Page 23 of Saving the CEO

“Well, let me add in a disclaimer: I promise the date will go off without a hitch if you agree to take her miniature golfing.”

“You’ve got to be kidding—”

“I’m serious, Devin. Trust me on this. Just give it a try. What have you got to lose?”

“Other than my reputation?”

A peal of laughter erupted over the line. “You’re being so dramatic! I’m not asking you to dress up like a clown and dance around the course. It’s a game of golf. All you have to do is hit a ball into a hole.”

“I know what golf is and how to play. The problem is …” Clenching his jaw tight, he hesitated to answer. Why did he have to justify himself in front of Scarlett anyway? He ought to be able to say no without needing to elaborate on the details.

“Yes? What’s the problem?”

“It makes no sense. What is the point of doing an activity that keeps you so preoccupied you wouldn’t be able to carry on a decent conversation at the same time? Isn’t that the whole point of a date, to get to know the other person? I won’t be able to do that and focus on the game.”

“Ohh, I see.”

Her mysterious tone irritated him. “What do you see?”

“Do you ever do anything for fun, Devin? Or is everything a competition for you?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“It’s just that the way you were describing miniature golf makes it sound like you care an awful lot about winning the game.”

“Of course, I do. Why else would I play?”

“How about for enjoyment? To have a chance to observe your date and find out more about her? Or maybe even to consider cheering her on and learning how not to be a sore loser if she wins? These are all rhetorical questions, in case you can’t tell.”

He tapped his fingers impatiently. “I’m not dull, Scarlett; I know they’re rhetorical.”

“And I know you’re not dull. I’m willing to bet my other eyebrow that you’re a whole lotta fun on the inside. But just in case,” she mused with a smile in her voice, “I’d like you to meet me an hour before your date tomorrow, so I can give you a few pointers.”

“Oh really? On golfing or dating?”

“Both! You know matchmaking’s in my blood, but what you don’t know is that I’m a golf prodigy. I advise you to bring your A game tomorrow, Mr. Kendall.”

“You’re on, Ms. Hayes.”

“Great! I’ll see you then! Good night.”

The call ended with Scarlett’s bright voice replaying in Devin’s mind, along with the surprising realization that he might be looking forward to tomorrow’s date.

CHAPTER12

Scarlett

Scarlett’s first reaction when she saw Devin the next afternoon was one of surprise. He was dressed rather appropriately for this date. Not that she’d thought he would show up in work attire, but she hadn’t expected him to look so casual—or handsome. She had a hard time tearing her gaze away as he strode over from the parking lot to the entrance of the miniature golf course.

His navy checked chino pants fit him like a second skin and his white short-sleeved polo shirt complemented his tanned skin so well. How someone who stayed in the office all day managed to look so sun-kissed was beyond her. All she knew was that Devin would have no problem impressing his date with his appearance. Now it was up to her to help him with the rest of the package.

Easier said than done.

If only she hadn’t stayed up till almost 3 a.m. trying to finish her narration work. She stifled the yawn threatening to escape her lips and pushed out a bright smile. She might not be feeling like her usual peppy self, but she’d fake it till she made it. “Hey, Mr. CEO, you look rather dashing today. I’m glad you left the suit and tie at home.”

“I can’t play well if I’m not comfortable.” He gave her a quick once-over. “You look different.”

“Different how?” Feeling self-conscious, Scarlett glanced down at her chambray shirt that she wore over a red-striped maxi dress. She’d been bleary-eyed when she’d gotten dressed that morning, so it was possible she’d buttoned up her top wrong. It looked fine, though. She spotted a smile playing on Devin’s lips. “What is it? Do I have something on my face?”

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