Page 24 of Saving the CEO

He pointed down at the ground. “Your shoes. They’re mismatched.”

She gasped when she saw a sandal on her left foot and a canvas slip-on on her right. At least they were both white. “I promise you I’m a lot more put-together on the inside than I am on the outside. I had a late night.”

“I hope that doesn’t mean you’re going to take it easy on me. I came prepared.” He gestured to the lightweight golf bag hanging from his shoulder.

“You brought your own club for miniature golf?”

“Just a putter.”

“A what-er?”

“A putter. You use it to hit the ball short distances. It’s similar to what they rent here.” He eyed her warily. “Didn’t you claim to be an expert at golf?”

“I am … at Mario Golf. I never said I played in person.” She flashed him a cheeky smile. “Come on, let’s go! It’s time to start your lesson!”

She led the way through the double doors of Golfland’s main building with Devin chuckling behind her. The familiar lights and sounds of the arcade games surrounded them as they headed over to the cashier. Two small girls ran about, giggling as their parents followed. Seeing those kids reminded Scarlett of the many times she’d come here with her own family when she was younger. She’d never, however, gone miniature golfing on a date before.

Not that this was a date.

That thought shouldn’t have even crossed her mind. She was strictly here for work. Except that this was the oddest thing she’d ever done on the job. She normally didn’t go on-site with a client, especially not a male one.

Now that she was here, she realized she may have crossed a line when she’d told Devin to meet her early. She’d been so caught up in their fun banter, she’d wanted to keep it going. And as a competitive person herself, she’d really wanted to go head-to-head with him on the golf course. But it was time to dial things back and make sure her mind was focused on business and business alone.

Please help me not to be distracted, Lord!

Devin was the first one to hand over his credit card to the gum-chewing young man at the register. “I’ve got this.”

His offer surprised Scarlett, but she was just as fast. Pushing her credit card across the counter, she insisted, “I’ll pay for my ticket.”

“I said I’ve got this.”

“You should save your money for your date.”

“Trust me, money is not an issue for me.” His smirk softened as he added, “My mother taught me women should be treated with care and respect. I always pay.”

“I’m glad you do and I’m sure the women you pay for are grateful, but this isn’t a date. I can pay my share.”

“Didn’t you call this a dating lesson? If I’m here to practice dating, I should practice paying, too.” Without another word, Devin urged the cashier to ring them up.

Scarlett reluctantly took her card and followed Devin out with their balls and her club in hand. When she caught up with him at the gate to the courses, she remarked through gritted teeth, “Thank you for paying.”

“The pleasure’s all mine.”

She wrinkled her nose, not appreciating the victorious twinkle in his eye. “You really like to win at everything, don’t you?”

“Don’t you?”

“That’s not—” Scarlett cut herself off, feeling more frustrated at herself than at Devin. She couldn’t afford to let him get under her skin right now. They didn’t have much time left before his date arrived, and there was obviously a lot they needed to go over. She took a deep breath before trusting herself to speak again. “Okay, here’s a new rule. Rule number six—listen to your date. I appreciate that chivalry isn’t dead in your world, but sometimes a girl might have a good reason for wanting to pay her own way.”

“Other than not wanting to lose an argument?”

His wry tone was hard to miss. “Yes,” she replied as graciously as possible. “But if not wanting to lose an argument happens to be the only reason, it’s still enough reason to back down. That’s also a way to show a woman respect.”

He nodded, albeit reluctantly. “You have a point.”

“Thank you.” She beamed, happy he’d come around without a fight. “I must say, you’re a quick learner.”

“That’s because you’re a good teacher.” He lowered his voice and added, “That was for rule number five, in case you’re keeping score.”

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