Page 51 of Camping with the Boss

“What is going on?” Canyon asks.

I shake my head, but the image doesn’t change. Jared and Ander are talking to George. And instead of responding, he’s staring at his crossword book. Every so often, he writes in his book as if they aren’t even there.

“George,” Jared says in a sharp tone, and the man’s head snaps up.

“What do you want from me? I don’t know, okay? I’m just trying to do my job.”

Ander catches sight of us and slaps the back of his hand against Jared’s stomach. Jared stops mid-grumble and glances up. His demeanor changes back to the happy-go-lucky guy who’s everyone’s friend. I’ve seen it happen before. I’m not usually on the opposite end.

My brother, the one possibly working with Meredith to take the company from me, is now chummy with my best friend. And they’re talking to the one guy who has the potential to screw up my entire life. What are the odds?

I grab Canyon’s arm. “We should talk to George later.”

Canyon stares at me. “Why wait? Maybe Jared and Ander found something.”

That’s what I’m afraid of. I rub my palms together, trying to dispel this itchy feeling. Ander frowns and Jared can’t even look at me.

Did he tell my brother the truth about Tim? So much for loyalty.

It was one fucking mistake that still haunts me.

My stomach clenches at the thought of Canyon finding out. It might be selfish, but this thing between us can’t last, and I don’t want to lose the few days we have left.

Jared and Ander walk toward us. Fuck. I should have told him already.

“Beautiful day for a walk,” Jared says, and I snort.

Canyon elbows me. “Behave.”

“That’s my line, sweetheart.” Maybe distracting him will work.

He lifts his brows. “What are you doing?”

“Just…fuck. I don’t know,” I answer truthfully.

They reach us just in time to hear my words. “That’s a first. My brother admitting he doesn’t know everything? Unheard of.”

“Funny.”

Canyon knocks into my arm again. “Hey, guys,” he says to Jared and Ander. He nods. “What’s up with George?”

So much for making it through this unscathed.

Jared and Ander look at each other and back at us. “Nothing. Just being friendly.” Jared says, and Ander tries to hide his grimace. You’d think being a lawyer, Jared would be better at lying to his friends.

Relief floods through me, mixed with a healthy dose of guilt. They aren’t going to tell Canyon about Tim.

But you should.

Wednesday, June 11th, 4:45 p.m.

Nothing goes right after that for the rest of the afternoon. One mess up after another. River had pre-prepared theWalk a Mile in My Shoesscenario and character cards, but when Canyon went to do the activity, the cards were missing. He swears he had them in our cabin, but he’s also been distracted. Canyon improvises, and it goes well, but his spark is gone. After this and the trust fall activity, he seems disheartened.

Canyon doesn’t push me away, always responding to my questions, my touches, my kisses, but he doesn’t initiate contact or challenge me in any way either, and it fucking sucks. I almost tell him about Tim more than once, but the words get caught in my throat.

I corner Jared before dinner. Just to test him out. “Let’s talk.” I nod toward the activity room.

He hesitates, his eyes going to the door. “Now? Can it wait?”

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