Page 49 of The Summer of Wild

I throw my shoulders back and walk with purpose. I mean, I think that's what I'm doing. It seems to work because Wilder and I push our way through the group until we're smack dab in the middle and no one seems to notice we don't belong. Wilder pulls his phone out of his pocket and starts looking through it. I stare at my nails, hoping no one talks to me.

Someone at the front of the crowd tells us to split into fours. I'm not the least bit surprised when a platinum blond cozies up to Wilder and says, "Hey, you must be from another department. We haven't crossed paths before. I'm Hendrix."

I roll my eyes as she offers Wilder a seductive smile and casually tries to hike her belly-bearing top further up her torso.

"Sales," Wilder winks. "And you must be from marketing."

Hendrix smiles wide. "How'd you know?"

"Lucky guess," Wilder replies as his eyes slide down her toned body.

"I'm Ingrid," I wave awkwardly to Hendrix.

Wilder places a hand on my face and pushes me backward. "She's from accounting. Ignore her."

My mouth drops open in shock. Though, should I be surprised? It's Wilder. And we all know he loves dipping his joystick into anything wearing a skirt.

"Hope that rash has cleared up," I narrow my eyes at Wilder before patting his shoulder. "It's going to be a long, hot day on the green. I'd hate for it to flare up."

"She's joking," he tries explaining to Hendrix. "She does this all the time. Says outrageous things to make me look bad."

I scrunch my nose as Hendrix takes a step back. "Are you calling me a liar?"

"Yes," Wilder snaps at me.

"You guys need a fourth?" a tall, handsome blond wearing a blue button-down interrupts.

"We do," I tell him as I hold out my hand. "I'm Ingrid."

"Ian," he supplies. "What department are you in?"

"Accounting," I lie.

"Oh, really?" Ian seems a bit uneasy. "My dad's the CFO. I'm sorry if he gives you a hard time. It's... uh... he can be a hard ass."

"It's fine," I wave off. "Being CFO can be stressful."

"Yeah," he agrees before introducing himself to Wilder and Hendrix. Wilder grunts in reply, but Hendrix shakes his hand. I think I see dollar signs lighting up her brown eyes for a split second as she takes him in.

"You ever played before?" Ian asks me.

I shake my head. "No. This is my first time."

"I'd love to give you some pointers," Ian offers.

Wilder grumbles to my right but I don't hear what he says because I'm too busy ignoring him.

"That'd be great," I smile up at Ian.

When it's our turn to hop in a golf cart, I laugh as the attendant steps around Wilder and hands the keys to Ian. I skip past Wilder, giving him a triumphant smile, and take the front seat beside my new companion.

Wilder slips into the back behind me and leans over my right side. "Cash 2.0, huh?"

I twist in my seat to look at him. "Are you jealous?"

He swallows hard. "Nope."

"Good," I says as I flash my eyebrows at him.

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