Page 48 of Taming the CEO

I bit the inside of my cheek. "I could crunch numbers and see if I could buy you out," I said, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t afford it.

"Baby girl, we both know that's not possible. And I wouldn't feel right taking your money."

"It is your side of the business," I countered.

"Still, if I could afford it, I’d just leave it all to you and retire, but... well, we both know that's not feasible."

I drew back my shoulders as I pulled in front of the main building. I slowed the car, then looked at him.

"Dad, I'm really sorry." I grimaced. "I didn't realize you actually wanted to retire.”

"I know, because I've always just joked about it. Honestly, for the longest time, I didn't think it was possible."

"You'll get your retirement, I promise."

"Don’t do anything you don't feel comfortable with," Dad said.

I smiled at him even though I felt a bit of apprehension in my chest.

"Don't worry, it'll all work out. Come on, let's get the pumpkins inside," I said as we both got out of the car.

My mind was spinning the whole rest of the day. Even though I had back-to-back groups at the zip-line and tree-climbing stations, I couldn’t get the conversation with Dad out of my mind.

I could only focus on the pumpkins in the afternoon. I didn't actually like carving them because they didn't last as long and usually painted them exactly like Ms. Hendricks had done. I decided to do a smiley pumpkin as the centerpiece—the biggest one was always right next to the entrance door.

It took me all of fifteen minutes, and after I finished, I checked my phone. It had beeped once, but I didn’t want to interrupt my painting process. I had a message from Maddox.

Maddox: You looked so happy carving that pumpkin.

There was a picture of me bent over, ass up in the air. I laughed.

Cami: Are you spying on me?

Maddox: Far from it. Saw a glimpse of that gorgeous ass and couldn't help but stop and take a picture.

I proudly snapped a selfie with the pumpkin, matching its grin, and sent it to Maddox.

Cami: Didn't carve it, I painted it. What do you think?

He replied immediately.

Maddox: You look stunning.

I sucked in a breath.

Cami: About the pumpkin, I mean.

Maddox: It's great. Going to do something similar to mine. I took it home with me.

I frowned, but then two minutes later, he sent me a picture. I groaned. He'd made two circles and a smile with a pen.

Cami: Maddox, that's sacrilege.

Maddox: That's the best I can do. Now, if a certain master pumpkin decorator wanted to give me lessons, I wouldn't say no.

I licked my lips, my stomach somersaulting a bit. This man was so damn smooth.

My fingers started to type of their own accord.

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