JacksonThe Brewer Brothers

Book Six

By Elsie James

Copyright © 2021 by Elsie JamesAll rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any

manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotationsin a book review. Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, realpeople, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products

of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living ordead, are entirely coincidental.

authorelsiejames.com

Table of ContentsChapter One: JacksonChapter Two: OliviaChapter Three: JacksonChapter Four: OliviaChapter Five: JacksonChapter Six: OliviaEpilogue: Jackson

Chapter One: JacksonThe line of guests waiting to check in winds around our lobby and right out through the front

doors. There’s been some sort of glitch in the computer system and inexplicably it’s not letting mecheck anyone in.

Three months after opening the doors to the Brew by Brewer guest lodge, it still feels surreal.It seems like only yesterday my siblings and I were wandering through the empty rooms of thisbuilding and collecting old artifacts that belonged to its original inhabitants.

We aren’t just open, we’re fully staffed and booked to capacity. There have been a fewgrowing pains along the way that I didn’t see coming. With all eight of us Brewer siblings workingfull time on the property, we never imagined we’d have to hire so much additional staff.

With the lodge opening after the pub, gardens, and bottling lines, we were fresh out of friendsand family to hire. I hardly know everyone's names. I want to change that, and it seems like thismorning I’ll have an opportunity to do so because we’re short-staffed and I’m working at the frontdesk myself. I’m not doing a very good job at it either or so it seems.

Sweat beads on my back as I talk to our tech department over the house phone while the lineof people stretches out of control. Our system is down and without it, there simply isn’t any way tocheck guests into rooms.

For the most part, the guests seem to be waiting patiently but it only takes one aggressivevoice that floats above the rest to change all that.

“I need to know why my appointment time at the spa has been changed!” A woman pushes herway past the line until she’s standing directly in front of me.

She screeches at the top of her lungs and it does nothing to help the already complicatedsituation. When I pause to take her in, she’s only wearing a towel and I am incredibly confused.

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” I try to pacify her but instead it makes the woman comeunglued.

“Ten o’clock! My appointment was at ten. The door is locked. Your website says brewery,fire pits, pub, lodging, bakery, and spa. Spa!” The woman barely clasps her towel together with onehand and all I can hope is that she doesn’t let go.

I glance at the clock on the wall above her head. “Maam, did you say ten?”

“Ten o’clock,” she barks, red in the face.

“It’s nine.” I’m not trying to be a dick, rather I’m just stating a fact. I’m also second-guessingmy brother’s collective decision to put me in charge of the lodge. Why didn’t I volunteer to be abartender at the pub instead?

The woman swells and I can feel the heat radiating off her skin. Without another word, sheslams both hands down on the counter. Her towel falls to the floor in a curled pile of white terry clothnext to her flip-flops.

She stands still for just a moment seeming almost not to notice. Then in a start, she bends atthe waist, snatches it off the floor, and struggles to get it wrapped back around herself. Gasps ofshock echo through the lobby, and I feel terrible for her.

The class I attended on hospitality management in preparation for this role did not give me anystrategies for handling a situation like this. The woman flails, flashing bits of skin at every turn. Iavert my eyes and step around the front of the desk.

I stand facing away from her and attempt to block the crowd from snapping pictures so she cancollect herself. But of course, the woman has no way of knowing my intentions. Instead, she looksover her shoulder to see my six-foot-five frame just three feet from her and lets out a blood-curdlingyelp.

“Stand back sir! Coming around to get a better look? What’s wrong with you?”

The lobby falls pin-drop silent and I wipe the sweat from my forehead, my heart racing out ofcontrol. I don't know how this went so wrong, so quickly. I imagine in horror what the pictures beingsnapped on the phones might look like.

“No, I’m not! I was blocking them and I don’t want to see... ah shit.” This is a lose-losesituation and I am completely flustered.

Making any woman uncomfortable is the last thing I ever want to do in any situation. I throwmy hands in the air and back as far away from her as possible, my head turned completely to one sideand my eyes squeezed shut.

“Hey, hey, here,” a soft voice coos in the stunned silence of the lobby. I turn to find one of mynew employees making her way around the counter. Her long, silky black hair is tied into a lowponytail, and her dark eyes glitter in the low light. My eyes dart across her name tag, Olivia.

Olivia is holding what I can only assume is her own coat and drapes it around the woman’sshoulders. Then she rubs her hand gently across the woman’s back. “I totally get it, I haven’t had aspa day in five years.”

Just like that, the angry towel woman is completely calm and her eyes go teary. “It’s just thatthis is my one day without my kids and I need time for myself. I scheduled this because I need it and Idon’t know when I’ll get it again.”

Olivia raises her eyebrows and leans in conspiratorially. “Tell you what, I have a key backthere behind the counter, and I’ll bet I could figure out how to turn on the sauna for you. It’ll give youa chance to unwind before your appointment.”

The women mumble back and forth to each other and then exit the lobby like nothing ever

happened. I stand completely awestruck, mouth gaping. It’s a miracle. I call down to the pub and havemy brother James send up a tray of drinks for everyone in line.

Within minutes, the lobby is buzzing back to life and it seems everyone has moved on. Exceptme. I haven’t stopped thinking about Olivia. It isn’t just that she took charge, it’s the way she did itwith so much grace and poise. Not to mention her thick, curvy, smokestack of a body.

By mid-morning, the computer system is back up and I’m back to my usual tasks of flittingacross the property. I chat with my brothers at our budgeting meeting and meet my sister Lucy todiscuss plans for our upcoming official grand opening.

Today my cousin Spencer is on our property as well working on a plumbing issue that’simpacting a few of our guest rooms. Spencer’s been all but kicked out of the family for a while afterhe made an off-colored comment about my brother’s girlfriend.

But this place was built on the back of my father’s brewing legacy and my father believed insecond chances. Besides I’m grateful for Spencer's help even if he tends to be a little on the negativeside from time to time.

∆∆∆

In the early evening, I’m called back to the front desk to cover an employee lunch break. Ican’t help but hope Olivia will still be there. When I arrive, I’m disappointed she isn't anywhere tobe seen.

Instead, another new employee, Mitch, gives me a lackluster nod and heads out of the backdoor with his coffee cup in hand. I use the time to straighten and restock the forms we hold under thecounter and tidy up.

I get the incredible idea to take a look at the schedule for the upcoming week. I figure if I justso happen to see when Olivia will be back in, then it’s an added bonus. As I wait for the system toload, I’m interrupted by the sound of a child clearing his throat dramatically.

I look up to see a cute kid, he’s all crooked smile and round glasses. He plops a wallet ontothe desk then rings the service bell which makes a sharp ding.

“I found this on the floor!” The boy makes his announcement with a hint of pride, places hishand confiFdently on his hip, and raises one eyebrow.

“Wow, thanks.” I take the wallet and check it for an ID. There is a large stack of bills insideand when I peek at them, I’m shocked to see they’re all hundreds.

“That’s a lot of cash right?” The boy’s eyes widen.

I can’t help but chuckle at his casual use of the word cash as I slide the wallet under the

counter. “Yep, that’s a lot of cash. Shouldn’t you be with one of your parents, little man?”

“I am,” says the kid. “Mom’s here!”

He points in the vague direction of a group of people on the other side of the lobby doorway. Ican see about three different women in the crowd from here.

“You want me to walk you back over?” I ask mentally guessing at his age. Four? Six? Nine? Ihave no idea. It’s been a long while since I’ve spent any time around a kid but this one seems as coolas any I’ve met.

The kid shakes his head. “Nah.”

“Okay then, you be careful.” I slide our bowl of candy closer to the edge of the counter. It wasmy sister Lucy’s idea and it gets emptied at least once a day.

The kid has to stretch up onto the tips of his toes to get them. He pulls one out, then reaches foranother. “This okay with you? I mean, I did return the wallet.”

I laugh. “You know what, it’s usually not okay but I think you deserve some kind of reward.”I’d guess making the wallet reappear was probably his mother’s idea but I give him the creditanyway. “What’s your name?”

The boy flashes me a great big smile, grabs another lollipop from the bowl, and then tells mehis name is Beau. He hurries across the room and toward the crowd of people then vanishes into thegroup of legs. Content in the knowledge that he’s made it back safe to his mom, I get back to work.

I check in the next couple of visitors and am a little surprised when little Beau doesn’t showup with any of them. I figure he must be staying with someone who already checked in. But the thoughtdoesn’t last long.

With a line of guests waiting to check-in, the house phone ringing off the hook, and roomservice orders whizzing by on trays, I can’t spend time thinking about oddities, like kids returningwallets. Mitch returns from lunch, but I don’t go anywhere. We work through the rush side by side. Infact, it’s not until the end of the day that the wallet crosses my mind again.

As I’m heading out, a large man with a rectangular face approaches the desk. He’s all broadshoulders and slicked-back black hair. There’s an air of confidence about him when he leans towardme. “Did someone turn in a wallet? Black, leather, had two grand in the pocket.”

“Yeah actually, and believe it or not, the cash is still there.” I slide it across the counter tohim. “It must be your lucky day. We had a young man come by earlier to turn this in.”

The man checks his wallet, and then gives a disbelieving shake of his head. “Two grand, andit’s all still in there. Unbelievable.”

“No kidding. I can’t imagine ever carrying around that much cash on me at once, there are still

good people in the world and they stay at Brew by Brewer.”

The man pulls out a hundred-dollar bill and hands it to me. “If that kid comes back, you seethat he gets this.”

I’m floored by the very idea of it, but I nod and promise to pass the money along. I’m not surewhere to put it, so I fold it and slide it into my back pocket to keep it safe. Then I scribble down anote for the employees and put it under the counter.

Looking for the room number of a little boy named Beau and his mother. He may be fouryears old all the way to nine, it’s anyone’s guess. He’s got black-framed glasses and a crookedgrin. If anyone runs across them, please let me know. - Jackson

Chapter Two: OliviaWhen I clock into work the morning after towel-gate, I find a note behind the counter. My

heart rate quickens as I read it. All I can think is, what did Beau do this time? Followed by, whateverit is, I hope it doesn’t get me fired.

At just seven years old, my strong-willed, articulate-beyond-his-years-son Beau has gotteninto quite a lot of mischief. It’s not all his fault, it can’t be easy to try to become a man when you’veonly been let down by them.

Whatever this note is, it’s not something that I’m willing to deal with until after my shift ends.If I get canned, I’m getting the full day’s pay. I know to some this job may seem trivial, it’s just a frontdesk job at a hotel. But for me, this place is freedom. I’m the first to admit my life hasn’t exactlyturned out the way I'd planned.

Escaping a loveless marriage with a narcissist took more than a little willpower. It took fiveyears, an out-of-state move, and a lawyer whose fees wiped out my savings account. It was worthevery sacrifice but it hasn’t exactly been a smooth couple of years.

Not to mention, it took a long time for me to find a workplace that allows me to bring Beauwith me. Not that I’ve officially asked and of course there’s no sanctioned babysitting. It’s just thatthe hotel is busy enough that I can usually find somewhere to park Beau. I pick him up from school onmy lunch break, give him a coloring book, or a tablet for a few hours and just let him be.

It’s crossed my mind that I might even be able to sneak him into the pool as a treat, once in awhile. I don’t bring him with me daily. It’s just that my babysitter isn’t really reliable, and she callsoff at the last minute. Without any family or friends on Misty Mountain, I don’t have a choice. But it’sall for nothing if Jackson Brewer wants to get rid of me today.

I tell myself not to worry about the note but my coworker Mitch keeps bringing it up. He’s all,what do you think it’s about? Did your son do something? Do you think Jackson’s upset? Eventhough Mitch claims to know nothing about the reason behind the note, by mid-morning it’s hard tobelieve. By noon, I find myself searching for Jackson to get to the bottom of this.

Hunting Jackson down should be easy enough. He’s the manager of our hotel, and one of theowners of the Brew by Brewer resort. Though you’d never know it because he’s very hands-on.

He’s always buzzing around behind the counter and helping wherever he can. You can feel hisstrong presence when he walks into a room. He’s ruggedly handsome too, not that I take time to noticethose sorts of things these days.

I walk down the echoing hall that leads to the individual guest rooms. My black heels clickwith each step I take. The colorful murals on the walls that depict scenes from the property’s historyas a poor farm are stunning.

I pause in front of a wall-mounted glass display case and marvel at the antique skeleton keys

inside. The plaque says that they were recovered from the building itself. I love the way the Brewerfamily has taken the time to honor the history that lives within these walls.

“Pretty incredible aren’t they?” Jackson’s deep voice behind me is unmistakable and itstartles me.

“They are.” My stomach flutters with nerves.

“You know, when we first bought this place there were times I was in here alone and it was alittle creepy. We’d find these personal belongings that were hundreds of years old and imagine whatit must have been like to live and work here. I’m man enough to admit I was spooked.” Jacksonchuckles, and it reveals deep-set dimples that highlight his squared jawline.

His smile warms my face and I giggle. “I can see how that could be a little uncomfortable.”

“Now I’ve made my peace with the people who used to live here. I like to think that theyappreciate what we’ve done with the place. Maybe now their souls spend their days wanderingthrough the gardens in the sun alongside our patrons.”

I look up at him and warmth blooms in me. “That’s a really beautiful thought. I’m Olivia bythe way, I work at the front desk. I was just hired but I interviewed with someone else. Must havebeen a brother of yours. He looked like you, only not as...you know... handsome.” I mumble the lastword and immediately regret saying it aloud.

“I know who you are, I was so impressed by you this morning. In fact, you’re just the person Iwas looking for.”

“You were?” The comment catches me off guard and I swallow hard. I guess he alreadyfigured out that Beau is my kid. My stomach clenches as I prepare for the worst.

“I know that you haven’t been working here for very long. I figure that if no one’s shown youaround yet, maybe I might have the honor?” Jackson says simply, a smile pulling at the corner of hismouth.

“I— what?”

Jackson rubs the back of his neck and it’s incredibly charming. “I was wondering if you mightwant to go to the hotel bar with me when you get off to have a drink. I’d love to get to know youbetter. I do this with all my employees, at least I did in the beginning but we’ve just hired so manypeople so quickly. Not that you aren’t special because you seem… you are, I mean, you’re stunning.Ugh, I’m striking out here aren’t I?”

Is Jackson asking me on a date? A non-date? A work-date?

I stand there, mouth agape absolutely floored by the thought of it. I haven’t been on many datessince my divorce. In my limited experience of dating as a single mother, it seems like most guys thinktwice before getting too involved and that’s fine with me. Beau is pretty much all I have time for these

days and the two of us are good on our own.

His eyes burn into mine. If it wasn’t for the fact that I have Beau with me today, I wouldabsolutely agree. Fumbling my way through, I shake my head. “I can’t, sorry. I’m busy tonight, and I’mnot much of a drinker, to be honest.”

Jackson’s expression falls. “You’re not much of a drinker and you wanted to work at a resortcalled Brew by Brewer. That makes sense.” He chuckles, “Don’t worry about it, no obligation.You’ll see me popping in and out of your shifts I’m sure. But thanks for saving the day earlier.”

He gives me a tight-lipped smile and nods. When he turns to walk away, I panic. I don’t wanthim to take me the wrong way. I’m absolutely intrigued by him.

“Maybe we could plan something some other time?” My words come out in a fast blurt.

Jackson stops walking and his whole face lights up. “Maybe we will.”

I open my mouth to tell him the real reason I waved him down but nothing comes out. Instead,we stand in silence, all the air sucked out of the room by the heat that crackles between us.

When Jackson’s phone rings, it breaks the spell. He brushes the underside of my arm as heanswers his phone with the other hand and his touch sends tingles coursing through me. The intensityis enough to knock me over.

He looks back with an apologetic smile and steps away. A loud, angry-sounding voicebellows through the speaker and I watch Jackson’s shoulders fall forward ever so slightly. After afew minutes, he turns and mouths an apology to me. I nod my head and wave him off.

I don’t really want to get Beau in trouble right now anyway, so I don’t mind letting whateverthe situation is slip under the radar for now. I watch Jackson walk away and take the time toappreciate the fullness of his ass and the way his pants hug it.

I admire his large stature and tall frame. A little voice in me dares to wonder what it mightfeel like to be wrapped in his strong arms, my head pressed against his chest. I push the thought awayjust as quickly as it arrived.

Clear of any scolding, and with a possible work date waiting for me in the future, I set out tofind my son. When I spot Beau he’s laying across the couch in front of the elevator doors with thelarge black dog that roams the property.

“There you are, you found your friend again.” I gesture to the adorable Newfoundland. “Didyou get any homework done?”

“Don’t need to, I’m going to work out a deal with my teacher instead.” Beau snuggles into theenormous dog and I roll my eyes with a sigh.

“Come on, let’s head home. I’ll help you work through it.”

The babysitter is able to watch Beau for the next few days which is a blessing. Work is crazybusy, and I’ve jumped at the chance to pull some extra shifts. Time-and-a-half suits my paycheckwell, but the around-the-clock shifts are exhausting. Any thoughts I had about going out with Jack slipfrom my mind completely.

In fact, dating of any kind is so far out of my mind that when Jackson leaves me a note invitingme for a drink on Saturday, it catches me off guard entirely. My default answer is a simple no but thenote weighs heavy in my pocket and on my heart.

I’m not even sure what kind of date he’s inviting me to. I think he was flirting with me butthere’s a chance I’m reading too much into the invitation he extends to all of his employees. Eitherway, the truth is, I like Jackson.

Everything about him draws me in. Although I’ve been wrong before when it comes to trustingmen, learning to listen to my instincts is part of healing. My instincts tell me that Jackson is the realdeal. So before I leave, I write a note of my own and slip it under the door to Jackson’s office.

I’d love to have a drink with you on Saturday. - Olivia

Chapter Three: JacksonOlivia and I spend the rest of the week texting and flirting every chance we get. I make up

reasons to head to the front desk as often as possible when I know she’s working. Inadvertently, I findmyself spending a little too much time with Mitch in the process. But making small talk with him is asmall price to pay to get to know Olivia.

I find out that we share an interest in history and that while she’s new to Misty Mountain,she’s fallen for my town hard and fast. Her personal life is still somewhat of a mystery to me butOlivia is sweet and there's a depth to her I didn’t expect.

When Saturday finally arrives, I double-check my tie then head into the pub ready to meetOlivia. I can’t help but want to make a good impression on her.

“Whoa, where are you heading?” My brother James looks at my tie.

“Here man, I’m headed here.” I laugh. I secure a booth in the back of the room, grab twomenus, and pour two glasses of ice water.

“You have an interview coming in on a Saturday night?” James presses me while pouring around of drinks and sliding them across the bar top to a group of waiting customers.

“No, I’m just meeting with an employee.” I brush off his attempt at an accusation.

James raises his eyebrows and smirks at me in suspicion. It’s true that I try to meet with allmy employees one on one. It’s a part of the Brewer family business model. It’s a simple strategybased on the ideals my father used to grow the brand in the first place. We want people to want towork here. We treat them well, pay them well and trust them so they’ll trust us.

But tonight, more so than any other night, I can admit, at least to myself, I’m hoping thateverything goes off without a hitch.

“You’re a little dolled up for an employee meeting aren’t you?” James gives a teasing,sarcastic chuckle.

“Brandon, you, Brooks, Wells, Rob… do I need to continue? I don’t think any of you haveroom to talk about me falling for someone I work with.” As I rattle off the list of my brothers who aredating someone connected to our property, James nods.

“All right, understood. You’ve got me there. Good luck man, whoever she is, I hope it goeswell… and I’m not gonna lie, I’ll be watching from behind the bar.” James laughs and whips me withhis bar towel.

I roll my eyes at him and my stomach ties itself in knots. It’s been a long time since I’ve beenthis nervous. With the table situated, and at the opposite end of the pub as my brother’s bar, I headoutside.

I wait, rocking impatiently onto my tiptoes and glancing at my phone for the time. Olivia isrunning late, and that isn’t like her. At least I don’t think it is. At least she’s never been late for a shiftthat I know about.

When she pulls into the parking lot, it’s easy to spot her. With her dark hair that curls gently atthe ends and her five-foot-eight, curvy, hourglass figure, she’s impossible to miss. She steps out ofher car and I can’t help but grin.

She looks stunning in a colorful blue top and dark jeans, her hair flowing freely. It’s a far cryfrom the rigid, colorless uniform she wears at work.

I wave and she smiles back at me. Heat smolders inside me. Then she opens the back door ofher car. She leans in and I take the chance to admire the fullness of her round ass. When she standsback up, the door flies open and a little boy pops out of the car.

I blink my eyes in surprise as I make my way toward the pair. “Olivia?”

“Hi, I’m so sorry,” she says. “I know this is a lot to throw at you on the first non-date-date butmy sitter canceled at the last minute, and I didn’t have any other choice.”

“You’re a mom?” I try to process what she’s telling me but I’m completely caught off guard.Olivia has a son.

“I’m a mom, Guilty as charged. It never came up and it felt weird to blurt it out at work.” Theway her words come out in an apologetic jumble makes me wonder how these types of introductionshave gone for her in the past.

I tell Olivia that getting to know her means getting to know her son too and it seems to put herat ease. I can tell that she’s not expecting my response and that’s a shame.

“Hey man,” says the kid. My mouth falls open in shock as I take in the sight of the same kidthat turned in the wallet.

“Jackson, this is my son—” Olivia starts.

“Beau,” I finish her sentence.

“You know each other?” Olivia tugs at the collar of her shirt, her forehead wrinkling.

Just like that, I know exactly how I feel about Olivia being a mother. It’s amazing. I wink atOlivia and then crouch down in front of Beau, shaking his hand. “Hey there, little man. You excitedfor dinner?”

“Yeah, I’m hungry!” Beau quips.

Olivia lets out a long breath and smiles weakly at me. This is certainly a surprise but shedoesn’t have anything to be sorry about. Regardless, she apologizes twice more between the time we

get inside and the time we are seated at our table.

Beau has no problem talking directly to our waiter and asking him every question under thesun about the menu. I work to ignore the looks of intrigue my brother James shoots me from behind thebar.

Once we’re settled, I pull the hundred-dollar bill out of my wallet. I wasn’t sure what to dowith it once the kid never showed back up, so it’s just been burning a hole in my pocket. Now I’mglad that I’ve held onto it.

“Oh Beau, I have something for you. Something to do with that wallet you brought me the otherday.” I start and Olivia’s eyes widen.

Her head whips to the side and she clenches her teeth. “Beau, oh my gosh, it’s something witha wallet? What happened?”

“No, it’s nothing bad,” Beau says.

“Olivia it’s all right, he did the right thing.” I launch quickly into the story of Beau’s honestyand Olivia leans her head back against the vinyl booth.

“I’m really happy to hear that. I saw your note. That’s why I tried tracking you down that day.I just didn’t know how to bring it up and then your phone rang…”

I laugh. “It’s okay. I’m just glad that I found the kid and I’m even more glad he’s yours.” I putthe money on the table. “This isn’t from me, the man who came to claim his wallet wanted to makesure that Beau got this as a reward for returning the wallet. Beau, I’m gonna give this to your mom soshe can decide what you do with it.”

“Awesome,” Beau yells, eliciting chuckles from the tables around us.

As the night continues, the waiter reappears with our food. Beau buries himself in a plate oftater tots. He’s lost in his own world as he doodles on the back of the paper menu. Getting to knowBeau is icing on top of what is already shaping up to be the best date I’ve ever been on.

Olivia has a natural, unassuming charm that I can’t get enough of. She works hard and now thatI have a better understanding of all she has on her plate, I’m even more impressed.

I’m also surprised by how natural it feels to be sitting here with the two of them. Throughoutthe night, my mind shifts continuously to an irrational thought; I can see the three of us working out.

When we finish eating, I walk the two of them to their car. I put my hand on the small of herback and it sends tingles through my body. All I can think about is kissing her.

But I stop myself and instead admit, “I’m not really sure what the etiquette is here.”

“You mean when there’s a kid involved?” Olivia looks up at me with a giggle and an

adorable crinkle in her nose.

I nod at her. “Yeah. I don’t know if I should – I mean, can I kiss you, on the cheek?”

Her face goes red. “That would be fine,” she tells me. “I would like that a lot, I mean.”

So I lean forward and give her a chaste kiss on the cheek. Then I bend down and pat Beau onthe shoulder. “Thanks for dinner, little man.”

“Yeah,” he chirps at me. He wraps his arm through his mom’s leg and rests his cheek againsther hip.

Olivia’s hand lands on his shoulder and the connection between them is palpable. Seeing heras a mother makes her that much more impressive and I can’t understand those who don’t see it thatway.

“Go ahead and buckle up,” Olivia tells her son. She opens the car door and he scampers in.

“You have some days off coming up right?” I ask.

“Yeah, good memory.” She wraps her arms around herself. “I’m actually taking Beau to hisdad’s house. It’s almost his birthday, so he’ll stay with his dad for a week and then I’ll pick him up.It’s a four-hour drive each way. It’s a part of our custody plan. I'm the one who wanted to move, soI’m the one who has to do the transportation back and forth. But at least my ex isn’t driving by myhouse at all hours of the night. So that’s a win.”

She lets out a weak attempt at a laugh but there isn’t anything funny about some ex stalking youto the point that you have to move four hours away. The thought leaves a bad taste in my mouth like Iwant to knock this guy out and I don’t even know him.

“Are you okay with doing that alone?” My question comes out before I can stop to think itthrough and I can tell immediately it was a mistake.

Olivia takes a half step back, and there’s a tone in her reply I can’t quite place. “Jackson, yes.I get Beau where he needs to be every day.”

“I know, I mean, I’m sure you do. Listen, I think the rules of how we date are probably goingto change some but I’m willing to play it by year here.”

Her beautiful smile returns. “Well, I’ll finally have some time tomorrow night. So that’s astart.”

“That is a start. I’ll call you.” I promise.

Olivia looks up at me from beneath her long black lashes and gives me a quick hug beforestepping into her car. I stay outside and watch them drive away, my heart still pounding in my chest.

Sometimes when something is meant to be, it hits you like a ton of bricks. I’m all in withOlivia and Beau but I know I need to hold back a little. She’s already had at least one stalker that Iknow of, and I’m treading on unfamiliar water.

I head back inside ready to get my things and call it an early night myself. As soon as I stepfoot through the door, James makes a straight line for me. Before he can say anything, I hold up myhands and stop him.

“There’s certainly a chance nothing’s going to come out of this still, but I’m riding on a good,heavy sort of high and I need you to let me have this, no jokes. She’s the real deal.”

“I have no jokes left man, I could see it on your face throughout the whole meal. I’m happy foryou.” James claps me on the shoulder.

We say our goodbyes and I float through the parking lot to my car. My life is finally fallinginto place.

“Who’s the mom?” My cousin Spencer’s voice catches me off guard and I turn not expecting tosee him.

“Oh hey man, she’s an employee.” I keep my hand close to my chest. “Thanks for coming out,you get the leak squared away?”

“She didn’t look like just an employee. So you’re taking on babysitting gigs now too, I thoughtthis place was a cash cow.”

I roll my eyes, this is the kind of bull shit that gets Spencer in trouble. “Have a good nightman.” I turn and head to my car.

“Oh come on, don’t be so touchy. I asked around about her this week. I’m just making sure youknow what you’re doing? I mean, you’re her boss, she’s a single mother, she needs this job. She couldfeel obligated to humor you is all I’m saying. But if you’re sure you’re not misreading the situationthen, good for you. Go, I don’t know, lead a scouting troop or something.”

The longer Spencer talks, the more he weaves a web of what this situation could look likefrom Olivia’s point of view. Having been raised by a single mother himself, I worry he might havemore insight than I’d like to give him credit for. By the time he pauses to take a breath, I feel sick tomy stomach.

“If you think it’s mutual, take a look through your texts. See how many times she’s initiated aconversation with you. I’d bet that you’re the one doing most of the reaching out.”

Doubt knocks in my stomach and the muscles in my throat tighten.

“Aw, sorry prince charming, didn’t mean to steal the thunder from that white horse you andyour brothers are always riding around on.” Spencer sneers and just like that, I’ve had enough of thesecond chance.

I stare at Spencer and place a firm hand on his bony shoulder, moving him out of my way.When I get in the car, doubt rattles my mind. I think about the way the naked woman at the front deskreacted to my attempts to help her. Then I think about the look on Olivia’s face when I asked if shewas comfortable driving her son alone.

I think about the way Olivia rejected my first offer for a date, then brought her son on thesecond. The more I think about it, the more I know that Spencer could be right and I feel nausea rise inmy throat.

When I get out of my car, I check my text messages only to find that I have done most of thereaching out. I can’t believe I put Olivia in this situation. I replay the end of my conversation withOlivia over and over in my mind. She never asked me to call her, I just decided I would.

I am completely deflated by the time I get home. How could I be so stupid? I’m many things,but I’m not a man who wants to make a woman uncomfortable. Though it seems to be happeninglately.

I pick up my phone to call her and apologize but stop when I realize she’s probably in bed.Besides, calling her on her personal time to apologize for intruding into her personal life isn’t a solididea.

I spend the next three days wrestling with myself over whether to call her. In the end, I decidethat I don’t want to make this any more uncomfortable than I already have. Olivia is on a vacationfrom work. If she wants to call me, she has my number.

For the first time in my life, I’m insecure about moving forward. It’s not just that Olivia iseverything I’ve ever wanted, it’s that she has an amazing son too. The rules of navigating this areforeign to me, and I’m afraid I’ve messed this up.

Maybe for the first time in his life, Spencer is right because three days pass and my phonenever rings.

Chapter Four: OliviaThe next day, I help Beau pack for his week-long visit to his dad’s house where he will

celebrate his birthday without me and Jackson doesn’t call. Beau and I make the four-hour road tripand listen to every song on our playlist, and Jackson still doesn’t call.

I deal with passive-aggressive comments from my ex. I drive all the way home by myself insilence, nothing. I get into bed early with a hollow feeling in my chest the way I do on those days Ihave to drop off my son. Still nothing.

Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. People are turned off by the fact that I have a kid. I thinkit’s less to do with Beau and more to do with the fact that there’s a lot more commitment required.There’s a totally different set of rules involved when a kid is in the mix.

Normally, I’d have never introduced my son to a random man in the first place but I thoughtthis was different. For starters, Jackson’s my boss. So him disappearing on me is actually impressive.Then there’s the fact that he genuinely seems to be a good guy.

I’m usually guarded about these things, but in this case, I’m not afraid to admit that I thoughtwe had a good time. The connection he had with Beau melted my heart. Beau doesn’t normally meetmy dates but I made an exception and now it’s come around to bite me in the ass.

I spend the entire weekend sulking. I curl up, eat ice cream, and read sappy love stories. I’min an absolutely horrible mood despite those activities being some of the things I love the most. Thewhole situation has gone and festered in me, and I don’t see any way to make things sit right again.

Time creeps by at a snail's pace and it remains silent in my apartment. I let myself believe Iwould hear from him and let myself be disappointed with the passing of each hour. I’m surprised tofind myself this upset after what was just one non-date.

By the time I head back to work after my days off, Jackson still never calls and it’s absolutelydevastating. When I head into work, I go cautiously. Half of me is ready to find Jackson and demandan answer to why he didn’t call.

The other part of me remembers that Jackson is not only my boss but a nice person. He onlysigned up to take me on one non-date, apparently as he does all his employees and that is acommitment he fulfilled. Though I’m unclear as to whether he kisses each of his employees on thecheek the way he did me.

“Good morning.” I greet my coworker Mitch with a tight-lipped smile.

“Something was left for you.” Mitch’s shoulder slumps forward and he yawns as he speaks,completely underwhelmed.

“Thanks.” I try to keep my voice steady as he hands me an envelope but inside, my heart ratepicks up. I look at my name scrawled on the envelope, I see Jackson’s handwriting and it makes my

stomach clench.

For a moment, I was worried that Jackson would act like nothing happened and that wouldhave been the hardest pill to swallow. The paper feels cool in my hand. Whatever it says confirmsthat the spark between us was at the very least noteworthy.

When Mitch returns his attention back to his computer screen, I unfold the note.

Olivia, I’m sorry. I’d love to chat with you about this in my office, at noon if you feelcomfortable with that. - Jackson

I spend the entire morning running those first three words over in my head again and again.He’s sorry but what exactly is he sorry for? Is he sorry for the kiss or that I got the wrong impression?Is he sorry for saying he’d call and then not following through? Is he sorry that he didn’t know aboutBeau before he asked me out?

By the time noon rolls around, I've covered the gamut of emotions ranging from disappointedto angry to let down and circling back again. At noon, I make my way up the long, echoing hall toJackson’s office only to find his door is locked.

It feels like a final stab of disappointment I just can’t handle. Did Jackson write that note andthen forget about it or is he just trying to see how much I’ll put up with?

There was a time in my life when I would have accepted this kind of behavior, but those daysare long gone. I’m an adult, and a mother, and I don’t have time to play games.

Anger is a hot weight in my belly and a tight knot in my chest as I turn back toward the frontdesk. The elevator at the end of the hall pings and a harried-looking Jackson steps out.

“My break is over, you’ll have to apologize another time.” I keep my voice steady.

He looks around near wildly, and when he catches sight of me, a goofy, crooked smile bloomson his face. It’s almost enough to make me falter. That’s not the look of someone who was trying to bea jerk on purpose.

“You’re not working today. You’ve got plans.”

Chapter Five: Jackson“I had every intention of calling you because I like you Olivia, in fact, I’m in love with you.

This is a reason, not an excuse because I am in the wrong here, and I know that. It was brought to myattention that I may have put you in an uncomfortable position.”

My heart races out of control and I spit my words out as fast as I can. While she looks up atme, a blank stare on her face. I probably don’t deserve a chance to explain myself, but I use Olivia’sstunned silence as a way to push onward and talk all the same.

“You never asked me to call you and I pushed it on you. As your boss that wasn’t fair of meand the last thing I ever want to do is make you feel uncomfortable. Whatever does or doesn’t happenbetween us, your job is safe and separate from all this. Not because I like you, but because you’redamn good at it and we need you on the team.”

“What? So it’s not because of Beau?” Olivia asks, looking completely thrown off by myexplanation.

My stomach drops. Is that what she thinks has been going on? I can’t believe she spent evena few days believing that I thought Beau was some kind of problem. I feel nauseous, I can’t believe Ilet Spencer rattle me like that.

“It’s not about Beau, it would never be about Beau,” I tell her. “He’s a great kid, and you’rean incredible mother. It’s easy to see where he gets all that personality. I’m really sorry that I madeyou think that, even for a few days. Just so you know, it wouldn’t ever be the case.”

Olivia’s full pink lips quirk up into a smile and she plants her hands on either of my hips.“This is really good news, this means you are the man I hoped you were.”

I laugh and, after a moment, curl one arm around her so I can rest my hand on the small of herback. I’m captivated by the look on her face. I can’t help myself. I press my hand to the side of hercheek, swiping a thumb just beneath one eye to brush away a rogue hair.

“Jackson, I want you to kiss me. Not because you’re my boss, but because I like you and I’mglad you're the kind of man who cares whether or not I’m comfortable.” She leans so close her lipsbrush my ear when she speaks and it drives me wild.

Olivia leans up and kisses me, it’s a gentle press of lips against lips and it sends firecrackling through me. Her voice is as wry as her smile when we part. “I’m in love with you Jackson.”

I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head. “You’re not working today because Ibooked you a day at the spa. I thought you could use the time to recover.”

Her eyes widen and she clasps her hands together under her chin. “You didn’t! That is sosweet it makes me want to cry. Are you coming with me?”

“I like the sound of that. Originally, I scheduled myself to work in your place at the front deskbut I’m thinking a change of shifts is in order.”

I take Olivia by the hand and lead her down the hall into the spa. “Why don’t you get in thesauna and relax while I get a few of the details worked out? It’s a trick I learned from one of myemployees.” I wink at her.

“I’d like that.” She smiles and plants another sweet kiss on my lips.

I disappear into the main office and let Mitch know he’s flying solo. I collect every key to thespa and send the masseur home for the day. There’s no way I’m passing on the opportunity to rub oilsall over her body.

Chapter Six: OliviaJackson’s a smooth talker, a veritable prince charming. As it turns out, his chivalry doesn’t

stop at holding open doors, complimenting my kid, and buying me drinks. His easy-going generosityextends right into the bedroom or in this case, the sauna at the spa.

I draw my conclusion twenty minutes into Jackson being on his knees between my legs. Hetakes his time and works on me with his mouth as the steam in the room clouds the air around us. Helicks me like he already knows my body, open-mouthed, messy, and eager. He glides his tongue overmy clit and his hands grasp at my slick thighs.

The spa-like lavender scent that is pumped into the room intoxicates me as I get lost inJackson’s touch. When I try to transition to working on him, he pins my wrists against the teakwoodbench and tells me that today is all about me.

When he releases me, I tangle my hands back into his hair and pant as I rock my hips againsthis mouth. Jackson’s hands on my hips keep me from riding his face.

He nips at the inside of my thigh, sending a pang of desire through me that drives me wild.Then presses a kiss to the stinging skin.

Jackson holds me there, his tongue plunging inside my folds, lips suckling at my clit, handsdesperately grasping at my breasts. I’ve never felt more beautiful or more cared for than I do rightnow. Jackson loves every inch of my body back to life until I’m humming with waves of tremors.

When I do let go, it’s with a moan and a final rock of my hips. Jackson licks me through myorgasm, wrapping his arms underneath my thighs and pressing his face into me. My heart races out ofcontrol as I lean my head back against the wet wooden panel.

Jackson stays on his knees, wraps his arms around my waist, and rests his head on my thighs.“You’re gorgeous,” he whispers.

I sit completely still and revel in all of it, the hot air, the lavender… the explosive orgasm.The magic Jackson has created swirls together around me, capturing me, and pulling me into a calmthat I haven’t felt in years. It’s nice to not have to be the one in control.

When I finally move the dead weight of my limbs, Jackson gets up and sits next to me. Weface each other and he kisses me long and slow. I straddle him, sliding onto his lap, and feel his firmlength twitch against me.

I tease him, lowering myself onto his tip and letting just the round of his head inside. When Ipull back out, he’s slippery with pre-cum and I’m hungry for more.

Jackson grunts as he paws at my breasts, squeezing them, then curling his tongue around mynipple. His hands roam my body, eventually settling on my hips and guiding me all the way down ontohis enormous erection. He thrusts into me as I arch my back and clench down along his girth.

I pick up the pace, and we move in perfect rhythm. We make love for what feels like aneternity as Jackson delivers one mind-blowing thrust after the next. Our bodies fit together as if theywere made for each other, every one of my curves complimenting each of his hard edges.

My breath quickens as Jackson drives me closer to the edge. I bounce on his dick, titssmacking together in his face and my body writhing against his. I let go in my second rolling orgasm.This one forces his name through my clenched teeth as it washes over me.

Jackson groans and cups my ass firmly as he lifts his hips and pushes into me chasing his ownrelease. I wrap a hand around the back of his neck and pull it out of him, riding him until the last drop.

In the aftermath, Jackson lays flat on his back and pulls me against his chest. I rest my head onit and giggle when I think of the way the steam in the room simply can’t compare to the heat thatcrackles between us. I could stay in his arms forever.

Epilogue: Jackson“Happy birthday to you…” The entire Brewer family joins their voices in celebration of

Beau.

Beau’s now eight-year-old face is stretched into an adorably wide grin. He waves his handslike he’s conducting an orchestra. All eyes are on him, except mine. My eyes are trained on thewoman of my dreams.

Olivia looks beautiful bathed in the warm twinkle of the white lights that hang from the raftersof the Brew by Brewer events room. Once upon a time, it was nothing but an old empty space. ButJames and his wife Ava have transformed the space into a stunning place to gather and our familytakes full advantage.

It seems fitting that Beau has his party here. In the last year, he has become my partner incrime. When I asked Beau for his help with a secret mission for his mom, he insisted we carry it outtoday, on his birthday because he thought it was only fair for his favorite person to enjoy the day asmuch as he did.

Beau is by far the coolest kid I’ve ever met, not that I’ve had too many to choose from. Still,he’s charming and funny beyond his years, an old soul who has a way of bringing out the best ineveryone he meets. He’s a lot like his mom.

Beau tears into his first present. “You got me the new Lego set?!” He flaps his hands wildlyand shimmy’s back and forth in his seat.

My brother Wells gives him a thumbs up. “Enjoy, buddy.”

“Thank you!”

As Beau continues to unwrap his treasures, I make my way behind Olivia and wrap a handaround her waist. “Good job Mama, he loves it. Everything about today is perfect.”

She leans into me, “I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.”

Olivia never ceases to amaze me. She works tirelessly to make sure that Beau is showeredwith love and affection and I’ve taken to doing the same for her. I love pouring into Olivia so she canpour into everyone else.

I hold her as the pile of wrapped gifts dwindles and can’t help but bask in the glory of themoment. I always hoped I’d feel like this, but I still can’t believe it’s happened. I’m forever gratefulto the two of them for changing my life.

When Beau gets to the last present, he holds it up and looks at me. I give him a nod and hewinks back at me, ready to put our plan in place. My heart rate picks up and my hands feel jittery as Ianticipate what’s coming.

“Weird,” Beau shouts dramatically. “This one says Olivia, and I have no idea why.” Hiseyebrows shoot up and he grins.

“What?” Olivia leans away from me. “That’s so funny, my birthday isn’t for six months.Who’s this from?”

The room falls silent as my siblings look at one another. Olivia turns to look at me and I makea show of shrugging my shoulders.

“It’s a mystery Mom, I guess you’ll have to open it.” Beau keeps up the act with impressiveconviction.

Olivia steps forward and takes the scroll-shaped package. She picks at the tape suspiciouslythen slides out the white paper and unrolls it. She reads Beau’s handwriting aloud.

“Mom, you are the best mom I've ever seen in my whole entire life. I wanted to give you thispresent today because you gave me this whole party. Aww, honey that’s so sweet. Thank you.”

Olivia wraps Beau in a hug but he pulls his head away eliciting a ripple of laughter from thecrowd. “There’s a picture on the back.”

When Olivia flips over the paper, her eyes fill with tears. She takes in Beau’s sketch of me onbended knee holding out a diamond ring. She turns to me and I drop to my knee and shakily take thediamond ring from my pocket.

“We already talked about it,” Beau blurts. “I want you to say yes!” He hops up and down.

Olivia lets out a nervous giggle as I take her hand in mine.

“Olivia, you are my whole world. I’ve never met someone so powerful who lets herself loveso openly. You’re my best friend, and the only person I want to do this life beside. I want you tomarry me, so I can spend my life trying to make you as happy as you’ve made me. I hope you say yesbecause A life with you doesn’t only mean I get to be a husband, marrying you is two dreams realizedin a single action because I get to be a father too.”

Olivia covers her mouth with her hand and I can feel the adrenaline coursing through me.

“Mom, I told you to say yes!” Beau chants from the corner of the room and my siblings laugh.

“Yes, Jackson, yes! I want to be your wife.”

I stand up and take Olivia into my arms. When my mouth lands on hers, the kiss is sweet withthe promise of forever.

The End

HarperI left Misty Mountain and everyone in it to pursue my dream of becoming a singer. I’ve made a

good life for myself out on the road. Though living life out of a suitcase isn’t as glamorous as Iimagined. When I book a gig in my hometown, I decide that a trip back to the place I come from isoverdue. But when I run into my high school sweetheart, our flame is reignited.

Drew is tall, rugged, and knows his way around my body. But can this time last forever?

Read Harper and Drew’s story in Brewer Brother Book Seven

Also by Elsie JamesRoyally RavishedUncrowned King

Untouched PrincessUnknown Prince

The Brewer BrothersBrandonJamesBrooksWellsRob

JacksonDrewLucy

Peony PointeBook One Jessa

Book Two AinsleyBook Three Juni

Book Four RachelPeony Pointe Box Set

Candlelight CoveBook One Cake for Three

Book Two Chapel of ChancesBook Three Ball and Chain

Book Four Plan on ItCandlelight Cove Box Set

Lumberjack LagoonA Nanny

Marriage of ConvenienceA Single Mom

A Second ChanceLumberjack Box Set

Bonus Book: Thankful in Lumberjack LagoonOrigin Story: Mr. & Mrs. Oakes

Firehouse TwelveSparksIgnite

FlamesFirehouse Twelve Box Set

Eat at ParkClaireCaitlinCarina

Holiday BooksTreats in the Night

Waiting Under the MistletoeJosh: Stuck on Christmas IslandCole: Stuck on Christmas Island

Cheer in a Bookshop: Single Mom Holiday RomancePresents in a Bookshop: Secret Billionaire Holiday Romance

A New Year in a Bookshop: Second Chance Holiday RomanceBe My Charming Prince: Valentines Story

Evan and His Cat

About the AuthorElsie James is proud to be a lifelong curvy girl. She writes stories about beautiful, strong, women

who always find their happily ever afters.Her books are romantic, sweet, and steamy with a whole lot of heart.

Connect with ElsieFacebook: @authorelsiejamesInstagram: @authorelsiejamesAmazon: amazon.com/author/elsiejamesEmail: elsiejames@authorelsiejames.com