Page 105 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

Well, so much for me breaking the news to her. Kate knows all about the one-night stand. Natalie probably told her everything the very first opportunity she had.

"Of course, certainly. I haven’t been inside yet, so my apologies if the place is a wreck."

He led her up the front steps. She stopped and retrieved a paper bag near the front door as they made their way inside.

"Whatcha got in there?" he asked.

"Remember the chile rellenos? The Mexican food fiesta that never was? I stopped and picked some up on my way over."

Seems to be the popular play today.

Dash poked his nose into the bag. "Smells like heaven."

"No, it doesn't." Kate looked him square in the eye. "It smells like tension, lies, and guilt. But my mother always said that bad news is better with good food."

She turned away and he followed her to the kitchen, his heart revving like an engine.

Well, this is it. She's gonna beat me to the punch.

Shit, meet Fan.

He watched as she removed several containers from the bag, bracing himself for the inevitable burst of anger. But she remained the picture of calm as she moved around him, gathering items from his cabinets and pantry as though in her own home.

"Can I get you a beer or wine or anything?" Dash asked.

"Beer would be great. You're okay to eat this late? Sorry, I didn't even ask. You probably came from dinner."

"No, I was over at Miranda and Cecil’s place. We had some barbeque, but that was a while ago.”

Kate loaded up two plates while Dash slipped out to the beer fridge in the garage. He returned with two frosty mugs and a couple of bottles of Pacifico. Kate sat waiting on a stool at the island. With one look, Dash could see she had a lot to say.

He settled onto the seat beside her and inhaled deeply, bracing himself. He looked down and inspected his plate. "I bet Jesus dreamed of a Last Supper this tasty. Of course, I happen to be Judas in this version, so … "

Kate covered his hand with her own. "I didn't come here to stage some huge jealous outburst. I came here to tell you a story … about Natalie."

"Oh, God." He moaned and wiped his hand across his face.

"I promise that when all is said and done, we'll both feel a lot better about the recent turn of events."

"Kate, I—” Dash started.

Kate held up a hand. "Please. I’ve got to get this out in one breath. I told you about the man Nat met the night before she moved back to Chicago. How he’s been the center of her thoughts for months. They spent only one night together but it changed her.

“He'd begged her to give them more time together in London. Said he was falling for her, but she'd made a commitment to herself and her dream. Anyway, she didn't realize how much she regretted her decision until fate brought them together again."

The kitchen fell silent for a moment. Dash waited, not wanting to interrupt. He searched Kate’s face, which appeared poised for a serious poker tournament. It gave nothing away. When she reached for her beer, he took the opportunity to speak.

"I don't know what to say. Sorry doesn't even begin to make a dent. I’ve picked up the phone a hundred times to call you, but I didn't know where to begin. When did Natalie tell you?"

"Natalie didn't tell me," Kate confessed.

"But then how did you figure all this out?"

“I got in touch with her assistant, Noah."

Kate held out her phone. Dash looked at her, his expression wary.

“Go ahead, read for yourself,” she encouraged.