Emma crossed her arms. “The truce.”
“The truce.” He nodded. “Friends?”
Surprise flickered across her pale face, and he’d have given his right arm to know why. Did she really think he was an all or nothing kind of guy now? That their history forever determined their future? There was always room for pages to be rewritten. If he didn’t believe in fresh starts, what kind of leader was he, anyway?
She rolled in her bottom lip, just like she’d always done when she was younger. Just like he’d seen Cody do a dozen times while at the camp. “Friends.”
Relief flushed through his body. It wasn’t what he really wanted, but at least the awkwardness could be shoved behind them now. They could move forward and focus together on what was most important—the kids.
“Then I’m going to need your help.” He motioned for her to sit again, and she quickly obeyed as if eager to press forward with their new relationship. They needed to cement the decision, for sure, before the sun rose and reality doused them in an unforgiving light. “I really want to brainstorm a few new ideas for the campers. I’m not getting through to some of them like I expected to by now.”
“Is Cody one of them?” Her brow puckered, and she tapped a nervous rhythm with her pencil.
“Don’t worry about who.” He offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile, but he couldn’t discuss Cody right now. It was too soon—and not fair. He couldn’t do that with the other campers and their parents, so he wouldn’t start breaching confidentiality now. Besides, Emma was too anxious over it—wrong mindset on her part. There was still a long road to walk.
For both of them.
“I’d like your help, especially with some project ideas for the girls. These kids need to work hard, but they need to have fun.” He patted Tonya’s files. “They need to see they can have a good time without abusing substances or breaking the law.”
“But isn’t the point of the camp to learn discipline and responsibility? Learn how to respect authority?” Her frown lingered, though interest had sparked her gaze at the mention of fun.
“Of course. Don’t you think we’ve been doing that?”
She hesitated, then snorted. He took that as a yes. She was probably remembering the early hours, the structured eating schedule, the punishment for forgotten manners, cursing and fighting, the strict rules about free time, the obstacle course that nearly did the group in...
“So, you’ll help me?” He hated how much it mattered that she not turn down this small gesture.
She nodded slowly, eyes appraising him. He tried to look stoic. No more tricks. He wouldn’t take advantage of their chemistry again—even if the air sizzled like a campfire every time he got within three feet of her. He tried to convey that honest message with his own gaze, not surprised in the least that they could still read each other so easily. After all they’d been through...
“I’ll help.”
“Great.” His breath escaped in a rush of air. “Tomorrow, then.” He wanted to shake her hand again. No, scratch that. He wanted to kiss her good-night.
Time to cowboy up and face facts. He stood, scooted their chairs in, gathered the files, held the door for her and smiled like a gentleman.
The entire time Emma stomped over his heart on her way to the dorms.