Page 57 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

I watched her with bated breath, wondering if she'd be pissed and yell at me, but all she did was smile and plough ahead.

That's my girl.

I did the same, all the while debating whether I should let her win if it came to that. What was the best way to play this for the outcome I wanted?

The mud on the ropes became thick, clinging to every inch as we both pushed ahead, making each movement seem like a full-body workout.

We were neck and neck, the two of us breathing heavily, laughing with every wobble and slip. Closer and closer we drew to the end, and I found myself giving it my all, my competitive spirit rising up in me. Apparently, Dee had it too because she wasn't giving in without a fight.

Both of us rushed forward at the same time, reaching the end of the net, but she hopped off first and declared herself the winner before I could react.

"I won!" she practically shouted, a smug smile on her face.

"It's only because you're lighter," I argued. "You were able to flit across the net like a little bug."

"Sore loser much?"

Jumping down myself, I smiled as she sauntered away to the next thing. This kind of flirting with Dee filled me with indescribable happiness, something I hadn't felt in a very long time.

At the next challenge, we caught up to the group as everyone waited their turn to walk across a series of log balance beams. Looking at the size of the logs, it seemed like an easy enough task, but with all the wobbling going on, that didn't seem to be the case. Muddy shoes didn't help.

Dee and I cheered on the others until it was our turn, and for a minute, only a minute, I forgot about my pursuit of her, instead my CEO brain realizing what a great idea this whole team-building thing really was. It was genuinely working, this group clearly bonding already.

I'd definitely have to keep this in mind for all the companies under Echelon.

Letting her go first, I watched as she wobbled and slipped her way across, falling once into a huge puddle and getting soaked. She was filthy, and I couldn't help thinking about how she would clean up.

Just as quickly as I imagined her in the shower, I had to squash it because the last thing I needed was a hard-on out in the middle of the wilderness with no relief in sight.

The feeling subsided, especially when it was my turn and I had to focus all my energy on getting across in one piece.

God, what on earth did they have next for us?

I soon found out, a rope bridge and then a climbing wall. Even though Dee had said she wasn't the outdoorsy type, she rallied, making it through the last two things with ease, and I couldn't stop watching her.

She had such grit and determination, and it only made her more attractive to me.

Fuck, I had it bad.

On the other side of the climbing wall, the entire group gathered, Ranger Jim beaming at us all. Everyone looked dirty, tired, and worn out but, at the same time, exhilarated. There was a sense of accomplishment as we all caught our breath, knowing that every single one of us had made it through, cheering each other on, helping one another where it was needed.

"Fantastic job, folks," Jim exclaimed. "You all should give yourselves a pat on the back."

There were a few jokesters who actually did it, while Jim bounced up and down on his toes.

"And now," he went on, "you'll be rewarded with some lunch."

Relieved sighs went through the exhausted group.

"But don't get too comfortable," he added ominously.

Next to me, I heard Dee groan. "Great," she said.

"What do you think, babe? Should we try to make a run for it?"

She smiled up at me. "Maybe. But after lunch."

After washing up, we ate our lunches at picnic benches overlooking a gorgeous bluff. I wasn't sure if it was the actual food, the exertion, or the setting, but it was one of the best sandwiches I'd ever had. Everyone else was in agreement, judging by the way we all devoured our sack lunches.

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