ran through her. Her dad had called Rick about it—not her. “That’s the first I’ve heard about any of that.”
“I’m sorry. I was going to talk to you about it tonight. But I assumed your parents or Charlie had already said something. ...”
“Nobody told me anything.” The admission clogged her throat. Her parents still saw Rick as the one to turn to.
“Dr. Shelton’s team can still come.” Rick’s placating tone was meant to sooth her fractured ego, but it only made things worse because it was like he was giving his permission. “Neither of the projects should hinder the other,” he said. “I don’t see any problem—”
“The problem is nobody told me anything.”
“Well, it was my idea, so naturally they called me. ...”
“Naturally. And I’m not important enough to be brought into the loop, naturally. So Charlie knows, too?”
“Yeah. He told me at lunch that he and Ginny were going to stay through that week, too, to help.”
A frustrated sigh exploded from Summer’s chest.
“Don’t get all huffy about this, Summer. Charlie’s the director, and I’m—”
“The assistant director.” Her frustration was quickly giving way to indignation and anger. “How could I have forgotten they picked you over me? I’m just their daughter, so it’s not like I have any investment in the place.” Looking around, she noticed that Tara and Neil were on their way back to the dorms. She gathered her things and headed toward her cabin, Rick following quickly on her heels.
“Summer, don’t be like this.”
Aggravation tinged his voice, and she wheeled around on him, letting her own aggravation fly. “Like what, Rick? Say it.”
“Don’t pout. You’re acting like a child.”
She ground her teeth at his words. “I’m not acting like a child. I’m acting like a woman who’s insulted that she’s considered to be no more important in the administration of this camp than any of the kids who are attending.”
Rick reached out to take her hand, but she jerked it from his grasp and hurried on toward her cabin.
“Furthermore, as a grown woman, I’m perfectly capable of being by myself.” Her insides churned hot, and she needed time to cool down. “And that’s precisely what I intend to do tonight. Good night, Rick.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Summer.”
She stepped onto her porch without a backward glance. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His disgruntled huff followed her into the cabin and stayed with her long into the night as she thought about her situation.
People had to start taking her seriously. She had to prove to her parents—and yes, to Rick—that she was capable of making good decisions.
Charlie was retiring soon and Rick wouldn’t be available past this summer. Her chance to take over the camp was coming soon. She had to show everyone she was capable of running this place—that taking it over wouldn’t be biting off more than she could chew.
Hell, she had a mammoth molar to help with the task!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
RICK WOKE AT HIS USUAL FIVE o’clock, and because he had no reason not to, he went for a run and hoped the morning air would clear the fog in his head. The Summer Delaney–induced fog.
Last night during the staff meeting, he’d forgotten all about telling the group about today’s special event. That had never happened before.
He’d always considered himself levelheaded and rational. Hell, in Afghanistan he was the one who volunteered for dangerous missions because not many things fazed him enough to muddle his thoughts. When Dunk got hit, and while enemy bullets whizzed over his head, that head stayed clear and focused.
Then along came a slip of a woman dressed like a fairy princess, who, in three weeks’ time, had him forgetting important things, questioning things he knew and regretting actions he’d taken. Even when his head told him he was right, his heart wasn’t so sure.
The Delaneys hired him as assistant director. They had put their faith and trust in him that he would make the best decisions. Next year, maybe Summer would get her chance. He hoped she would, and he would recommend her without hesitation. But this year, they were counting on him. It was his reputation on the line, and he wouldn’t disappoint.
Honor. Courage. Commitment...Semper fi.
Surely, Summer understood that. They’d gotten to know each other well enough for her to understand he would give this place his all.
He ran faster, trying to rid his body of the restlessness he’d put up with all night. Restlessness because Summer hadn’t been beside him. The small granite star thumped against his chest as he ran. He’d