Page 110 of Matchmaking the CEO

"Honey, we spoke two days ago."

"I know, but babies grow so fast. And you and Dad do so many things on a daily basis."

"We're thoroughly enjoying the work at the B&B. That's true," Mom said before venturing into Dad's latest fight with the local fishermen about where he was allowed to fish.

Once we finished talking, I texted Larissa. I missed her terribly. I couldn’t wait for her to come back from her trip. Just before leaving, she’d gotten that allergy test. Apparently she was now allergic to peanuts—something she’d never had a problem with before. But doctors said allergies can pop up at any time.

Natalie: Hope you’re having fun.

Larissa: It’s a blast, but I miss being home. How is the event?

Natalie: Hasn’t started yet, but I’m happy with everything.

I’d loved throwing Jeannie’s ninetieth birthday because it had been such a personal milestone. My work had genuinely made her and the familyhappy. But I loved these corporate events too. I’d tried to personalize it as much as possible—but I might have ordered a tad too many flower arrangements. I'd gotten Maddox's approval for the extra cost without issue. I really liked working with him. It was a pity that I only had this job temporarily.

I sat down under a huge umbrella, guzzling lemonade. The event was along the water, on the beach.

After I finished my drink, I hurried home to change. I’d spent the day in jeans shorts and a tank top, and I wanted to switch to something more professional. Even though it was a beach party and the dress code was casual, I wanted to make a good impression.

Once I was home, I quickly changed into a cream-colored skirt and a light pink blouse.

Jake was picking me up from home even though I told him we could meet at the event. After all, I had to be there a full hour earlier than the guests.

I was thrilled he’d accepted Maddox’s invitation. I’d gently nudged Maddox over a couple weeks, hinting in that direction, until he eventually got my drift.

I was ready at five forty-five. I couldn’t wait to hear how the lunch at Jeannie’s and Abe’s went. My heart was still hurting a bit that I hadn’t been able to attend.

I opened the front door as soon as I heard a car door shut.

He looked absolutely beautiful. He was wearing a linen shirt today, and I chuckled.

"What?" he asked.

"I like that your response to a casual dress code is still a dress shirt."

"You’re wearing office clothes," he pointed out. "And you look delicious in them."

I shimmied my hips. I loved it when he complimented me.

"Yes, but I'm working. How was lunch?”

“Good.”

His response was a bit curt, and I realized he seemed tense. "Is something wrong with Abe? Is he sick again?"

I’d harbored that fear ever since Jake told me he was meeting them for lunch.

I was getting nervous. “Jake? I’m freaking out. Did something happen to Jeannie?”

“No, nothing like that. I met with them because Whitley Advertising got an offer from a serious buyer. A very good offer.”

I felt nauseous.What is he telling me? That he's returning to New York?

"Wow. That's good, right? It's what you wanted. What did your grandfather say?"

"He wants me to decide if I want to sell or not. He said he'd prefer if it stayed in the family, but the ultimate decision is mine."

"But that's a good thing, right? You said if this wasn't your family's company, you’d turn it around and sell it."

---