Page 123 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

Natalie began to wring her hands, then forced herself to stop. A bridge she'd cross if she needed to, saying, "Then I'm in for a very long night of bar-hopping."

"I have to admit that I feel bad deceiving Noah the way we did. I haven't seen him in a while and the first thing out of my mouth is a lie."

"You know you're never gonna make it in politics with a conscience like that," Natalie teased.

"He's grown up a lot. He's been working out too, hasn't he? He was never that ripped as a kid."

"He's addicted to Peloton. He's on that damn bike six days a week. You should join him—when you've been fully cleared by your doctor, I mean."

"It's certainly paid off. He looks good. Damn good."

Natalie bit her bottom lip. "I told you, you wouldn't be disappointed."

"And you're sure he's not seeing anyone right now?"

"I promise, he's one hundred percent available. Give him a call."

Blaine nodded, his expression happy and confident. He pulled Natalie into a light, warm embrace. When they broke apart, he said, "These have been the most oddly entertaining minutes of my life. I wish I'd reached out to you right after the blind date that never was."

"You had an emergency appendectomy! It's definitely an excused absence. I'm impressed you're up and around this soon. I was down forever after my surgery."

"I should have been honest with Noah about my dating preferences from the start, but he was insistent we meet."

"Believe me, I totally understand—and he will too. Your family is high-profile. You're dipping a toe into big political waters. Only you know what's truly best for you. You'll address your private life when you're ready."

Blaine smiled. "I hope this Mr. Crown knows how lucky he is."

"Well, that's the plan."

They shared another hug before he climbed back into the car. She pulled her phone out, eager to see if Cecil had anything to add, but found no new messages.

Oh, to be a fly on the glass wall at Anton's! I bet Noah is cussing my name up one side and down the other.

Natalie pushed her way through the bar. Patrons were stacked shoulder to shoulder, all vying for the bartender’s attention. She squeezed into a tiny round top table in the far corner near the kitchen, her view of the main door somewhat obstructed by a large brick pillar. She wanted to see him before he saw her, which wouldn’t be a problem with a crowd this thick. With each swing of the door, she sucked in her breath, anticipating the moment their eyes would meet. She checked her watch again.

Chill out! Order a drink. He’s still at least ten minutes away—maybe more with traffic.

Several couples stood swaying to a string of slow songs on a tiny dance floor in the opposite corner. She watched as their bodies melted into one another. Natalie's mind raced, the entire scene sensual and so reminiscent of her moments in Dash's arms at Three Raps. She'd known it from the moment he'd first taken her hand. It would never be slow or methodical. It would be hurried. Rushed. The need to feel his body and be a part of him would never wait for a tender build-up. She'd always want him and hopefully, he'd always want her. There'd be no waiting … because white-hot never waits.

Her eyes shifted frantically from her phone to the door, as anxiety and the need to pee grew.

Well? Are you gonna sit here and wet your pants?

I should have asked Cecil to track him on Find My.

If you’re gonna go, go now!

She hustled through the crowd and down a small hallway on the opposite side of the bar. Thankfully, the restroom stood empty, so she made it out in record time. She weaved her way back toward her table, eyes darting around in search of Dash. She made another time check and did some mental figuring.

He should be walking through the door any minute.

Natalie looked over at her table, now occupied by four dudes. She turned toward the bar and found it more crowded than when she entered. Not a single open barstool. Her mouth melted in a frown.

Shit! There are bars all over this damn city. Why is everyone at this one?!

Maybe Dash saw the crowd and bolted?

Should I wait outside??