Page 29 of One Reckless Summer

I tell myself that I have a master’s program to attend. I have a life mapped out. Goals set.

Hailey gives me pointers on how to climb the rope as she scurries up, reminding me of how Price tackled that rope over the wall a minute ago.

They both belong out here. I’m just suddenly not sure where I belong.

Chapter Ten

Price

“Don’t you dare hurt her.”

I turn away from watching Summer with Hailey at the ropes, to find her friend Dolly glaring at me, one hand on her cocked hip.

“You’re supposed to be watching the kids in your group,” I growl.

She laughs mockingly. “So are you.” Even so, she glances over her shoulder. “They’re fine. There’s another counselor with them. Daniel happily stepped in when I said I had to take a break.”

“Daniel…” I frown.

She rolls her eyes. “Daniel Goodman. Don’t you know the names of the other counselors here? He’s good with the kids, and they like him.”

“What do you want, Dolly?”

“Don’t think I don’t see the way you’re looking at Summer. She might be naive, but I’m not. The only reason she came here was to have a last blowout before she goes off to New York in the fall. She wanted to lose her V card, and you’ve helped her with that. Congratulations. But it was always going to be a no strings deal.” Her eyes soften as she glances from me to Summer, then back again. “Look, she’s my best friend, and she has a life waiting for her. A good career, probably a sensible marriage. Two point four kids. The whole deal. Please don’t take that away from her. The romance of summer fades quickly. Especially out here, for a girl like her.”

The contract taunts me from the desk, the blank signature box mocking my sudden inability to make a decision. It was supposed to be simple. This was what I wanted. What Ted wanted.

The plan was perfect.

I try to tell myself that it’s the best for me. The best for Hailey. The best for Summer.

So why am I hovering?

I re-read the legal clauses again, remembering how the exec from the TV company drilled the essential rules into me and the extra clause about fraternization, of all things.

“No hookups. No booze. No BS. This isn’t MTV. We want you squeaky clean, Mr. Webber, and we’re willing to pay well to ensure that, but if you step out of line we’re going to have to cut you off. NO relationships. Ratings will plummet if the female audience doesn’t have the fantasy that you’re available.”

A week ago, I would have signed on the dotted line while he stood there, regardless of how much I sort of dislike the whole corporate structure of network entertainment.

Instead, I insisted that I needed time to go over the details and have my lawyer give it a once over. Utter bullshit, one rule broken already. I don’t even have a fucking lawyer, and I’m pretty sure I understand enough to know this is a once in a lifetime deal.

My own show, with Ted and the camp I want to call home.

Total reality, nothing fake, no airbrushing for the cameras. Apparently, the single dad angle is hot right now. That whole thing about the female demographic wanting the fantasy they could be with me, whatever the fuck that means. I know what it means for me: the freedom to do things my way. Raise my daughter where I can keep her safe.

The only catch?

No women. Part of what they’re selling is how I’ve sworn off relationships to raise my daughter the old-fashioned way, with an appreciation for nature and a healthy sense of adventure. As a result, I’m agreeing to stay single for six seasons. If I’m caught with anyone, especially at camp, I forfeit the entire contract.

“I can’t fucking do this,” I mutter to myself, slamming my fist down on the desk in a fit of rage.

All I’m seeing in my mind is the way Summer and Hailey looked so happy playing on the ropes. The way Hailey instructed Summer how to climb them, and the way she clapped and laughed like crazy when Summer made it halfway to the top.

How Summer felt wrapped around my dick. Calling me daddy, for fuck sake.

How can I ruin that?

A smile creases my lips at the memory. Am I really about to sign all that away?

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