Page 67 of Not That Into You

“No, her parents are divorced.”

“Okay. So who’s Kathryn Levitan?”

“She’s a member of The Stanhope Group’s board of directors.”

“What? And your mother didn’t mention that?”

“No, of course not. She’s more interested in what Vanessa’s connections can do for her than what they can do for me.”

“I don’t understand.”

He sighs. “The board of directors hires the officers of the company.”

“So?”

“So they’ll be hiring the next chief marketing officer.”

Realization dawns. “Vanessa’s mother is key to your promotion.”

Chapter 18

Monica

“Monica! Get in the water!”

“I’m coming! Just give me a minute.”

“No more stalling! Get your cute butt in here!”

I scowl at Cameron, who’s up to his waist in the water, one hand on his hip and the other holding his surfboard steady next to him. I’m still not sure how he persuaded me to put aside my concerns and try surfing, but as the water washes up around my feet, freezing my toes, I begin to regret it.

“I think I need to practice more on the beach!” I call out to him. I’m really not a fan of cold water. Or the sea creatures that live within it.

“You’ve practiced enough! Get in here! Chop chop!”

Cameron started my lesson on the beach, showing me how to pop up on the board and find my balance. He made me practice until my movements became more fluid and less like an awkward Crossfit exercise. Part of me hoped he’d lose patience and call it a day after only a few tries, but he surprised me, proving to be a calm and patient instructor.

Which is why I’m now standing at the edge of the water, surfboard under one arm, uncertainty all around me.

The waves look bigger than they did when we first walked on the sand.

“Monica!”

Cameron’s patience, however, was clearly limited to the beach. Though I suppose I can’t blame him. He’s been standing out there for a while.

With a sigh, I trudge into the water toward him, gritting my teeth.

Once I reach him, I give him a death glare. “It’s freaking cold!”

He snorts. “You’re such a baby. You’re wearing a wetsuit. It’s not that bad.”

My teeth chatter. “Speak for yourself. Maybe your blood runs hot.”

“Oh, I know it does.” He wiggles his brows and leers at me, but I rein in my impulse to splash him. It wouldn’t be wise to start a water fight when I’m on the verge of hypothermia.

“Okay, Kelly Slater.” He taps my board. “Time to paddle.”

We both slide onto our boards, lying on our bellies.

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