Page 49 of Camping with the Boss

His eyes are still worried. “I fired them both.”

“Wade—I hope you’re kidding.”

He laughs, and his shoulders relax. “No. But then Jared and I discussed it. We agreed that finishing this retreat is punishment enough.”

“Thank you anyway.”

“For inappropriate firing?”

“For defending my honor.”

He snorts. “That makes me sound medieval.” He shakes his head but then stops, staring at my—oh God.

I spin around. “I need to finish getting dressed.”

“Can, I’ve seen them already.”

“That’s different.” I pull my shirt on quickly, my cheeks hot with humiliation. “That was at night, in low lighting. The fluorescent lights in here are way too bright.”

Wade doesn’t care. I know that. Then why does it still bother me?

“Ssh. It’s fine.” He kisses me, and it’s sweet—sweeter than I deserve.

Arguing alerts us right before the door opens. But instead of pulling the curtain closed, Wade pulls me into the shower. Unless they look in, they shouldn’t be able to see us.

“What do we do?” It sounds like Carol from HR. There is no Carol in HR. The quip is automatic, but instead of dwelling on old TV shows, my mind identifies the sharp, high-pitched voice of the person with her. Vivian. Why are they in the men’s bathroom?

“Stop crying.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re whining. And it’s getting on my nerves.”

Carol sniffs a few times and takes a shuddering breath. “What do we do?”

Footsteps clack on the floor and Wade wraps his arms around me and pulls me farther in. Will Vivian check the actual showers?

Her steps retreat, and I sag against Wade’s strong chest. Wrapped in his arms, surrounded by the scent of his sweat and bug spray, I feel almost safe.

“Nothing,” Vivian says, her voice firm. “We do nothing. It’s none of our business.”

Is she talking about us? I no longer feel safe.

Carol squawks in disapproval. “It’s stealing, Vivian. And it’s wrong. We have to report this.”

“For Christ’s sake, Carol. We need proof. Once we get it, then I’ll take care of it. We just need to make it through this goddamn retreat without killing anyone or getting fired. So don’t say anything. Got it? Or so help me God, I will take away your—” The rest is whispered and I don’t catch it.

Carol gasps. “You wouldn’t.”

“Fucking try me.”

They leave after that, and Wade leads me out of the shower. He checks the room. “It’s clear.”

“I feel like we’re in a James Bond movie. We have legitimate reasons for being in here.”

He nods, but not like he’s processing my words. His eyes are on the door. “What in the hell?”

“Someone’s stealing from…the company? Stealing from you and your family?” The idea of someone on his team betraying Wade makes my heart ache. “What are you going to do?”

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