Page 68 of After You Returned

Hudson stands with a sigh. “I bet I know what kind of emergency. You’d be amazed how many women lock themselves out of their rooms while they’re naked.”

“I won’t tell Nova.”

“She probably already knows. I think she has my resort bugged.”

I chuckle as he walks away. I stand to go back to work but then I remember – the purchase order. Can’t forget it. Talk about a successful meeting. Hudson agreed to buy more whiskey and moonshine fromBuccaneer’s,and he’s going to offer Hazel a job.

My Blaze won’t have to leave the island – giving me time to win her over and prove she was right to give me a second chance. I can’t wait for our life together to begin.

Chapter 23

A second chance doesn’t mean go ahead and trample all over my life.

Hazel

Itap the envelope with my finger. It’s a thick envelope containing the VA hospital’s job offer. Is it a good offer? No idea. I haven’t opened it yet.

What if it’s a great offer? I can’t turn down a great offer. Even if it means leaving home.

Ugh! I hate being indecisive. Usually, I can make a decision within minutes. But this decision has me torn in two.

My phone rings and I snatch at the opportunity to take my mind off this job offer.

“Hello.”

“Hazel?”

The voice sounds familiar, but I can’t place it. “This is Hazel. Who am I speaking to?”

“Hudson.”

Of course, I know Hudson. He owns theHideaway Haven Resort. He’s also a local celebrity who used to play in the NFL. Plus, he grew up on the island.

“Oh, hi, Hudson. How are you? How are Nova and Iliana?”

“I’m good, and they’re perfect.”

I sigh. Nova is the luckiest girl on the island. To have a big, strong football player who lived as a hermit fight his demons for you? Swoon!

“I’m glad. Why are you calling me?”

He chuckles. “Always to the point.”

“I can beat around the bush for a while if you prefer. But you’re a busy man.”

“I am. I’ll get to the point then. I want to hire you.”

“Hire me? I don’t remember applying for a job.”

“I don’t need to interview you. I know you’re an excellent physical therapist. And I need a physical therapist.”

“You just happened to remember I’m a physical therapist?”

“I might have been reminded by someone.”

I swear under my breath. “Miles set me up. I’m going to whip him with his surfboard.”

“In his defense, I wouldn’t offer you the job if I didn’t think you were capable.”