Page 111 of Matchmaking the CEO

"I did," he said slowly. "Natalie." He cupped my face. "I know this is not the best timing to tell you, but I figured you'd be able to realize something was off with me while you were working. Best to rip off the Band-Aid now."

"No, it's good that you told me. I'm happy for you."

He frowned. "You're happy for me to sell the company and go back to New York?"

I licked my lips. His touch was setting me on fire.

"It's what you want, isn't it?"

"It was, yes."

Was.My heart felt like it was getting bigger.

"So, you don't want that anymore?"

He dropped his hand, leaning against the car.

"I don't know. Even though my grandfather said it's my decision, he also made it clear that he'd prefer it to stay in the family. I can continue my search for the CEO. I’d stay for as long as it takes until we find someone."

And my heart dropped yet again. Why did I hope he was going to say,"No, I want to stay here with you in Boston, marry you, and have a million kids"?

That wasn't what was in store for us. We both knew it.

"I think your grandparents will be happy with that option."

He was looking at me intently, as if he was expecting me to add something. Honestly, I needed to process this first.

"We should go," I said. "I don't want us to be late."

"Sure, let's go."

I was lost in thought on our way to the event location. It was only when we arrived that I realized Jake was too, because he hadn’t attempted to make conversation at all.

***

Jake

Maddox had not overpitchedhis event. The who’s who in Boston’s business world were attending, and more than one of the guests I ended up speaking with were very interested in using the services of Whitley Advertising.

“Jake, I'm glad to see Whitley Advertising is turning around," Derek Casin said, patting my shoulder before he left. He was the tenth or eleventh guy who was interested in becoming a client.

Gabe, Cade, and Spencer had arrived about half an hour after the party started, and they were mingling with the guests. They hadn’t convinced Colton to join us.

"Brother, you’re very good at this," Maddox exclaimed, coming up to me. I brought my glass of whiskey to my lips. I’d only managed to take one sip in the last ten minutes. It was disgusting. Some of the ice had already melted. “I saw you talk to at least half a dozen people."

“Most of them are interested in Whitley Advertising."

“So, the rumors about you not being a people person weren’t founded.”

“They were. But I’m making an effort,” I said, setting my glass on a nearby table.

"You should take another one. That looks like a sorry excuse for a drink."

“It really is."

I looked for Natalie in the crowd. I hadn’t seen her for some time. I’d expected our conversation earlier to go differently. I wanted her to ask me to stay—or at least say she was keeping an eye out for jobs in New York.

“I heard the news," Maddox said, snapping my attention to him.

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