Page 22 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

Yes, he’s amazing. Part magician, part Texas cowboy, all wrapped up in an air of Wall Street finery. But you’re one hundred percent making the right choice here.

Mr. Crown ducked into the bathroom for a couple of minutes and returned fully dressed in jeans, a plain gray sweater, and a pair of running shoes. A UT baseball cap hid his bedhead. He held the Longhorns sweatshirt she’d dropped in his laundry basket.

“A little something to remember me by. It can get pretty cold on those planes,” he said, tying it around her shoulders.

“You really don’t—” she began.

“I want you to have it.”

A shy smile raised one corner of her mouth. “Thank you.”

He adjusted the sweatshirt. “Your jacket’s hanging up in the front closet. Grab it while I grab my keys and we’ll go.”

Natalie touched his arm. “That’s another kind offer, but it’s better if I find my own way back.”

He shook his head and said emphatically, “You know what’ll happen if I don’t personally escort you back to your hotel? I’ll have my southern gentleman card revoked.”

She laughed. “I think you’ve sealed your membership for multiple lifetimes.”

Hand-in-hand, they walked to the elevator. He retrieved her coat from the closet, then turned to her, his blue eyes rimmed with a hopeful look once more.

"May I call you at your hotel? Just to say goodbye?"

Natalie hesitated but decided one little phone call couldn't hurt.

As long as you don’t give him your cell phone number.

"I'm at The Wagner, room 210."

He took hold of her shoulders and gave them a squeeze. "So, this is it? You're gonna live up to your name and fly right out of my life? Just like that, Ms. Earhart?"

Yes, I am, because the London chapter of my life is now closed.

“Thank you for one of the best nights of my life.” She touched his cheek.

He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm, then pulled her in for a real one. Natalie’s purse and jacket fell to the floor, as did his baseball cap. Their final kiss—all tongue and hands and emotion. A kiss that said stay. But her resolve held.

After everything that had happened with Blaze and Roman, she'd made a solemn vow: never again.

CHAPTER SIX

NATALIE

Natalie: Headed back to the hotel. I will fill you soon SO DON’T BOTHER ME. I have to pack.

From the back of her Uber, Natalie watched her screen for a moment. No reply from Kate but she didn’t really expect one. Middle-of-the-night in Texas, her sister would be dead asleep. She tapped over to her father’s contact and sent a quick message.

Natalie: Morning, Pop!

His response came instantly.

Pop: Good morning. Everything ok? Still on schedule?

Natalie: Yes! Wrapping everything up. On my way to the airport soon. How are you?

Pop: Better now that my baby girl’s heading back to my same time zone.

Natalie smiled, watching as her father added a string of sweet emojis to the end of his message.