Page 107 of Taming the CEO

He didn't need much help. Then again, the zip line was one of our most self-explanatory activities. Once he was gone, Leo went next.

As Diane took her position, she said, "You know, I wasn't totally kidding. But I do think it's best for these two to think I was. They don't seem to be ready for the truth."

"I quite agree."

"The guys think Jeannie is the only one who has feelings about these things. But from the first time Maddox told us about you, I've had an inkling that you were right for him too."

On that mysterious note, she went down the zip line.

Oh, be still my beating heart. They were all talking as if Maddox and I were meant for each other. But we were just having fun, and I didn't want to think beyond that. I was going through so many changes, what with selling the park and deciding what to do next.

But still, being with the Whitleys was filling me with an infectious energy.

The rest of my group returned soon after, demanding to go once more. They needed a more hands-on approach than the Whitleys because three of the members were underage, and I didn’t allow them to secure themselves but rather did it for them. By the time the last person went down the line, the Whitleys came up again.

“This is great,” Nick said. “I don’t know why you call this a park. It’s a forest.”

"Oh, by the way," Leo said lazily as they approached. "We forgot to tell you. Our brother sent you a package.”

“Oh, what is it? You brought it?” I asked.

“No, he sent it with a messenger,” Leo explained. “Which makes me wonder... What could he have possibly sent you that he couldn't entrust to us? But we saw the delivery guy when we arrived.”

“So you don’t know what it is?” I double-checked.

“No.” Nick laughed. “But we’re under strict instructions to report if you got it.”

"Um, you know what? I'm going to go check my reservations."

The three of them burst out laughing, knowing exactly what I was doing.

"You couldn't even wait long enough to come up with a good excuse, huh?" Diane laughed.

"Do you mind waiting here for a few minutes while I go check?" I asked.

"We can just go down by ourselves," Nick said.

"No, that's a liability issue. You can't do that." I bit the inside of my cheek. "I'll stay here until you’re farther down the line and I can’t see you anymore. Then we’ll meet at the end of the line.”

"You know, we could not tell Maddox about it," Leo said, looking at Nick.

"Tell him what?" I inquired.

"How eager you sound," Leo replied.

"Yeah, you're right. It might go to his head," Nick added.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Hmmm... but he does deserve it.”

“We still don’t want it to go to his head,” Nick said. “All right, let’s go down. Meet you at the main building? Or is the other group coming back up?”

“No, they’re done. I’ll meet you inside,” I said.

This time Diane went first, followed by Nick and then Leo.

I had exactly fifteen minutes before my next group arrived. That gave me plenty of time.

I walked leisurely on the trail even though I did want to break into a run. That might be a bit too obvious. I was going to be there before them anyway.

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