Page 52 of Sutton and the CEO Forever

“Thank you,Gina. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

Natalie sat back in her chair and rubbed her little food baby. They had all eaten their fair share and then some. The girls raced from Jackson to Julio, showing them their dolls and getting Julio to wear one of their crowns.

Natalie was astounded at how the night had gone. There hadn’t been any mysterious phone calls or strange men interrupting. It had been something of a drive out to Marco and Gina’s, and Julio had insisted on driving since he already knew the location.

Natalie had expected the conversation to be stilted and awkward. On the contrary, they began to discuss books and movies, and Natalie was shocked that Julio loved the old classics from the 1930s and 40s. He said that he remembered how much she liked them.

The wall she had constructed around her heart had taken another hit when she saw Julio with Marco and Gina’s daughters. It was obvious he would make a wonderful father. Natalie had figured the dreams she had for them with a family were long dead and gone.

But as she watched him, the things that had once seemed possible danced in front of her face.

When it came time to leave, Natalie really had enjoyed herself and told Marco and Gina that she would love to visit again.

She then turned to Jackson and asked, “Are you going to stay on holiday indefinitely?”

Jackson choked. “Holiday?”

Natalie nodded, “Yeah, Julio and Marco told me that you were hiding out here. Does Brian know?”

Jackson frowned. “Of course, Brian knows. Look, I’ll be back soon. There are just a few loose ends that need tying up.”

Julio said a silent prayer of thanks that Jackson hadn’t ratted him out.

They got back into the car, and Natalie turned to see his handsome profile.

“How long are you going to make Jackson stay there?”

Julio felt his stomach drop. “What?”

Natalie laughed, “You were all acting odd when I first arrived. I should have known.”

“Are you mad? Please do not be angry, Natalia. I forced it out of him, your location. He didn’t betray you.”

Natalie shook her head, “I’m not mad. I mean, I was really mad when you first arrived. But I am not angry anymore. It’s just, Julio, it’s been eight years. We can’t just pick up where we left off.”

Julio nodded slowly, keeping his driving steady and watching the road.

“You are right, of course. But we can start again, no?”

Natalie held her breath, knowing what she wanted to say and what her head was telling her. Could she trust him? Had he really changed?

“One date,” Natalie said quickly before she could think better on it. After all, what harm could one date be?

27

“An airplane? Really, Julio, this is too much.”

Natalie shook her head and started to edge her way toward the long black car they’d just climbed out of.

Julio raised his hands and spoke in a soothing tone, “You promised, Natalia.”

Her laugh was borderline hysterical when she blurted out, “I said one date. Not one kidnapping!”

Julio rolled his eyes, “Nobody is being kidnapped. If you truly wish to go, the driver will take you back to Otterville Falls and out of my life. I am trying to show you who I am now. Part of that is telling you more about where I have been.”

Natalie contemplated his words. During their time together, Julio had always been tight-lipped about his past. The urge to throw caution to the wind was coursing through her.

“Okay,” she said slowly. “But this had better be worth it.”

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