Page 58 of Matchmaking the CEO

I didn't like that one bit. The thought of Natalie struggling didn't sit well with me.

"Did she tell you what she needs?" I asked.

Grandmother smiled at me, and then that smile turned into a smirk—not good.

"Yes, more clients. Why, do you have ideas?"

Suddenly I felt like I’d stepped into a trap. But this was about Natalie, and I needed to help her in any way I could.

"Between all of us, we own a lot of companies. I'm sure there has to be a spot somewhere that fits her qualifications."

Grandmother looked at me with a huge smile. "You're a great man, Jake. You remind me of—”

"Don't say my father," I warned.

Her smile faded. Damn it, I hated when I did that.

"I know it's hard to believe because he's hurt all of you a lot, but he was a good man once, when he was young. Sometimes, Grandson, once you go down a path like your father did, it's very hard to get back out of it."

My grandparents cut off all contact with my father after he moved to Sydney. Unfortunately, he never tried to make amends, not even with them. To this day I doubted he really understood what he did wrong.Go figure.He was quite far from being a good man—he was an asshole.

"Let's not start this conversation, Grandmother." To soften my abrupt reply, I hugged and kissed her cheek before telling her I loved her. She responded in kind.

"Have a lovely evening, Jake. You’ve helped your grandfather and me more than you know—with everything."

My brothers and I were always making sure their every need was met. It was our honor to take care of them now in their old age. They deserved a hassle-free retirement. I wanted them to be happy.

Grandmother may get her way with her obvious matchmaking too. I couldn’t help but think how easy Natalie had fit in with us that day we returned from Martha’s Vineyard.

I left and headed straight to the hotel. I intended to go over the notes for tomorrow's meeting at the agency, but instead I reached for my phone and texted Natalie.

Jake: I heard Grandmother decided on the location. She was excited about it.

Natalie: I'm glad to hear that. She hasn't seen it yet and says she can decide by photos only, which worries me. But if she's confident, then so am I.

Jake: Don't worry, she knows what she wants. We were all at Sunday dinner. My grandfather feels better.

I was volunteering far more information than I was used to sharing with strangers. I had very few friends, but the ones I had, I’d do anything for. I hadn’t known Natalie for long, and yet I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

I didn’t like the news about her job. On instinct, I called her.

"Hey, Jake."

"Hey! What are you up to?”

There were blaring horns and sirens in her background.

"I bought ice cream to put in the freezer and am just getting home. I spoke to Jeannie earlier. She sounded very chipper. I’m so happy your grandfather is better.”

I cleared my throat. "To be honest, I don't think her mood was all because of Grandfather. She found out about our getting together for ice cream."

She gasped. "How?"

"Sold me a story about seeing the address in Cal's GPS. I'm not entirely unconvinced that she doesn't have me followed."

Natalie laughed nervously. "She's a bit intense, isn't she?"

"Definitely. Natalie, I want to see you again.”

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