Page 16 of Camping with the Boss

“God. I should have known. Is that why you involved River.”

“No.” It sounds bad when he puts it like that. “Not exactly. Your brother is adept at organization.” Just not dependable, it turns out. “But this is Pride month.”

Canyon’s green eyes flash. “Are you telling me you planned this entire retreat for your one gay employee?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. We don’t have time for this. But this needs to be settled before we meet with Meredith and Ander. “River is our only openly gay employee. My intention was to show how…accepting we are as a company.”

“Wow. No wonder my brother bailed.”

I’m in his face before I can stop myself. “This is my company. My life.” I clench my hands to hide the trembling, fueled by frustration and God knows what else. “I can’t fail.”

Canyon’s eyes widen, but he doesn’t flinch. Audrey Hepburn. That’s who he reminds me of. Beautiful. Delicate. Immovable. “Got it.”

My hands itch to shake him—to grab his face, my thumbs tracing his cheekbones as I slam our mouths together. I back away, my heart pounding as I take large gulps of air. The adrenaline slowly wears off, leaving a sick feeling in my stomach. Leaning against my desk, I grip the edge and take a moment to regain control of my temper. Carefully, I say, “We had an agreement, Canyon. Nothing has changed.” I risk a glance at his face. No fear, thank God. But he’s frowning… Could I have read him wrong? “Wait. Are you saying you’re not gay?”

His head jerks up and he stares at me with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open. “You’re unbelievable.” He slowly shakes his head as if still trying to process my words. “I can see why you need a retreat. You suck at this.”

I dig my thumb into my palm.You are in control.This is a business deal.Nothing more. What is his weakness? “Is this about money? I’m already paying you three times more for this job?—”

“Not everything’s about money,Wade.” But his eyes shift away. And then they’re back at full force. “I already have a job. And it’s not dependent on me being gay.”

This is getting us nowhere. “If you’re not happy with our arrangement, there’s the door. I’ll even arrange for someone to drive you home.”

“So thoughtful,” he mumbles, like a petulant child. I am so done.

“If you stay, I need you at a hundred percent on this,Canyon. Halfway won’t cut it.” Meredithwillget tired of waiting. And then the hours of planning will have been for nothing. I can’t do this without him, which frustrates me to no end. But the rules drilled into me since my father died and left me the company areclear. Show no weakness. Don’t give them the upper hand. “It’s your choice. Make it now.”

The struggle is clear on his face. He wants to tell me to fuck off, but he can’t. “Fine. Whatever.”

His words alleviate the pressure in my chest, and I clutch the edges of my desk to keep from sagging in relief. Pulling myself together, I stand and nod. The words slip out before I can evaluate them. “Good. Thank you.”

Canyon sucks in a breath. Is he mocking me? But his cheeks are a dusty pink. “You’re…” He clears his throat, his eyes on my desk. “You’re welcome.”

I feel unsettled as I lead Canyon down the hall to the conference room. Is Meredith in there now, pacing the room and expressing her disapproval?

Whack. The sting of the ruler against my palm. “Do it again. And this time, get it right, you ungrateful, stubborn boy.”

My chest tightens as if squeezed by a giant fist. I can’t… I can’t do this. I stop, pressing my thumb into my hand. The door is less than five feet away, but it might as well be miles.

What is wrong with me? I’m a grown adult. I can take whatever Meredith dishes out. I’ve done it for years.

But I’m putting Canyon right in her path.

“Wade—Mr. Darian? Is something wrong?”

I shake my head, unable to talk as I try like hell to keep my mask from slipping.

“Wade, there you are.”

My head jerks as Jared Porter strides toward us. He’s tall with dark-blond hair and a wide smile that’s now tinged with worry. A question in his eyes. “Steph said you were looking for me?”

The pressure in my lungs eases and I can breathe again. I suck in a breath.Thank you, Steph.I should’ve gotten Jared involved from the start.

“Yes. I thought it would be beneficial to have your input during this meeting. Oh,” I say, turning to Canyon. “This is Jared Porter, head of our legal team. Jared, this is Canyon Drake, River’s brother. He’s agreed to take River’s place at the retreat.”

A slight widening of his eyes is there and gone. The only indication of his thoughts.What are you doing? “Excellent.” He smiles warmly as he reaches out to shake Canyon’s hand. “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Drake. I hope everything’s okay with your brother.”

“Likewise. My brother just needs a few days to get things settled. Um…with his friend, I mean.” His eyes dart to me and then back to Jared.

---