Page 49 of Taming the CEO

Cami: I can do that.

I had no idea where this was coming from, but I didn't want to question it.

He called me right away.

"So, when are you free?" Maddox asked as soon as I answered.

I laughed nervously. I hadn't expected him to call to plan a meeting so quickly.

"I'm flexible, although I have to say, we’re fully booked this week if the weather holds. Maybe we can get together next week if you're in Essex."

"I'm coming twice a week, at least."

"Then I guess we'll just play it by ear, huh?"

"Sure. Your dad okay? He seemed a bit off."

I wondered how much to tell him.

"Yes. Well, he said he didn't sleep well. He's actually considering taking a vacation." And then I added, "You were right.”

"About what exactly?"

"That he does want to retire. I honestly figured that he was just... I'm not even sure what I figured."

"Cami, what's stopping you from selling? Aside from not liking me."

I grinned.

"Although, I think lately that part is debatable,” he went on.

Now I was downright laughing. God, this man.

"I wouldn't even know what to do next. That's the problem. The park is my whole life. It would be a huge change. But I'm considering it for Dad's sake."

There was a split second of silence, and then Maddox asked, "Have you thought about buying him out?"

"I did, but that wouldn't really work. In order to properly compensate him, I'd have to take out a huge loan, and that would wipe out any profits for fifteen years or so. I couldn’t reinvest or anything. I calculated it once with my bank adviser."

The fact that he'd even asked me about that option instead of using this moment as a bargaining chip was warming my heart. How had I misjudged Maddox so badly in the beginning? Or had I projected what I wanted to see in him? I truly had no idea.

"I have to go. My next group just arrived."

"Sure. Have a great day, Cami. And if you want to send me more pictures of you with the pumpkins, I won't mind."

That warmth turned to heat, and it spread throughout my entire body.

"Hmm, I wouldn't have thought that you’d have such an interest in pumpkins," I teased.

"No, not pumpkins. You. Only you."

"Glad we settled that." My cheeks were on fire.

"I can’t wait to see you next time I’m in Essex."

"Back at you."

Chapter Twelve

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