Chapter Twenty Nine
NATALIE
"How is my favorite event planner?" Maddox said on Tuesday evening.
I startled a bit in my chair. I was among the last ones at the office. Looking around, I realized I was actually the last one.
"When did everyone else leave?" I asked.
"When you were busy tapping away at your computer."
I smiled sheepishly. "I have a few fires to put out. Our caterer bailed on our next event. Apparently they had a wave of people who gave their notice. I think it's because they have a very draconian schedule. But I'm pleased to say I found someone who treats their workers better."
"I like you, Natalie," Maddox said.
"Great. It's good for my boss to like me."
"I also like how you and Grandmother are scheming to bring Jake and me together now and again."
"I have to clarify that I'm not scheming with your grandmother. It just occurred to me that it might be a good idea for you to invite him."
"It was, I think," Maddox said. "He and Colton are the two half brothers I never got to know. Jake left before we even moved here."
"And Colton?" I asked.
"He's always busy in his lab or CEO-ing."
I laughed. "I never heard that. I'll remember it. CEO-ing."
"It's what I call people in suits. Maybe cuff links."
"Especially cuff links," I agreed with him. "Should I talk to Jeannie about plotting how to put the two of you together as well?"
"From what Gabe said, they’re not seeing much of Colton either, so I don't think that would help.
" He glanced at the door, then back at me.
"Now, come on. Let's get out of the office.
I believe in being dedicated, but I don't believe in burning the midnight oil, or the evening oil.
Next thing you know, my brother's going to beat down the door and take you out of here. "
"He totally would do that," I said with a laugh.
"Okay, fine. I'm probably not going to get an answer from them tonight anyway.
It's pretty late for everyone." I shut off the laptop before standing up and putting my phone in my purse. "I’m going for dinner at Jeannie and Abe’s house, so I figured I’d stay until it was time to leave and get caught up on some of this stuff. "
"Listen, if you think there's too much to do, we can always try to assign an assistant to you."
"The workload is more than fine. This situation doesn't come up too often, but I'll figure it out. Don't worry."
We went down with the elevator and then stepped out of the building.
"Finally. I thought I had the wrong address."
I winced. It was Vince's voice. I turned around, zeroing in on him. I hadn't seen him in about five months. He looked exactly the same, with black hair that was all messed up.
Ugh, what did I ever see in him?
"Natalie?" Maddox asked, then turned to Vince. "Who the hell are you?"
"Tell him who I am. Is this the fucker who answered the phone?" Vince growled.
I shook my head. "No, this is my boss. Vince, what are you doing here?"
“I told you I need to talk to you. You need to give me another chance."
"What?" I was completely bewildered. “You’re delusional if you think that’s happening.”
“Look, things got weird between us because you got that job instead of me.”
Oh. My. God. We were not going to rehash this all in the street in front of my new boss. But I couldn’t help myself and antagonized him. “I deserved it.”
“No, you didn’t,” he spat. “I hated that you were my boss. But that’s beside the point.”
I burst out laughing. “You’re joking if you think I want to get back with you. Just listen to yourself. Besides, I'm with someone now.”
"Listen, don’t you play coy with me—"
"Fuck off." Maddox stepped in front of him. "Leave the premises right now."
"I'm not on your premises, jackass."
"No, but I can still call the cops for disturbing the peace."
"Really?” Vince looked at me.
"You're not getting it," I said. "For God’s sake. Maddox is right. I'm going to call the cops on you if you don't walk away."
"No, you're not," he said, coming closer.
Maddox stepped between the two of us. "Who the hell do you think you are?" Vince asked him.
"Maddox Whitley."
Vince attempted to push him away. Next thing I knew, Maddox pushed him even harder, and Vince stumbled back. And then, to my horror, he came forward with his fist, but Maddox easily blocked it as if he was trained in martial arts and lowered his arm forcefully. Vince howled in pain.
"You try that again and you're going to need an ambulance."
Oh my God. He'd attempted to assault my boss. My eyes stung.
"You mess with Natalie, you're going to have a big problem. Get the fuck away from here." Maddox turned to me. "Natalie, come on. Let's go."
I had no idea where Maddox was leading me. I was shaking and couldn't hide my tears. I was so high-strung today because I'd put a lot of energy into finding another caterer. Now this.
"I'm so sorry," I said between sobs. Belatedly, I realized he'd led me to his car, a Range Rover.
"You don't have anything to apologize for," he said once he was in the car too.
"He literally tried to hit you."
"I think he got the message. Who is he, anyway?"
"He's an ex."
"I got that."
"And we worked together. I was his boss."
He nodded. "I got that too."
"He's always had anger issues. And after I was promoted over him, he… well, I think he couldn't deal with it."
"Fuck him."
"I agree. Anyway, he started throwing these fits at the office, and eventually my boss decided he'd had enough of both of us and fired us."
"That's fucked-up. Did you try suing?"
"No. After everything, I didn't want to work there anymore."
“And you can’t get this fucker off your back?” Maddox asked.
I laughed. "You sound like Jake."
"He knows about this?"
“He knows who Vince is and that he tried to contact me." I sighed heavily, finally somewhat composed. "Could we keep this between us? I don't want to worry him."
"I think he'd like to know," Maddox said in a measured tone.
"Yeah, I think he might too, but honestly, I don't want to waste any of our time together talking or even thinking about Vince."
"He didn't seem like he was going to back off."
"Once my predecessor comes back, I won't be here, and hopefully he won't be a disturbance for you. I'm really sorry he showed up."
"This isn't about him being a disturbance to me, Natalie. It's about the fact that he's basically harassing you. This is not even remotely okay."
"I need to think about that," I admitted. "I figured he’d give up if I didn’t engage, but I’m beginning to understand that won’t happen. "
"Are you sure you don't want to tell Jake?"
“Yes.” My time with Jake was limited, and I didn't want Vince to spoil it.
"As you wish," Maddox said. Disapproval dripped from his voice.
"Maddox, I don't think Vince followed us. I can just get out of the car at the next red light."
"I'll take you to my grandparents’ house."
"You don't have to do that."
"Come on, I insist. You've had a shitty day and an even shittier evening."
"Thank you, Maddox.” Since I didn't get to go to the lunch on Saturday, they invited me today, and I was beyond excited. At least I was before Vince showed up.
We spoke about the next event for the rest of the route. Usually I was excited when I shared details, but today I couldn't muster up any sort of enthusiasm.
When we arrived, Jake was already there. I hopped out of the car quickly. Jake frowned, looking at Maddox, who immediately drove off, nodding at Jake as he passed by.
"Everything okay?" he asked. "Why did Maddox drop you off?"
"I was the last one in the office, and he's apparently a gentleman, just like you." It wasn't a lie exactly, just not the whole truth.
"Is everything okay? You seem upset."
I sighed. "The caterer bailed for the party on Friday, so I've had a hell of a day." Again, not a lie—but not the whole truth.
Jake looked at me and nodded. "Come on, let's go inside. Grandmother probably cooked up a storm."
When I went inside the house, it smelled delicious. "Oh my God, did she make stuffed zucchini?"
Jake smiled brilliantly. "Yes, she did."
"How did she know they're my favorite?"
"From me, obviously. It's my grandmother's thing. She tries to find out everyone’s favorite dish. Usually she makes everybody's when we come over.”
It turned out tonight it was simply stuffed zucchini for everyone.
"I stand corrected. Apparently you’re the guest of honor tonight, Natalie," Jake said. “I don't see any roast chicken.”
"Oh, I spoil you boys all the time. Tonight is all about Natalie," Jeannie said, kissing my cheek. I did the same back. "And for dessert I have cheesecake with pecans."
Another one of my favorites. I looked at Jake with warm eyes. "Thanks for paying attention."
Jeannie served everyone a zucchini. "Of course, I don't know your mother's recipe, but I looked quite a few up online, and I think I whipped up something delicious."
I took a mouthful. It was delicious. I hummed, giving her a thumbs-up.
She laughed. "I'll take it."
"Abe, you look much better," I told him.
"I’m feeling great. I started to do some workouts again. My doctor gave me the approval. Says the heart needs some cardio now and again."
"How much cardio?" Jake asked sharply.
I loved it when he was overprotective with his family.
"I'm doing it under the strict supervision of my physiotherapist. I'm not overdoing it."
"Okay." Jake calmed down instantly. "By the way, I have news. I already spoke with a recruiting company to search for a new CEO. I won't be selling Whitley Advertising."
He took my hand under the table, squeezing it lightly. My heart was beating so fast, it was about to jump out of my chest.
His grandfather beamed. "That's a good decision, my boy, but you know this might take a while."
"I know, and I'm ready to wait until the appropriate person comes around. I know the process is grueling."
Jeannie smiled, but it was obviously sad. Oh, I related. I knew she was happy that Whitley Advertising was staying in the family, but the fact that Jake was searching for another CEO meant he wasn't staying here.
He caressed the back of my hand with his thumb, and we held hands during most of dinner.
The conversation slid to easy topics, such as a short vacation Jeannie planned only an hour away from Boston.
Apparently that was where Jake had picked up his retreat habit.
She and Abe had gone to the same hotel for forty years.
It had been passed down to the next generation, and they were happy it was still open.
After the main course, we all helped take the plates to the kitchen.
Abe and Jake went back to the table with drinks, and I stayed with Jeannie as she cut the cheesecake.
"This looks delicious." Oh, I was so happy.
"My Jake knew what your favorite dessert was. I wanted you to feel like you were at home. He told me how much you miss your family."
I was moved. Not only by the fact that he told her that but that she made the effort of preparing my favorite food.
"I do."
"Family is important. You're always welcome in our home, no matter what. Okay?"
"Thank you, Jeannie."
My heart felt heavy as we returned to the table. Jake trained his eyes on me. As I sat down, Abe and Jeannie started bickering.
"No, the doctor did absolutely not say you could drink a shot after dinner for digestion."
"He said if it relaxes me, I can."
"He was talking about wine."
Jake leaned into me. "Babe, what's wrong? Talk to me."
I looked sideways at him. There were so many things, I didn’t know where to start. Vince showing up today, making it clear he wasn't firmly in my past like I thought he was. Him threatening Maddox, and of course the news that Jake was searching for a CEO. It was all overwhelming.
I'd been determined to enjoy this evening with Jake, but it seemed like it wasn't possible.
"Just a tough day," I muttered. And here I was, serving him another incomplete truth. I didn't like it.
He frowned, nodding. I knew he didn't buy it.
"Fine, I won't drink anything!" Abe sounded exasperated.
"Thank you," Jeannie said. I hadn't heard her sound so stern, not once since I met her. “And, Jake, you're not drinking any either, or your grandfather might get ideas."
"I didn't ask for one in the first place."
Jeannie turned to Abe, putting a hand on her hip. "So, you were lying to me?"
"No, I was just trying to soften the situation. Jake clearly wants some."
Jeannie exploded.
Jake grinned. "If they fight in front of you, you’re truly part of the family. Want to go to the kitchen and get some more of the approved iced tea?"
"Yeah, let's get away." I felt honored to be considered a family member, but eavesdropping on their argument was weird.
Once in the kitchen, Jake took the iced tea from the fridge and some huge ice cubes from the freezer. They had fruit in them. He also picked some mint leaves from the plant Jeannie had at the window.
"Does she have a special recipe for this?" I asked.
"Yes. And messing it up is not an option."
We didn't go back to the living room once he was done sprinkling the mint leaves. Instead, he caught my chin, looking at me.
"Are we okay?"
"Oh, yes. It's just been a long day."
A small smile took his lips. He looked at one corner of my mouth, then the other. "I'm glad you're here tonight."
"I'm happy too," I admitted. "We should probably be going back to the living room. I'm in the mood for that cheesecake."
"Sure, let's go." He sounded… dangerous.
"You want to add something?"
"Yeah. I’m in the mood for you."
“Jake!”
I loved this man so completely. He was the first person I could see spending the rest of my life with. Perhaps it was the way he cared for those around him, or his overall sexiness? Whichever, or both, Jake Whitley was wedged deep into my heart and my body.