Page 18 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“Doing what?”

“Leaving me breathless.”

“Maybe you’re just out of shape.” She jabbed his side.

He caught her hand and held it to his chest. “I’m serious. And it has nothing to do with sex, or how beautiful you are. You’re smart. You’re not afraid to be silly. You’re kind and funny. And you’re a good listener. I meant what I said earlier. I like you.”

Natalie stroked his cheek with her free hand. “I like you, too. You’re thoughtful. Protective. Perceptive. Witty—almost to a fault. And extremely down to earth.”

“You can say handsome and sexy. It’s fine.”

“Handsome and sexy, too,” she added with a wink.

They held each other’s gaze for a moment before he said, “Name your poison. Comedy, drama, action, sci-fi?

“Seriously? There’s only one movie we should watch, Mr. Crown.”

He grinned, then turned over and snatched a remote off the bedside table. He pointed it toward a flatscreen housed in a massive floor-to-ceiling built-in unit on the opposite wall. Music filled the room from recessed speakers in the coffered ceiling. Natalie recognized the song immediately—a classic country tune by Texas legend Willie Nelson.

“Sorry, wrong remote.”

She touched his elbow. “Wait. Leave it. I like the idea of just lying here and talking. Is that okay?”

“Anything you want, Ms. Earhart.”

He adjusted the volume and the lighting to max ambiance. Natalie snuggled up next to him, head again on his shoulder. They lay in a silent embrace for several songs, her mind plowing through rows of thoughts but always coming back to one: God, this feels so good.

“I still want to know,” she said.

“Know what?”

“Your ultimate romantic fantasy.”

His arm tightened around her. “Honestly? Anything can be romantic if you’re with the right person. There’s plenty of romance in everyday moments if you’re paying attention.”

“I’ll agree, but I mean specifically. What would sizzle your bacon?”

He snorted at this comment. His hand disappeared up the sleeve of her robe and he stroked her arm for a minute before responding.

“This might sound weird, but for me, it’s about finding someone who lets me be myself. Building a life that includes our families and close friends, where we’re not afraid to be bold and let the whole world witness our love.”

Natalie tensed and hoped he didn’t sense it. His response took her by surprise. One hundred percent not the answer she’d expected. It revealed more about him than anything he’d said thus far.

A secret place inside her tightened up, and a new thought rushed to the front of her mind.

Dear Universe,

Is this a test?

Why would you drop this amazing man on my path hours before I leave London?

WHY?

CHAPTER FIVE

NATALIE

The smell of fresh-brewed coffee woke Natalie. Eyes open, she stayed rooted in her spot on the right side of his bed, listening for movement. Beside her, his body had left a dip in the mattress. She pressed her palm into it. Cool. He’d been up for a while.