Page 10 of Camping with the Boss (Pride Camp 2025 #9)

He narrows his eyes in warning, and I hold back a smirk.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the cute guy trying not to laugh.

There is no way he heard me. And then he signs, “Hi, beautiful. I’m Jet.

” I only know a little sign language, but whether I understand him or not isn’t the point.

Is this Jet’s way of telling me he can read lips?

And then the more alarming question. Did he just listen to my conversation with Wade? He winks, and I have my answer.

“Oh God,” I mutter, hiding my face in my hands.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Everything’s fine.”

He studies me for another second and then checks his watch. “Where in the hell is George?”

“I’m here—” But the man has to stop halfway and take deep breaths.

The chatter of the crowd lessens as everyone turns toward him.

George is probably in his mid-fifties with white hair and wire-rimmed glasses.

His cheeks puff out as he tries to catch his breath.

The humidity is unbearable today. He holds up a hand.

“I’m fine.” Then he slowly makes his way over, sits at the picnic table, and takes a few puffs off an inhaler.

“Glad you could finally make it, George,” Al says. “I thought we were going to have to send out a search party.”

“No, I’m here. Ready for this torture.”

Wade stands, and everyone goes quiet. “Thank you all for coming. I know this isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But I wanted to get us away from the office in a more casual setting.”

“I hear beach resorts are nice.” This time, everyone laughs at Al’s joke.

Wade waits for the laughter to stop. “As you know, River worked hard to pull this together. But he had something come up at the last minute. I want to thank his brother, Canyon, for agreeing to lead the retreat for us.” He turns to me and nods.

Is my face as red as it feels? I hope not. “You’re welcome.”

“We have bags for everyone. They contain your camp badges with your cabin number, the itinerary, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Jet helped River put these together.” Everyone turns to Jet, and he waves.

“Tonight, we’ll have dinner in the dining hall.

Tomorrow, we’ll start at nine with breakfast and a welcome meeting.

Then we’ll break into groups for goal setting. ”

The dining hall is set up with round tables and a large carved bear off to the side.

We go through the line and choose either barbeque pork or chicken sandwiches.

Wade leads me to a table and sits next to me.

I’m not sure if he’s being protective or making sure I don’t mess anything up.

But I don’t mind. I’m not used to being around this many people.

And I like being close to him.

But being attracted to my boss won’t end well, so I try to focus on what I’m being paid to do. Make sure everything is going smoothly and everyone is doing okay. I finish my meal and then walk around checking on people. It’s torture until I fall into my problem-solving mode I use every day at work.

Jet smiles again, and I ask how he’s doing slowly so he can read my lips.

He laughs. “I can hear you. My sister is Deaf. I learned sign language for her.”

“And you read lips because…?”

He smiles unapologetically. “She taught me how, and it comes in handy.”

“I bet.”

He lowers his voice, and I lean closer. “I’m not sure the big boss has ever had anyone speak to him that way.”

“Well then,” I say, catching his gaze. “I’d say he was due.”

He laughs again, louder this time. And I don’t have to look up to know Wade’s eyes are on us. On me.

I can feel it.

Wade dismisses everyone after dinner to get settled in their cabins. I stand to leave, and he draws me aside. Is this going to be another lecture?

And is that what I want?

Instead, he goes through the packet and talks about the different activities for tomorrow. “River planned everything out, so we shouldn’t have any issues.”

I didn’t even know my brother could put this much time and energy into something. What else do I not know about River?

He hands me a yellow vinyl drawstring bag. Inside is a name badge. It’s River’s, but Wade taped my name over my brother’s. “I’m sorry. This is the best I could do.”

It’s surprisingly sweet. “It’s fine. Thank you.”

“River is—was—in the Northeast cabin.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Is that okay?”

“Of course.” The words are automatic. But are they true? His cabin is on the other side of the lake. Not far. But…I’m twenty-eight. I can handle sharing a cabin with people I barely know. Hell, I met every single person, including Wade, today.

“I’ll help you get settled.”

I want to tell him it isn’t necessary. I don’t have much. My roller bag isn’t heavy, despite Wade’s remarks earlier. But for some reason, I want Wade to go with me. “Thank you.”

We grab the stuff and walk along the path to the cabin.

Laughter comes from across the lake as people settle in.

We cross a small bridge, and the night seems magical.

The stars are visible in the night sky. The crickets chirping.

My heart aches as memories surface. Fishing with my dad.

Roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

My mom convincing us to sing along to cheesy songs.

I press my fist against my chest to hold it all in.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I just—” I shrug. “It’s a lot.”

“I’m sorry, Canyon,” he says, but I shake my head. If he’s sweet right now, I’ll cry. And that would be embarrassing.

“It’s fine. Really.”

We reach the cabin, and I turn to say goodnight, but he’s already opening the door and waving me in. Oh God. I should have been prepared. The laughter is so loud I could hear it before we went in, but it still takes me by surprise.

“What is wrong with you?” someone yells in a shrill voice. “That shit isn’t funny, Al.” But people are still laughing. Thunk. Something hits the ground.

My heart beats wildly as the roaring of the boat motor gets louder. The water is rushing in. My body tenses, waiting for the inevitable. My face is already wet, and I can’t breathe. Oh God, I’m drowning.

But isn’t that better than coming up for air? Hearing those awful words? Seeing—but what about River? Strong hands grip my shoulders. The noise has stopped except for the swooshing in my ears. I press my hands to my chest. The pain is sharp—is it my heart? Oh God.

“Canyon? Can you hear me?” Wade’s hands grip my shoulders. Why is he here? Maybe he can help.

“I’m…I’m dying.” I try to jerk out of his hands. He doesn’t get it. “But I need to save River.” And then he’s lifting me, cradling me against his chest. And we’re outside again.

He puts me down and cups my face so I can’t look away. His eyes are worried. About River?

The silence clues me in. No screaming. No horsing around. No roar of a boat engine. No frantic splashing. My heart…is fine. “You’re safe, Canyon. I’ve got you.”

I blink and try to wipe the tears from my eyes, but he’s still cradling my face. “I’m sorry. That—oh God.” All those people saw me break down. My face heats, and my eyes prickle with embarrassment.

“You’re okay.”

Oh no. “Let go, Wade. Please, I’m fine.”

“I want to be sure?—”

He doesn’t get it. “I need—I’m going to throw up.”

“Oh.” He jumps back, and I turn to the nearest bush while willing myself not to throw up. I swallow the bile, and my stomach settles a little. “Water?”

He turns me so my back is to him and tugs on the ropes of my bag.

Right. The water bottle. I forgot all about it.

He turns me again to face him and hands me the bottle.

I’m not as embarrassed as I should be. Too exhausted.

I take a gulp of water and then try to take another when Wade grabs the bottle.

“Take it slow.”

I nod and take another sip. Slower this time. When I can speak without throwing up, I thank him again.

“It’s okay. You’re fine.”

I nod, but I can’t stop the stupid tears. Part of it is reliving those awful memories. The other part is pure embarrassment. I sniff. “How am I going to face them?”

He tips my chin up. “I can say it’ll be fine, but you won’t believe me. Let’s just worry about that tomorrow. Tonight, you can stay in my cabin. Okay?”

“I can’t do that. That’s your space.”

“You’re forgetting something, Canyon.” The look in his eyes tells me he’s not taking no for an answer. “I’m the bosshole in charge.”