Page 6 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

"It's not the expense that interests me, it's the beauty,” he answered. “I'm actually about to sneak off with something that has eluded me for years."

"Really? And what's that?" she asked, her eyes aglow with flirty concentration.

"An incredibly beautiful redhead." He eyed her auburn locks.

She sucked in a breath, fully expecting him to reach out and touch the ends of her hair. Seconds passed, but he sat stone still, his gaze locked on her, as if daring her to one-up his comment.

"Anyone I know?" Natalie asked, slightly flustered, a blush blooming on her cheeks.

He rested an arm on the bar. "Give me one good reason why we shouldn't go have dinner together? Right now?" He tapped the bar top with his index finger for emphasis.

"Actually, I can. I had a huge late lunch and I'm not that hungry."

"Well, how about dessert?" he asked.

"Oh, I never say no to something sweet.”

Careful, Nat. Lines like that might get you in trouble.

They held each other’s gaze for several beats, until he finally extended his hand.

“Don’t you think it’s time we made proper introductions?”

"Nope." She shook her head firmly and pushed his hand away. "I don't do names."

"What do you mean you don't do names?" he asked, his forehead lined with intrigue.

She shrugged. “Just a little rule I made for myself.”

"You know what they say about rules, right? They’re meant to be broken."

"Not this one," she said, her tone firmer.

"Look, I'm not asking you to pick out china. Just a name, nothing more. Scout's honor." His right hand shot up, oath style.

"Alright, fine." She cleared her throat and extended her hand. "Hi, I’m Amelia Earhart. Nice to meet you."

He barked a laugh. "Amelia Earhart? That's the best you can come up with?"

"You wanted a name and I gave you one." She brought her martini glass to her lips.

"In that case, I’m Thomas Crown. And I'm honored." He shook her hand.

Instantly, his touch triggered something, and the heat from her cheeks dropped into her stomach.

"Thomas Crown," she repeated with a large grin, as legendary actor Steve McQueen's image from the sixties classic film flashed across her mind. "Excellent choice."

"Hold up. You know Thomas Crown?" His face showed surprise.

"I love Thomas Crown."

"Because of Pierce Brosnan and the accent, right? American women love a good foreign accent."

"No, not the remake. The original. And speaking of accents, what's a southern gent like you doing in London?"

"I could ask you the same question. Your drawl's not exactly inconspicuous. You're a little far from Texas, Ms. Earhart."

She shot him down. "I'm not from Texas."