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

her troubles of late seemed to disappear.
    “There’s a kitchen, fully-stocked, of course, and a few different bedrooms to suit any of your preferences. A bathroom for every bedroom, a balcony, living area, and each room has bookshelves.”
    Olivia’s shoes echoed across the wooden floor of the suite and she saw Matt’s books neatly displayed upon their own shelf. “Wonderful.” She smiled at Scarlet. “Have you ever read these? He’s an amazing author.”
    “I’ve read one or two.” Scarlet nodded. “He has quite a way with words. Almost as if those stories are his own fantasies, wouldn’t you say?”
    “He is talented. I’ve often wished he was writing about me. His stories always have a happy ending and the plots are incredibly realistic.”
    “I’m sure the author has someone in his life who gives him that inspiration.”
    “I don’t know about that. He is always in a different relationship. None of these stories mirror his real life. The women he dates are nothing like the woman in this particular series.” She held up one of her favorite installments. “You’d think as his friend, I’d know what drives him to write such passionate love stories. Sadly, the man who writes these books is nothing like the Matt Osgood that I know and love.”
    Scarlet raised an eyebrow and smiled at her “Olivia, I’m sure you’ll find your own happy ending someday. In fact, this is the perfect place to make your own. “
    “You mean I could find the love of my life here? How? Is there a singles dance for book lovers this weekend?”
    Scarlet laughed and shook her head.
    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be sassy. I read a lot of books and though I know it’s happened for other people, I just don’t believe I’ll get a happy ending. Especially when the man I’m in love with will never return my affection.”
    “You can make that happen here.”
    “How?”
    “All you have to do is think of him and he will appear. You can go out to dinner, see a movie, and go for a swim. While you’re here, your fantasies will become true with the man of your dreams. A virtual man. You can then see if you’re meant to be together. Experience what a weekend alone with him would be like.”
    “You can’t be serious? A virtua l Matt? Like a hologram?”
    “Similar. Just trust me. I’ll leave you to get settled in. I think you’ll find everything you desire in the suites.
    “If you still want your bags brought up or need anything at all, just call downstairs or have them call me. I hope you have a wonderful stay, Olivia. I’ll be calling you when the bookstore is complete. A woman who loves books as much as you do is perfect for the job. Thank you for finally coming here to see me.”
    “Thank you.” Olivia could hardly hold in her excitement. She’d gotten the job! Thank goodness!
    “We’ll discuss living arrangements and such as soon as we are closer to the opening, okay?”
    “Wonderful. But how will you get in touch with me? The application, I mean, I didn’t even fill it out.”
    “Believe me, I’ll be able to get in touch with you. Have a good evening.” She turned to the elevator, pushing the call button. “And, Olivia...” as the doors slid open, “don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. Don’t let the way something looks or feels scare you away. Everything you’ve ever wanted will happen. You just have to believe.”
    She stepped into the elevator and the doors closed, leaving Olivia alone to explore her beautiful suite.
    “How can I get everything I’ve ever wanted if getting the job I want will take me away from the man I love?”
     
    * * * *
     
    Matt took I-74 and traveled north until he hit the I-65 bypass. Dealing with traffic at four-thirty in the afternoon on a Friday was enough to make someone lose their mind. “Why didn’t I leave last night? I could already be there, having a drink in my room, instead of being caught up in this mess.”
    He flipped the radio back on and searched for