Page 32 of Taming the CEO

"You didn't google the Whitley family? It’s huge with unusual family history."

Cami frowned. "It never even occurred to me."

"Well, that's about all of us. Plus our grandparents. We're all very close. And extremely competitive."

"Aha," she said. "Let me guess: you're the type who plays to win, not just to enjoy the game."

I tilted my head, studying her. She was definitely more relaxed now. I wasn't a fool; I knew I hadn't won the battle. She'd told me that my idea of preserving the forest only solved part of the problem, so I wasn't calling this a victory yet. Still, we'd managed to have dinner without pissing each other off. I was taking that as a win.

"It depends. I'm adaptable."

She smiled. "How good is your darts game?"

"I'm no slouch." Where is she going with this?

She nodded toward the other end of the room where there were several dart stations. "Then once we're done eating, we can play."

"And if I win," I said carefully, weighing my words, "you'll tell me what the other part of the problem is in selling your place."

"Fine." A smile played on her lips.

"You answered far too quickly."

She grinned. "That's because I hold a five-year winning streak at darts. I'm the undisputed champion of Essex."

Impressive. "Challenge accepted."

I hadn't played darts in a few years, but it was probably like riding a bike.

***

Turned out I sucked. Cami was a pro, hitting the target every time. I couldn’t help checking her out when she was focusing on her aim. Her curves were so damn sexy and drove me insane. She was wearing a short skirt that rode up her thigh every time she leaned slightly forward, with those wool tights women are into these days, but I had no problem imagining her bare skin underneath. She’d taken off her sweater to reveal a tank top that displayed her cleavage when she threw her dart.

The first glimpse had been involuntary.

Every time after was 100 percent voluntary.

She was just too damn gorgeous.

"So, Maddox, is this a very unlucky evening for you? Or do you usually brag about nonexistent skills?" she teased half an hour later.

I liked her sass. Cami definitely knew how to put me in my place.

"Maybe I just wanted you to win." Yeah, right.

She didn’t buy it and shook her head, then waggled her finger in front of me. "You just owned up to being competitive. You can’t fool me.”

I laughed. "I’ll let you in on a secret. I haven't played darts in quite a while. Eight years or more."

"Then why did you agree?"

I shrugged. "I thought it sounded like fun."

"Cami, are you sharpening your skills to beat the shit out of everyone again?" a man's voice said from behind us.

Her demeanor instantly changed. She straightened up and rolled her shoulders back as if preparing for a confrontation, putting her hand on her stomach and sucking in a breath. Whoever this was put her on edge.

"And you must be Maddox Whitley," the guy said. He smiled at Cami before shaking my hand.

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