Page 86 of Matchmaking the CEO

My jaw ticked, and a vein pulsed in my neck. She was serious. I wanted to make things easier for her, spoil her, take care of her. At the very least, I wanted to make sure she didn't have any financial problems or any kind of issues. I’d never felt that way about anyone before. I admitted to myself that I also wanted her to stay here. The thought of her moving away for a job was unthinkable. Was it selfish of me?

I was going back to New York once Whitley Advertising was back on its feet, so how could I demand that of her? Still, I knew in my gut that no matter what happened between us, I wanted her to be taken care of. I didn't want her to struggle now, or in the future.

"Let's get some burgers," she said. "Last time I was here, they made some amazing ones out of soy chunks."

"Wait, I'm not done talking about this."

Her shoulders dropped, and she crossed her arms over her chest. I’d learned that was a telltale sign she was uncomfortable. That was the last thing I wanted, but I needed to understand more.

“It’s just more difficult to get interviews because I lack references.”

“Because of your ex.”

“Yes.”

"Tell me about him."

"Why?" she asked, sounding suspicious.

"So that I can make sure he doesn't bother you again."

"Oh, I don't think he will."

I moved my hand from her waist up to the back of her neck and pressed my fingers there. She seemed to like it, so I kept doing it. I loved pleasing her. "When did you two break up?"

"About seven months ago. Then we worked together for three more months before our boss fired us.”

“And he’s been bugging you ever since?”

“On and off. In the first two months after we were fired, he tried to get under my skin. I don’t get why. He wouldn’t make an effort to even be civil while we worked together, and then after we broke up, it was like he had a personality change. Kept going out of his way to be nice. Then he got pissed because I refused to acknowledge him. I was just done. That was a month before he sent the letter.”

"Natalie, tell me if there's any trouble. Promise."

She nodded. "I promise. Now can we please drop it?"

"Sure. Thank you for sharing that with me."

She gave me a sad smile. "It's not something I'm hiding. I just don't like to think about it."

I kissed her forehead, my mouth lingering on her skin. I was trying to rein in my instinct—the primal need to protect her from anything, be it an ex or financial issues. But I didn’t want to be overbearing.

"Let's get your burger," I said when I pulled away. "I hope they have regular ones too. I’m not a soy fan."

"I promise these are worth trying."

"I'll take a bite of yours."

There were only two people in front of us. I watched the staff prep the burgers. No way in hell was I tasting the soy one; it looked like something I wouldn't even feed a dog. I took a regular one from ground beef. They were ready for us in a couple minutes.

Natalie looked around, scouring the area as I took the paper bags with burgers. "Let's find a bench."

"We can sit on the grass if you want. I don't mind."

"No, there are too many critters."

"I thought you liked nature."

"I like trees. I don't like insects."

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