Read Long Overdue (River Jewel Resort Book 3) for Free Online Page A

and I’ve moved on. So, if you’re another one of his tramps or if he was here with his sluts, I don’t want to know the details. I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time, but I’ll be leaving now. I don’t think working here is such a good idea. I should’ve known better.”
    Olivia stood, placed her purse on her shoulder and moved to leave the room.
    “It’s all right, Olivia. We’ve all been heartbroken. Even me. I think you misunderstood me. You’re not here because of heartbreak. Well, not in the literal sense. Come, sit back down. Let’s start over, shall we?”
    Her eyes were kind and Olivia found herself moving back to the sofa to sit beside the gorgeous woman.
    “I’m sorry for snapping at you. I’ve been on edge lately.”
    “I know.” A bellman walked in and placed a tray with a tea service on the marble table, tipping his hat before leaving. “Thank you.”
    “Everyone is so friendly. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard anyone use the words please or thank you .”
    “Here.” Scarlet handed her a delicate white tea cup. “Sip. It’s good for the nerves.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Now, let’s talk about why you’re here. You were told about the bookstore opening, correct?”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Olivia carefully placed her teacup on the silver tray in front of them.
    “Please call me Scarlet. Ma’am seems so formal and much more suited for an elderly woman.”
    When the woman smiled, Olivia could feel the genuine emotion behind it. There was nothing rude or false about Scarlet. Her blue eyes were warm and welcoming as they conversed about the many phrases that were meant to be a form of respect but were actually offensive to so many women. They seemed to share a few things in common and Olivia started to feel at ease as they drifted into a stimulating and enjoyable conversation. If anyone were to see them, they’d think Scarlet and Olivia had been friends for a very long time.
    “Now, back to why you are really here. I’m afraid the bookstore won’t be open for a while. But I can show you around and I’d really like it if you’d stay for the weekend. You can get to know the place and see what all we have to offer. I’m sure you could use the respite. Besides, I’m very proud of the fact that no one ever leaves here unhappy. I’d like to share that with you.”
    “I was hoping it was true that you always have vacancies. I brought my things, enough for the weekend. I just have to register and pay for the room. I’d be happy to stay here and find out why my friend loves it here so much.”
    “Wonderful. Though, you won’t be paying for anything and registering is unnecessary. We have a room that will be perfect for you. In fact, you didn’t need to bring a thing. All of our rooms are fully-stocked and equipped with everything and anything our guests could ever possibly need. Follow me and I’ll show the room I think will be just perfect for you.”
    “Okay, but I insist that I pay for my stay. I wouldn’t feel right allowing you to let me stay here for free.”
    “We’ll discuss all of that later, my dear. For now, enjoy yourself and have the experience of your life.”
    They left Scarlet’s suite and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. When they stepped out of the elaborate, gold accented and mirrored car, Olivia was speechless. The door opened onto a suite unlike any she could ever have imagined.
    “Oh my!”
    Wall-to-wall bookcases surrounded them as she stood beside Scarlet in the entryway. Shelves and shelves of masterpieces lined every surface while nooks covered in expensive fabrics and pillows peeked out from every corner.
    “You approve?”
    “Of course I do.” Feeling as though she’d stepped into one of her own dreams, she walked to one mahogany case and then another, allowing her fingers to lovingly caress each book as she walked by. She could smell the pages, their scent intoxicating, without even opening a single one. An inner peace came over her and