Page 145 of Duchess Material

“I will go an entire day without talking about any sort of aircraft or spacecraft starting now,” Natalie told him. “You will see just how restrained I can be, Ed.”

“I am not holding my breath, Natalie,” Ed said. “Famous last words.”

* * *

“Do I finally get a moment with the Princess?” Ed asked.

Natalie finally left the dance floor.

She smiled at him and, out of breath, sipped his drink. “If you were up for more dancing, you’d be more fun.”

“You don’t honestly care about that?”

“I am covered in sweat, I’m quite pissed, and I am loving my life right now, but I would have more fun if you were out there.”

Ed shook his head.

“What? You don’t want to dance? I’m a decent dancer, darling. Don’t wound me.”

“I don’t think I could if I tried.”

“You could. I’m human.”

“Sometimes, I forget that. You’re too good.”

Natalie pulled his arm. Ed relented, taking her out onto the dancefloor to a slow song. He could do that much. No matter how old he got, Ed still felt he was at a school dance—boys on one wall, girls on the other. Natalie pulling him onto the floor was akin to a brave girl crossing the demarcation line on a plan of attack. He loved her for it.

“You must get better at this. If you’re to follow me places, I mean. Unless you don’t want to?”

“I would follow you anywhere, Princess. As much as I hate the idea of dancing in public, I’ll do it for you.”

“Then, get better at it.”

“I should try more, yes. And it’s not like I get a lot of time with you these days.”

“I don’t want you to go back,” Natalie whinged.

“I am under contract. I can’t afford not to, baby. But I will be back. I promise. And for good soon.”

Natalie smiled at him, “That’s your life. And mine for now. But I’d like them to intersect at some point.”

“Me, too.”

“Don’t let me lead. You’re letting me lead,” Natalie said.

“You are like the worst coach I’ve ever had.”

“You’ll thank me later.”

Ed chuckled. “You know, you’re worse than I am. I don’t know how I found a woman who is even more competitive than I am.”

“But you love it.”

Ed gave her a quick kiss. “I do.”

They continued for a moment before Natalie said, “Why on Earth are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

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