He's The Boss

10

"This is great!" James is gushing on Valentine's Day as a huge group of us stands together at Hayden Park – staff, clients, and even a few press members. "Look at this! Great response, free publicity, I think we're totally on the right track, wouldn't you say, Nate?"

Beside him, Nate does a firm nod, even though his eyes are focused on me.

"You guys did a great job putting all this together," James adds. "Now, everybody know what their stations and duties are?"

His words are met with cheers, and he claps his hands together enthusiastically. "Alright, I'll go talk to the emcee. You guys be ready!"

I turn away, ignoring Nate's glances as I move to usher singles to their respective picnic areas, where they'll be playing games and basically getting to know each other. We're all really busy overseeing things and answering their questions, until it comes time for the walk.

Everyone gets up and we start moving in this long line through the park. Further in, there's a fifty-foot treetop walk that we want them to take – the lush, serene surroundings and the tiny element of danger tend to facilitate conversation and flirting.

As it turns out though, a few of our newcomers get a little too excited and start chasing each other across the wooden bridge.

"Hey, no running - !" I manage to get out of my mouth, before one of them bumps me hard. I slam into the side of the bridge, inadvertently bending forward and getting a dizzying view of the fast-flowing river below.

Shit!

Panic envelops me as I struggle to get a handhold on the swaying bridge. Before I can lose it completely, someone grabs me from behind with both arms, pulling me back to safety.

"Caitlin, are you OK?" a husky voice sounds worriedly in my ear.

I whirl around, pressing my face into Nate's chest.

"It's OK," he tells me, holding me close. "You're OK."

"Is she alright?" one of my clients asks, and he nods, his chin bumping the top of my head.

"Yeah. Just a little scare."

"I need to get off this thing," I manage to get the words out. I'm a little embarrassed at freaking out over something so stupid like a scared little child, but in that moment, I don't really care. And neither does Nate, it seems.

"OK, come on." Nate takes a firm hold of my hand, leading me back the other way.

"Wait, my group ... "

"Don't worry, Caitlin, I'll take care of it." He hollers to one of my co-workers to tell her to take over my group, and I blush, yanking my hand away.

Still, I know it's too late. The worst part is I know Lacey saw us, and she's staring at me with eyes stretched wide.

"Come on," Nate says to me, leading me back to the picnic area, which would be mostly empty by now, save for the emcee and a few volunteers we hired.

"Where are we going?"

"That's up to you."

"Me?"

"You can stay and take a breather, or you can go home, if you want to."

"I don't want to go home."

"No?"

"Unless you ... want me to leave."

"Of course not."

"OK then, I think I just need a moment." I wander over to some picnic tables, perching myself on top of one as I look out over the grass.