CEO'd By Him Complete Series Box Set

by Nella Tyler

  “What?” Cammie stopped and stared at me. “Like he owns it? This is his livelihood?”

  “Double discount day, aw yeah!” Vince called out. Turning, I saw him loping up behind me, grinning from ear to ear. “I did say if you stopped by, you’d be in for a treat.”

  “Vince, I thought you meant pizza or beer; I don’t want you giving out discounts,” I tried to say, but he’d already moved around me to say hello to Cammie.

  “Hi, there. You must be Cammie. Man, you did a number on this guy right here!” Vince let out a bark of laughter. “I’ve never seen him have it this bad before.”

  “Okay, cool it there, Vin.” I threw an arm around him and squeezed hard. “Cammie Book, Vince Curley. Owner and proprietor of Strikerman’s, as well as former best friend.”

  “Hey!” Vince elbowed me. “Funny how the funny man can’t take a joke.”

  Cammie was gazing at us with an expression of bewilderment and amusement on her face. “It’s so nice to meet you, Vince. Kris has told me so many great things about you.”

  “Aw, really?” Vince grinned as he disentangled himself from me and offered Cammie his arm. “Here, let me show you around and you can tell me every last one of them.”

  Laughing to myself, I followed behind as Vince pointed gave the shortest tour known to man. At one point Cammie glanced back at me, her eyebrows raised and I just smiled at her. After the tour, Vince got us beers and chips, setting us up at a lane. Since no one else was there – surprise, surprise – he joined us. We went three rounds, with Vince beating us soundly every time. I had to give my man credit: he was a mean bowler.

  During the final round, Cammie asked why Vince wasn’t on a bowling team, and he launched into a long story about trying to go pro, getting into a fistfight with an older fan, then a mascot and ultimately getting banned.

  “So I decided to start my own business,” he said. Then his phone rang and he let out a dramatic sigh. “Ah, the CEO never sleeps.” As he moved away to answer, I saw that it was his grandmother calling and I smothered a laugh.

  Cammie looked over at me. “You held back,” she whispered.

  “Oh, no,” I said. “Vince is beyond any power of mine to describe.”

  “How does this place stay open?” She whispered. “You said it’s been here for years? How?”

  “It’s one of the great mysteries. I don’t think even Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes’s love child could solve it.”

  Vince came back. “Mamaw says hello. She’s excited for the release party next month.”

  “I know,” I said. “She’s called me three times about it already.”

  “So, Vince, I’m curious to hear more about Strikerman’s,” Cammie said as I went up to bowl.

  “Like what?” Vince sounded perplexed. “I already gave you the grand tour.”

  “I mean about the business part of it.”

  “Oh, of course. Well, it’s pretty simple. Appeal to the younger crowd – make them feel welcome. Keep it low key. Always have extra Cheetos in the vending machine.”

  “Let them go behind the counter,” I commented as I let the ball fly.

  “Keep your elbows more tucked, Kris,” Vince said, as the ball only knocked down a handful of pins. “You’re sprawling like an ostrich up there.”

  Cammie laughed. “No, Vince, I mean… This place is kind of like an off-the-beaten-path Birmingham treasure. Do you ever try to increase your marketing outreach?”

  Walking back I saw Vince nod. “Oh yeah. Double discounts whenever couples come in, half-off for seniors and high school students. AU kids bowl free after winning games.”

  She stared at him. “Wow, that’s a lot of discounts. A ton, even.”

  “I know. Keeps the doors always spinning,” Vince grinned.

  “In and right back out,” I whispered into Cammie’s ear as I sat next to her and she elbowed me.

  “You know, Vince. I have a friend who works for Coastal Living Magazine–” Cammie began to say.

  “You think they want to do a piece? I almost got one in the AU student newspaper, but it kinda fell through. They never called me back. Must be busy with graduation and stuff.” Vince shook his head. “But Coastal Living, that sounds big.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about a piece.” Cammie looked guilty. “But maybe I could ask her about how much it is to advertise. Or maybe she can recommend another magazine who might be interested.”

  “Bowler’s Monthly, maybe,” I suggested innocently, and Cammie shot me a look.

  “Oh, impossible,” Vince piped up. “I’ve tried. They are like booked for the next few years. Plus, they tend to focus more on bowler’s than bowling alleys.”

  “Ah, I see. By the way, it’s your turn, Vin,” I said.

  Vince didn’t respond, he was fiddling with his beer and smiling in a bashful manner. “So your friend who works at the magazine – um, you said she. Is she single?”

  “Oh,” Cammie said, and I choked on my beer. She glared at me as I began to laugh, gasping for air and pound the chair next to me. “Honestly, Kris,” she muttered, throwing napkins at me. “Um, Vince, Anna is, um, well… She is single, but…”

  “Single-ish,” I muttered and got another elbow to my side.

  Vince’s face became dreamy. “Anna. She sounds lovely.”

  “She is, but…” Cammie was biting her lip, clearly at a loss with how to let Vince down easy.

  I’d known him too long to let him down easy. “She’d eat you alive, bud.”

  He gave me a startled look, looking both nervous and like he wouldn’t mind being eaten alive. I shook my head and drew a finger across my throat.

  “Not the good kind of man-eater?” Vince asked.

  “Not one you could handle, sorry,” I said, trying to look sympathetic. But in my head, I was picturing Anna Dewitt giving Vince a once-over and him floating after her with hearts in his eyes. Oh, that blonde would eviscerate him. It would be funny, but I didn’t think Vince would recover.

  “Plus, what Kris fails to mention is that she is kind of seeing someone,” Cammie added quickly.

  “Several,” I said drily, and Cammie shot me a look. “What? You and I both know a sweetheart like Vince has no business dating a heartbreaker like Anna.” I gave Vince a look. “She’s UA royalty. Sorority princess. Not your type, bud.”

  Vince nodded. “Yeah, I’ve never did have much luck with sorority girls in college. Although I got kicked out pretty early, so maybe that would have changed if I stayed.”

  “Anyhow,” Cammie said, glancing between us, giving Vince an affectionate glance, while I got look full of are you kidding me? “We should really try to get more people in here! It’s fun.” She glanced around. “Maybe you should think about redecorating a little.”

  “Oh no,” Vince said, shaking his head. “Don’t want the old girl to lose her original luster.”

  “Original luster?” Cammie echoed, her voice sounding strangled.

  “Yep, she was one of the first bowling alleys in Birmingham. Although she got closed down a few years later. Fire or ghosts. Maybe both. I can never remember. But, I like the old school vibe, you know? So when I reopened it, I decided to keep it as is.”

  “And you’ve succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, I’d imagine,” I said.

  Cammie shook her head at me as Vince nodded enthusiastically. “You bet.”

  Once we were done bowling, we decided to go out for dinner, but Cammie begged off, saying she was exhausted.

  After I offered to pay for dinner if Vince agreed to drive me home, we wound up in a sports bar a block over. It was half-filled with college kids, and the spell of wings on the air was mouth-watering.

  Vince gave me a strange smile over our first round of beers, and I raised my eyebrows at him. “Maybe you should go easy on the drinks, bud,” I said.

  “I’m just so happy for you, man,” Vince replied, still smiling like an idiot. “Cammie is great.”

  “I know. That’s why I’m dating
her.”

  “Don’t be a smartass, I mean it.” He shook his head and sighed. “Kris, man, I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time. In fact…” Vince trailed off, frowning. “I don’t know if I ever seen you this happy. She’s the one, you know?”

  “The one?” I echoed, my heart skipping a beat.

  “The one,” he responded solemnly. “I am truly happy for you two.” Vince leaned forward and gazed at me. “Now I have to ask you something.”

  A little thrown, I nodded and leaned in as well. “What’s up?”

  “Does she have a sister?” His eyes were wide and shining with hope.

  “Really, Vince?” I groaned, sitting back and putting my hands over my face.

  “What? What?” he asked. “Does she?”

  Chapter 38

  Cammie

  Getting out of the shower, I walked upstairs on Sunday morning and let out a huff upon seeing Kris had fallen back asleep. I’d woken him up over an hour ago. We had to leave soon – we were going to Cropwell to visit my mother, along with the rest of my family, and have Sunday dinner there.

  It was strange to think that just a week ago, I’d thought I’d be driving there alone.

  Now I was working at Bold Pictures and all but living with Kris.

  Going to the bed, I grinned impishly as I lifted my hair, squeezing out the excess water onto Kris’s bare back. He yelped and rolled over, glancing around wildly.

  “What the?” Rubbing his face, he stared at me. “Damn, I thought the roof was leaking. Don’t scare a first-time homeowner like that. Geez.” Then he gave me a sheepish smile. “What’s up?”

  I shrugged, giving him a hard look before walking over to my weekend bag, which held an array of outfits that didn’t wrinkle.

  “Oh, I fell back asleep.” Kris’s voice sounded rueful as he jumped out of bed. “I’m sorry. Vince and I stayed out way later than I meant to. It's hockey playoffs, babe. Nashville Predators are in it to win it. Or at least, that’s who I put my money on.”

  Shaking my head, I gathered up my clothes and gave Kris another look as he came to stand behind me, trying to make me forget, looking all adorable in his boxers with bed-head.

  “Just go get ready. Leave in a half-hour?” I tapped my foot. “Can you do that?”

  “You just want to leave sooner rather than later so we can go out of our way to stop at that little bakery, don’t you? Someone wants an orange-cranberry scone and an iced cinnamon latte.” Kris shook his head. “And I thought today was about family.”

  “I will throw you in that shower if I have to, Boldin,” I responded, walking over to the vanity I’d annexed in this room.

  Looking in the mirror, I saw Kris smirking at me. “I’d like to see that. I’d pay money for that.”

  “Kris,” I groaned. “Are you trying to make us late for visiting my mother?”

  “Was it that obvious?” I glared at him. “I’m going, I’m going.” He laughed as he ran down the stairs. “Bet I’ll be ready before you are.”

  “Loser drives and buys the coffee!” I yelled back.

  “Turn down here,” I said, attempting not to fidget in my seat. Kris was navigating the narrow, twisting streets that sprawled along the banks of the Coosa River. More than one person stared at his car as we drove by and I could feel myself sinking lower and lower in the passenger seat. It felt weird to be driving in this big fancy SUV down these roads. Usually, if there was a big car, it was a huge truck, with a trailer overflowing with mulch or lawn equipment or dirt bikes.

  I could also tell from the stares that they were surprised at how clean it was. Most cars and trucks driving up and down these roads were mud splattered from off-roading or the terrible, mud-filled “bridge” that connected one of the main roads from Cropwell into upper Pell City.

  “Why are you so nervous?” Kris asked. “And how can I get you to stop? Because it’s making me nervous. It’s not like it’s the first time I’m meeting your mom.”

  “No,” I said slowly. “But it is the first time we don’t have a camera crew in tow.” And the first time you’re visiting my childhood home.

  We’d shot the other footage at my Aunt Bethany’s house. She and my Uncle George had a gorgeous, spacious house a little further north on the Coosa River. He’d built a few years ago, so it had a fresh, pretty look to it.

  Whereas my house was a little dated.

  Pulling into the driveway, I saw my mother standing on the front steps, waving a towel and then hopping down them. The two small family mutts, Rudy and Snookers, were barking their heads off in the window.

  My mom’s house was small, painted off-white, now faded to gray, with blue-green shutters and a covered with pine needles. Trees crowded either side of the yard, hiding the neighbors, while a big willow drooped over the river and the small front yard glowed green. A little garden was scooped out behind the house, the flowers glowing against the railing around it, visible even from the driveway. Everything was pretty, but it was a little too simple and neat.

  Or was that just how I saw it?

  Kris had already gotten out of the car and was hugging my mom back.

  It made my heart glow.

  In his zeal to produce the first rough cut, Kris admitted he’d encouraged the editors to make it more dramatic. He’d apologized over and over for casting my mother in a negative light, while promising to try to get along with her better.

  “Oh, Cammie!” my mom gasped as I came around the car. “You look stunning.”

  I glanced down at my long sundress I’d bought at Old Navy last year and frowned. “Huh?”

  “Doesn’t she though?” Kris had his arm around my mom’s shoulders and was beaming at me. “Must get it from you, Mrs. Book.”

  “Oh, stop it,” my mother laughed, but she was clearly pleased. “And call me Dina.”

  As I hugged her, I mouthed “thank you,” at Kris.

  My mom was a petite woman, shorter than me, with short, wavy brown hair and brown eyes. She always carried herself with a certain regal poise, and there was a fierce glint in her eyes no matter how soft her smile.

  He winked at me as my mother let me go. “Well, come on now in the house. Dinner will be in a few hours. Your brothers are all out and about, but they promised they’d be back in time. And usually where food in concerned, the three of them do tend to show up.”

  Walking in, I found myself relaxing within the comfort of this little house. As always, a vanilla candle was burning on the mantle. The dogs were hopping around me, yipping and squirming, both of them smelling a little bit like dog, but more of doggy shampoo. I’d bet a thousand dollars my mother had bathed them last night. From the kitchen, the muted strains of a country station came through, where a cowboy was crooning about a lost love. Pictures of my family crowded the walls, familiar faces and smiles meeting me at every turn.

  And I smiled back. Home.

  Kris politely asked for a tour, and my mother beamed. I grinned to myself, thinking about how many tours Kris and I had been on together. It was almost a little absurd at this point.

  Everything was scrupulously clean as we walked through. First, the living room, a small, cozy room dominated by a stone fireplace at one end. Then, through a cut-away, a bright-yellow kitchen, polished and shining in the midday sunshine.

  Mama even showed Kris the bedrooms – her small one with her big bed and made up with Gramma’s quilt, then my old room, which had been taken over by Hank, then Billy’s room, which had once been shared by all three brothers, and finally Augie’s small room, which used to serve as a home office for my dad. We hadn’t touched it in years, but the summer after I moved out, my mother decided to renovate it finally.

  “How did you get them to clean their rooms?” I whispered as Kris walked ahead of us down the hall. “Witchcraft? Bribes?”

  “Your grandmother,” Mama said and gave me a look. “She doesn’t take no for an answer.”

  After that, we went outside to go sit on the stone patio by the
riverbank. My mother had cleaned up nicely, and apparently Augie had gone to town setting up Christmas lights around it, as well as tiki torches. It was like a luau and a holiday party all in one.

  “Oh, it’s a sight to behold at night.” Mama chuckled. “Augie is so proud of himself, I think he wants to now become a lighting designer or an architect. Although I think he needs a job where he can be on his feet and moving around. Jumpier than a cricket.”

  Sitting there, sipping iced tea and eating homemade cookies, I watched as Kris relaxed more and more around my mother. Within in an hour, he was laughing at her stories and asking her questions about my childhood. And she was answering with a candor that surprised me and, more often than not, embarrassed me. But at the same time, I was too happy to see them getting along to care too much.

  I’d wondered if the cameras were creating a wall between them. And now, I saw with some satisfaction that I was right. Part of me wanted to point that out to Kris, but I decided to just revel in it secretly. Or hold onto it for another occasion.

  Soon we were joined by Aunt Bethany, Uncle George, my cousins Iva, George Jr., and Lily, along with my Gramma, and finally my brothers. At some point, I realized Kris had vanished somewhere and then I saw him helping my mother grill up steaks. She was smiling up at him, patting his arm and he was laughing at something she said.

  “He’s a keeper, Camilla,” Came a whisper in my ear. I turned to see my grandmother nursing a large glass of wine, and she winked at me. “Fits in real nice. Can’t even tell he’s a big-city boy.”

  “He’s really not, though, Grams,” I said. “If anything, he might be more country than we are.”

  “Watch your tongue, child.” She tipped back her glass. “I said I liked him. That’s plenty.”

  I laughed. “Maybe you need to take it easy on the red. And I just meant he’s lived all over the world, spending time in little villages and in deep country with no one else around for miles.”

  “Oh, one of those.” She nodded.

  “One of those, what?” Asked Auntie Bee, leaning forward. “Sorry, I was eavesdropping.”

  “Eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves,” Gramma retorted.