4. Mila #2
“As good as it can be in this economy,” Ryker said, his demeanor changing.
“I want to introduce some changes to the company: bring our customer service back to the United States, increase the number of plants we have, change the automation system, and bring in a new marketing company, but Dad is resistant.”
“Oh, that’s sad,” I said, and Lara also made an “I’m sorry” noise. I was sure that she, like me, wasn’t sure what he was talking about. “Why won’t your dad make the changes?” I asked him curiously.
“He’s a cheapskate.” He sighed. “He’d rather save the dollars now. I’m telling him that we need to spend more to make more. That’s how business goes. And especially now, we need to expand.”
“Yeah, my dad won’t listen to me either. I’m trying to convince him to import this new line of rugs from Morocco,” I said with a sigh. “What’s the point of my working in the buying department if I’m not actually allowed to make any large purchase decisions?”
“I forgot you got moved from being a receptionist,” Ryker said. “How’s the change in department going?”
“Didn’t you hear what I just said?” I frowned. “Not great. I still have no real responsibility or real money coming in.”
“You just graduated, Mila. Be patient,” Ryker said with an indulgent smile. “It’ll happen. I didn’t get to where I am overnight.”
“What is it that you do, again?” Barbie asked curiously, and I smiled. If she didn’t know what he did, they couldn’t be that serious.
“Ryker works for Walker Enterprises,” I answered for him and turned around to look at Barbie.
“Okay?” Barbie shrugged. The name Walker Enterprises meant nothing to her.
“His dad is Hudson Walker,” Lara said. “The Hudson Walker.”
“Hudson Walker?” Barbie said, and then her eyes lit up. “Hudson Walker, the famous billionaire who dates all those actresses and models?”
“Yes,” I said with a smile. “The very same one. He might even have dated Mila Kunis.”
“Mila.” Ryker gave me a look that indicated how annoyed he was, but I didn’t care. Let him deal with gold-digging Barbie. She would try to get her clutches into him even deeper now that she knew how well-connected he was.
“Yes, Ryker?” I said softly and then squealed as we pulled off Old Harris Road and drove through the woods toward the lake.
“Ooh, we’re nearly there.” I lowered my car window, stuck my head outside, and closed my eyes as the cool breeze caressed my face.
I took a deep breath and inhaled the crisp air.
“Can you guys feel and taste nature right now?” I sighed in contentment.
“I can’t taste anything,” Barbie said. I didn’t respond.
“You really love the lake house, don’t you?
” Ryker said as he pulled off and stopped in front of my family’s cabin.
I turned to look at him, and I saw an affectionate look on his face.
It was a rare sight; normally, Ryker and I spent so much time sparring that we didn’t really express any other sort of positive emotion toward each other.
I smiled at him, happy in my environment and with my plans for the weekend.
“I do. I feel like it’s this magical place.
My own private Narnia.” I grinned at him and then hopped out of the car.
I ran up to the front door, lifted up the big red plant pot, and grabbed the front-door key.
I opened the door and ran inside, happy to be here, finally.
I really did love the lake house. It was the only place that made me feel one with the earth.
It was also the only place where Ryker and I had once had a moment that had made me feel like maybe, just maybe, there could be something between us.
It had only happened once, and it had happened so fast that I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it, but the fact that it was even a possibility in my mind was enough for now.
“Hey, you going to get your own bags or do you expect me to be your man-slave?” Ryker shouted into the house as he walked in and looked around the large living room with the massive wood-burning fireplace right in the center.
“I expect you to be my man-slave,” I said and walked up to him. “Just because you’re the son of a billionaire doesn’t exempt you from your duties.”
“Hmm, my duties?” He cocked his head to the side. “What do I get from you in return for fulfilling my duties?”
“You’ll see.” I stared into his eyes. “Maybe something wonderful.”
“Wonderful?” he questioned with a smile, and we gazed at each other for a few moments, saying nothing. I moved closer to him and was about to lean in for a kiss when he frowned. “There’s nothing you can give me that is good enough for me to become your man-servant.”
“Whatever,” I said, my heart sinking as I stepped back and walked out the front door, thanking God I hadn’t embarrassed myself by going for a kiss. “I’ll get my own bags, lazy-ass.”
“I’m not lazy.” He grabbed my arm as I walked out and pulled me back to him.
His fingers gripped my wrist, and I looked at him with an angry, hurt expression.
He stared at me for a few seconds and then let go.
I turned back around and walked to the Range Rover, my heart thudding.
What had just happened there? That had been an awkward moment, and I didn’t know what it meant.
“Is this where we’re staying?” Barbie looked at me with another surly look. I swear, I wished the wind would hit her as she was pulling one of those expressions so that her face would stay that way.
“What do you think?” I snapped and looked at Lara, who was trying not to laugh. “We just parked in front of the cabin. I went and got the key and opened the front door. Did you think I was doing it for shits and giggles?”
“I was just asking a question,” she said, looking irritated.
“Uh-huh, dumbass,” I mumbled, but obviously my voice wasn’t low enough because she gave me a deadly look.
“Let’s grab our bags and choose our rooms,” Lara said quickly, and she grabbed her small duffel bag. “And maybe you can call Parker, Mila, and see what time he plans to arrive.”