Page 20 of Bad for Business
“Ryker,” I scold, my fingers tightening around my phone before it can go flying out of the cart.
“What? We have to get to the next hole.”
I glare at the side of his face, even though he stares at the path ahead. I want to wipe the smug grin right off his face. “You could’ve given me a warning.”
“And miss you screaming like that? No, thanks.”
I clutch the handle next to my hip for dear life. He’s driving awfully fast, considering the course is packed this morning. My hair whips around in the wind, some pieces getting stuck in the lip gloss I applied while waiting for them to finish the last hole.
Finally, Ryker slows down as he nears the starting point for the next hole. I relax a little, removing my hand from the handle and pulling the stuck pieces of hair from my mouth.
Just as I let my guard down, Ryker yanks the cart to the right, catapulting my body against his.
“What the hell!” I yell, my cheek pressing against his shoulder as he steers the golf cart straight again.
He chuckles, no hint of remorse in his demeanor. “Lost control for a moment,” he explains, tossing a look over his shoulder at me.
“Right,” I mutter, pushing myself off his body and sliding as far away from him as the seat will allow.
My phone vibrates as he guides the golf cart to the edge of the path and puts it in park. We both sit there, quiet for a moment, as we wait for the others to catch up.
TROY VAUGHN
Any updates?
CAMILLE
Things are going according to plan.
“Is your dad’s contact in your phone really his full name?” Ryker asks, his voice far closer than I was expecting.
I look up from my phone and narrow my eyes on him. “Don’t look over my shoulder. It’s rude.”
Ryker doesn’t move. He keeps his face way too close to mine, and a satisfied smirk graces his lips. “You’re talking about me. I should be able to know what you’re saying.”
I scoff and bring my phone close to my chest. There’s no way in hell I’m going to allow him to peek at my confidential conversations.
“That’s not how it works. Why are you being even more annoying right now?” I look over my shoulder to find the other men’s golf carts parked behind us. I bring my attention back to Ryker. “And you’re going to miss your turn.”
“What are you saying about me to your dad? Were you telling him how charming I am? Incredibly handsome? Oh…” His entire face lights up as his tongue darts out to wet his lips before he keeps going. “Did you tell him that the board will eat out the palm of my hand in no time?”
I frown, respecting his confidence but knowing we’re nowhere near the board eating out of the palm of his hand. Ioverheard two of Ryker’s board members talking about him this morning as I waited for him outside the men’s locker room.
I only heard bits and pieces of it, but they were discussing Ryker’s dad and wondering if he even believed in Ryker’s ability to take over the company. It’s not looking great at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be able to turn it around.
“Camille.” Ryker’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I sit up straight and focus on him. “What?”
“What’d you say to your dad about me? And why is his contact so professional?”
I decide to completely ignore the second part of his question. The way my dad is labeled in my phone is truly none of his business. For a moment, I weigh my options. I could lie to Ryker, or I could just tell him the truth. Maybe if I’m honest, it’ll give him the kick in the ass he needs to take this summer seriously. Deep down, I believe he wants to. Just everything with his mom has clouded his judgment recently.
“My dad thinks you’re a lost cause. That working with your family will just be a way for us to make money. He doesn’t believe in you, and he doesn’t believe in me.”
Ryker’s face falls. Normally, there’s a whisper of a smirk on his lips and a glint in his eye that makes it seem like he finds the world amusing. Neither are there right now. “What?” he asks, his voice quieter than normal.
He swallows, distracting me from answering him for a moment. I watch as his plump Adam’s apple moves up and down his throat.
