Page 64 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

He crossed his arms. “And when was the last time you shared an intimate moment with someone?"

"Last week," Natalie answered matter-of-factly. They both knew it was a lie.

"A bikini wax doth not an intimate moment make,” he muttered.

Noah walked her downstairs and flagged a cab. Two air kisses later, she was off. Unfortunately, Noah’s confidence in Chicago traffic was unfounded. Five minutes in, she hit gridlock. She fanned herself with the stiff invitation.

This effing mask! I think my make-up is melting off my face! And this must be the itchiest dress ever created! Plus, these shoes are medieval torture!

Hells bells, Noah! How did I let you talk me into all this…

"Sir, could you blast the air?” she asked, her fanning more furious.

The driver obliged with a nod.

Her phone buzzed. Noah texted a photo–one he snapped on her way out. She smiled despite herself. The dress and the mask looked incredible. She sent the pic to Kate, along with an update on her mini gifts.

Natalie: A wooden back-scratcher, a four pack of En Fuego hot sauce shots, and assorted scratch-offs. I AM DONE!

Kate’s reply came immediately … only it wasn’t Kate.

Pop: Not sure what all that means, but you look beautiful, honey! Prettiest bunny I’ve ever seen.

Anxiety sliced through her like a hot knife.

Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no.

Fix it. Fix it fast.

Natalie: Sorry, Pop! Meant to send that to a coworker. But thank you!

Pop: Looks like you’ll be burning the midnight oil.

Natalie: Nah. Just popping into an event. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

Pop: Me too. Can’t wait to have my girls all to myself.

Natalie: I love you MORE!

Pop: Hey! That’s my line!

Crisis averted. Natalie exhaled and switched text threads. Her sister’s reply was also immediate.

Kate: LOOK AT MY BABY SISTER!!!

Natalie: Thank you! I can’t believe I got stuck with this assignment. My plan: work fast, be packed and asleep by midnight.

Kate: Throw everything in your suitcase and we’ll knock it out together tomorrow.

Natalie: Does Pop suspect anything?

Kate: Nope. Same old Pop.

After a few more texts, Natalie put her phone away. The cab crept within a few car lengths of the hotel. Limousines pulled to the curb, releasing masked opera patrons. She inhaled deeply, basking in the magic of it all.

Relax, Nat. This could be fun.

"I'll get out here," she told the cab driver.