Page 48 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“I don’t think it does.”

“I’m glad it all worked out, Nat. You looked much too fab for the night to go to waste.”

She thanked him, then ended the call. Her gaze returned to the city streets, and she mentally replayed every unexpected, enchanting moment with Hart.

He’s smart. Handsome. Funny.

And here in the same city. Convenient.

He’s also a celebrity. He could open a lot of doors—especially if Natalie & Co designs his book launch.

Or, HE could be the celebrity that helps launch my showcase.

The smoke of these rapid-fire thoughts cleared, leaving the words she’d spoken to Kate the night before: When the time is right, the perfect guy will appear.

Her time with Hart confirmed it. When his lips touched her skin, she felt it—a desire to be intimate with someone again.

Her phone pinged with a text.

Noah: Blaine’s been hospitalized!!

A second text popped up—a screenshot of a convo between Noah and someone—he’d cropped the shot so couldn’t read the name. Natalie read the short exchange, sad to learn that Blaine had been rushed in for an emergency appendectomy.

Natalie: Poor guy! But let this Blaine Sheridan fantasy of yours die please.

Noah: Never! Blaine is too

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DASH

"So, who's the lucky lady this evening? That's rhetorical. I already know who,” Colt said.

"It’s Kate. I made reservations at Brennan’s." Dash fished his car keys from his pocket.

“A third date with Kate? Well, that confirms it.”

“Confirms what?”

“That you retired the old stopwatch. Maybe we should drive down to Galveston and give it a proper burial at sea.” Colt gave a solemn salute.

"It's our first date, Colt. I've only seen her twice—the night we met, which wasn’t a date—and once when I stopped by her studio for ten minutes. Also not a date.”

"Well, have fun on your first official date. Don't forget your toothbrush.”

Dash laughed. "It's not like that."

"We'll see," Colt said, grinning. "I won't hold breakfast."

“Spending the night is out of the question. Not happening. But it won't be long. It's a cold, hard fact I’m irresistible."

"Humble too," Colt added.

"Not that it’s any of your business, but I'm waiting for the right moment with this one."

Had he thought about falling into bed with Kate? Absolutely. But he wanted more than the glitter of sexual chemistry. One-nighters were behind him. Dash wanted forever.

Colt stared at him, baffled. "You're shitting me? Who are you and what have you done with my fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants stepbrother?"