Page 87 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“And risk losing the one true income stream I have? No, I have to fly back tonight,” Natalie insisted.

The girls met Foster and Dash up near the valet stand. The parking lot had emptied, though emergency crews were still in place. Time to close the weekend and say goodbye, though Natalie cringed at having to face Dash’s blue eyes once more. She'd avoided him and Kate for the majority of the party, giving only a casual comment or two in passing. Playing Hostess-with-the-Mostest made it easy. But saying goodbye was a different story without a sizable number of bodies surrounding them to buffer her uneasiness.

"Girls, I know I've said it a million times already, but this has been the best weekend of my life.” Foster beamed.

“We love you so much, Pop,” Kate said. “You deserve everything and more.”

“Sorry I didn’t quite stick the landing,” Natalie said with a sigh.

Foster pulled her body to his. “What makes a party special is the memories—and folks will remember this one for a long time. It was wonderful, sweetheart. A perfect ten in my book.”

"Made even more perfect by the fact that you had no idea, which proves we can keep a secret. Right, Nat?" Kate smirked.

Oh, sis … if you only knew.

Natalie glanced at Dash, hoping for a sign. A wink. A knowing look. The tiniest nod of his head. Their eyes met for a split second, but he looked away when Foster began to speak.

"See what I've had to put up with all these years, Dash?” he said.

"With daughters this beautiful, I'd say they're worth the trouble,” Dash said, his smile bouncing between the two of them.

Natalie's face grew hot and she had to look away. A car pulled to a stop right in front of the valet stand, halting all discourse. The driver stepped from the car. “Natalie Powell?” he asked.

"That's me." Natalie raised her hand.

"I wish you didn't have to go, honey. Are you sure you can't stay?" Foster gathered her back into his arms.

"I wish I could, but I really have to go," Natalie said. “I’ve got an important meeting in the morning I can’t miss.”

She released her father and turned to Kate, fighting to stay in character. Kate pulled her in for a tight hug and said, "Call me later?"

“Of course.”

"Any baggage, ma'am?" the driver asked, tapping the trunk of his car.

Sir, if you only knew how loaded a question that is …

"Actually yes, I almost forgot." Natalie took a few steps toward her father's SUV.

"Let me help you,” Foster and Kate said in unison.

"No, I'll get her bags," Dash said.

Dash walked to the back of Foster's Suburban and retrieved Natalie's things. Her heart shot up into her throat as she watched him load her bags into the waiting car. He hadn't changed a bit, displaying that same gentlemanly aura that swept her away in London. He closed the trunk and opened the car door for her. As they stood facing one another, Natalie searched his eyes for some small sign of recognition.

Give me something, I’m begging you.

Please tell me that night meant as much to you as it did to me.

If I could go back in time …

The knots in her stomach worked their way up to her throat. It was getting mighty crowded in her esophageal region.

"Be safe," he said, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

"I will. And thank you."

Dash offered his hand to her once more. "It was so nice to have met you, Natalie.”