Page 124 of Matchmaking the CEO

Gabe held up his hands. "As long as you promise to come for a drink with us."

"I am, but Natalie is coming too."

"That sounds fair to us," Gabe said. "We can ask her if Grandmother has any plans for us."

Cade cocked a brow. “That’s irrelevant. Let’s figure out how to help Jake.”

I scoffed. "I don't need your help."

“We’ll be here when you change your mind,” Cade replied easily. He was relentless, but so was I.

We drove in separate cars. I hated to admit my brothers had a point. I always liked to plan in advance, but when it came to my relationship with Natalie, I had done the exact opposite. I hadn't even wanted to look to the future because I was enjoying the present so much, but I couldn't postpone the conversation forever.

These past few days, she'd seemed more distant than usual, and I had a hunch it was because of my announcement about searching for the CEO.

As I turned onto the street where her office building was, I realized that wasn’t true. She'd already been in a state when Maddox dropped her off at my grandparents' house last week.

When I got close, searching for a parking space, I immediately noticed something was off. Maddox and Natalie were both outside, and they were fighting with a guy.

What the hell is going on?I parked the car and jumped out of it, joining them.

"What’s this?" I asked.

"Oh, Jake," Natalie said in an exhausted voice. Maddox was completely red in the face. The other guy was looking at me viciously.

"Who are you?" I asked, and then it dawned on me. “Vince. What are you doing here?"

"Vince was leaving," Maddox said in a strained voice.

"No, Vince is not fucking leaving," Vince seethed. "I told you I’m not leaving until Natalie and I have a word—alone.”

"She's already told you she’s not getting back with you, man. Are you insane?" Maddox asked.

"Get the hell out of here. It’s over and has been for months, Vince. I don’t know what else to tell you, but you better leave now. I've already called the police," Natalie said.

Vince jerked his head back. "No, you didn't." The guy was as red as a beet, obviously someone who couldn’t control his rage. And someone who was going to learn how the fuck to stay away from my girl.

"Want to call my bluff? Fine. Then stay and wait around,” Natalie spat.

“This is the second time you've shown up here. And the last. Go now.” Maddox spoke through gritted teeth.

“I have witnesses for both times you showed up here. That’s enough for a restraining order." Natalie nodded to Maddox and me.

Both times? What the fuck is going on?When had Vince shown up, and how did Maddox know about it? More importantly, why didn't I know about it?

"The police are on their way," Natalie continued. "If you believe it or not, that's your problem. And don’t doubt that I'm going to file for a restraining order."

Vince looked at me. "The bitch is probably fucking both of you, just so you know. I wouldn't put it past her."

That was the last thing he said before I got right into his face.

"Never show your face around Natalie again, or a restraining order will be the least of your problems. Do you understand me? Now, unless you want your face to meet my fist, fucking leave." I kept my restraint, but the volume of my voice emphasized my disdain, and the dude got it loud and clear.

For the first time, he cowered. He actually cowered. Then he scurried away just as I noticed Gabe, Spencer, and Cade. I hadn't realized they were here already.

Once we saw Vince get into a car, I turned to Natalie. "Are you okay?"

She was shaking. I put my arms around her shoulders, and she curled into me. "Yes, I am."

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