Page 13 of Taming the CEO

"Second, don't let her 'accidentally' set up another meeting with Cami for you."

I was a grown-ass man. Of course that wasn't going to happen. "And third?"

"Let me think."

"You don't have a third one?"

"Oh no, I have about fifteen, but I'm thinking about which to pick so you actually remember it. If I just list all of them, you'll be overwhelmed." Her eyebrows rose. "Oh yeah, I know. Look, she's got two strategies. One, she does everything without telling you her intention, like she did with me and Jake."

"You said before that she wasn't subtle."

"No, she wasn't. But she also didn't try to tell me what she was planning."

"Right," I said, not really following.

"But then with Cade and even with Colton, she was very in-your-face. She actually told them she was playing matchmaker."

"All right."

"Also, don't let her say that out loud. If she does, things might get awkward between you and Cami."

I burst out laughing. "Natalie, they cannot get more awkward than they already are."

"Believe me, things can always get more awkward."

I looked at her intently. "You want to add a fourth point, huh?"

"How can you tell?" she asked, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're fidgeting. And you're never nervous."

"Well, it's not exactly a warning. Just... follow your instincts."

"I always follow my instincts."

"I mean, if there was a spark between you and Cami, don't ignore it." She grimaced. "Sorry. Forget I said that."

Except I couldn't.

I cleared my throat. "Listen, I know you’re employed here, but you're family. You can always say whatever goes through your mind. I've never had a sister, and I think it's refreshing to have a woman's perspective. An honest one."

"You can always count on me to be honest." She got up. "Anyway, I've got to hurry because I do have to put a few fires out before tonight. Um, good luck, then. I'm giving you both thumbs up. I can't wait to hear how it goes."

"Natalie, really. Don't worry about me. I have a lot of experience with Gran. I can absolutely handle her."

"Ah," she said on a sigh. "Famous last words, Maddox, I'm telling you."

***

I was picking up Gran from home, and she was already waiting for me in front of the house. I immediately jumped out of the car, opening the door for her. My SUV was a high step up, so she needed some assistance getting in.

"How long have you been out here?" I asked.

"Oh, not that long. Your granddad had some friends over, and I didn't want to be in their way."

I laughed. "You've got a million rooms. You weren't in his way, for sure."

She smiled devilishly as I closed the door and then got in the car.

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