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be announcing that in about two or three months. I’d like to be seen with you in public a few times first.”
    “Understood,” she said. Her insides were quivering, realizing she more than found her future husband attractive, she was drawn to him – the way he moved, the way he looked, and the way the bulge in his slacks was telling her he was attracted to her, too.
    Michael walked with her to the elevator. “Do you know where Frost is, the martini bar? We could meet at seven.”
    “I think so,” she said. “I’ll find it.” She knew exactly where it was, but with the prices they charged, she’d only made the mistake of going in there once.
    Michael wanted to take her someplace classier than the clubs he usually frequented. Besides, he’d slept with half the women that hang out in the clubs, and this would be a friendlier location.
    On the way back to her apartment, Natalie’s head was spinning. Was this really happening? She’d signed the papers, and the first deposit would be made to her account shortly. It was hard to wrap her head around the details.
    Watching the clock, she realized she was looking forward to seeing him. She headed out early enough to get there a few minutes before Michael would arrive. She wanted to soak in the environment before he showed up.
    Walking in, she took in the blue lacquer bar with white cushioned leather seats. Climbing onto one, she placed an order, and watched through the windows for her future mate. The walls were covered in mosaics of glass tiles in multiple shades of blue, catching the light in different angles. The effect was stunning. Drop lights hung almost unnoticed above the bar and small booths to the side.
    When Michael walked in, she knew she was in trouble. She was growing more attracted to the guy each and every time she saw him. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered as he got closer, and a broad smile spread across her face.
    “Hey,” she got up, reaching out her hand. He took it, and then leaned in to kiss her cheek.
    “How was the rest of your day?” He asked, settling in beside her. “Do you mind if we move over there?” He pointed to a small booth.
    “Not at all,” she said, grabbing her napkin and glass.
    Settling in, Natalie answered his earlier question. “I’m trying to absorb it all. It’s a little odd to realize we’re doing this, and yet the more I get used to the idea, the less it frightens me.”
    “Are you afraid of me?”
    “Oh no, just the backlash, what will my family say, what if the truth comes out, stuff like that. And then I think about five years of my life, and well, it’s a long time.”
    He nodded, watching her speak. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger as she spoke, and with each breath she sped up, her nervousness showing. It was adorable.
    “I’ve met your father. What is your mother like?” She turned the conversation back to him.
    His eyes softened. “I wish I remembered.” Pausing, he finished, “She was in a boating accident when I was a very young, and I barely remember any details about her except for what I see in pictures.”
    “Oh, I’m so sorry. Did your father remarry?”
    “One too many times,” he laughed, “which gives me pause for our situation. But duty calls, so what’s done is done.”
    She didn’t have an answer, not a single response came to her .
    “Tell me more about you,” he said, stopping only a moment to place an order with the waitress as she passed, and ordering a refill for Natalie.
    “Not much to tell,” she started. “I lived a pretty simple life. School, college, and then in my third year I cut out of there, headed to New York to chase my big dreams of being a model, and well, your file probably told you how I’m doing at that.” She looked down, almost embarrassed that she wasn’t more successful. Why would he choose someone like her anyway? She was certain he could have landed somebody more qualified.
    Michael couldn’t take his eyes off of the girl