Page 104 of Taming the CEO

I licked my lips. Why not admit it? Sure, what we had was laid-back and casual, but I wanted to be honest with him. "I kind of do."

“Honestly, it's not realistic, but I'll try my best. Between work and drafting up the contract, things are crazy.”

Now I was starting to have nutty ideas.

What if I go to Boston and take care of him?

Hell no, that was a bit much. Definitely not casual dating sort of behavior.

“And by the way, I think Diane might come to the park to check out the place,” he said.

"How come?"

"She wants to see about offering guided tours outside the city. She's already got Salem on her list but wants to expand her horizons."

"Give her my contact info, and she can message me."

"All right. Let me know if... it gets to be too much."

I was confused. "Why would it be too much?" I ask.

“Because some other family members said they’d drop by, too, once they heard her idea.”

I started laughing. “They're welcome. I enjoyed spending time with them. I'd love to see them.”

I heard my name being called from the front.

"Crap, I think the group arrived early. Let me know if you do decide to come by Essex, okay?"

"I sure will."

**

Unfortunately, he didn't. On Friday morning, to my astonishment, I realized I had Maddox withdrawal. How was that even a thing? I'd never experienced it before with anyone else.

On Friday afternoon, Diane finally texted me.

Diane: Hey, I'm going to drop by the park tomorrow, if that's okay with you. I know you already planned to sell, but I figured I could send some tourists your way until that happens.

I swear to God, my eyes watered. I truly couldn't believe she was offering to send business my way. Who did that?

Cami: Sure, you're welcome at any time. I only have small groups booked tomorrow, so there’s space for a few more whenever you decide to come.

On Saturday morning, Diane texted me at ten o'clock while I was with a group of five at one of the zip lines.

Diane: We're on our way. Your dad already told us where you are.

My stomach somersaulted, and my heart was about to explode.

We? Maddox is with her too? Oh, sneaky.

He hadn't told me anything. And I was going to make him pay for it.

But it turned out it wasn't Maddox after all.

As my existing group went down the zip line, I focused on the Whitleys. Diane had come with Leo and Nick as well as Spencer and Penny. Ben was sleeping peacefully in Spencer's arms. Only Nick, Leo, and Diane had gear on.

"Hey, everyone," I greeted. "I wasn't expecting—”

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