawn to it. I love swimming but I hate salt water. Which sucks when you live on an island where pools are rare because you can swim in the ocean.

“What are you doing here?”

I whirl around with a hand on my chest. “You scared the kraken out of me.”

Hudson crosses his arms over his chest and his biceps bulge with the action. Despite no longer being a professional athlete, he keeps in shape. There’s not an ounce of fat on him. I long to touch every inch of his body to feel those muscles for myself. Are they smooth and hard?

He clears his throat and I lift my gaze to his face. He couldn’t be a bit ugly? Nope. Not Hudson. Deep, dark brown eyes I could drown in. A square jaw I want to explore with myfingers. His face is perfect except for a bump on his nose from where he broke it playing college ball.

His face should adorn magazines. What am I saying? It has adorned magazines. There’s a chance I have a copy of each of those magazines. But I’ll never admit it out loud.

“I scared you? You’re the one who’s trespassing.”

“I’m not trespassing. I came to speak to you.”

He scowls. “I don’t want to speak to you.”

Don’t be discouraged, Nova. Don’t be discouraged.

I beam up at him. “I want to discuss the possibility ofHideaway Haven ResortcarryingFive Fathomsbeer.”

“I told you. We already have a beer supplier.”

“But don’t you want to carry the local beer?”

“I’m not interested in your little hobby brewery.”

Hobby brewery? Is he serious?Five Fathoms Brewingis stocked in grocery stores all along the Atlantic coast. We are a serious business with serious beer.

I inhale a deep breath and shove all my annoyance away.

“I’m not going anywhere until you at least try one of our beers.”

“Not interested.” He grunts and strolls to the front door. I rush to intercept him.

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