Chapter 4

Natalie knew she was pushing it but, it would all be worth it when he saw this dress. She was late coming back from lunch and he was waiting on a report she was supposed to have completed this morning. She didn't think she would be this long. She had run to every store in town looking for the right dress for tonight. She finally found it in the last place she went. She saw it in the window and she knew instantly it was the one. It was a beautiful form fitting, Persian blue, halter top style that ended an inch or so above her knees.

Natalie was brought up short at the door of her office.

"Hey Nat," Oliver was standing in front of her desk.

"Hey, I'm sorry, were you waiting for me?" she rushed in and hung the garment bag up on a coat rack behind her desk.

"Yeah, I'm sorry to be a pain but, John is crawling all over me about this report he was expecting this morning? I didn't think it was urgent but…"

"Oh, yeah right….I know. I'm sorry, I didn't think it was urgent either. I had to run out for lunch. I needed a dress for dinner tonight and I couldn't quite find what I was looking for until this last place. I saw it in the window-"

She was cut off by the phone ringing, holding a finger up to Oliver she answered, "McBain."

"I love to hear you answer that way," John told her, she could almost imagine a small smile on his face. He sounded like the old 'John'.

"I'm very happy to be able to answer that way," she said, she had to bite her lip to actually keep herself from giggling, her heart skipping a beat.

"Listen," he started, quickly switching gears, "I really need that report. I sent Oliver down there about ten minutes ago to get it, has he even been in there?" He sounded completely aggravated by the end of his question.

"Yes, I do. I had to step out for lunch….I had an errand to run. I didn't think it was….I know you said you needed it this morning but, I didn't realize it was urgent. I'm sorry. Can you give me like 10 more minutes? I just have to print it out, it's finished, " She cringed at how that sounded. He let out a deep sigh, clearly frustrated.

"Ten more minutes," he said and hung up on her.

She hissed through her teeth, trying to relax as she hung up her phone.

"I'm sorry Oliver, I didn't mean to put you in this position," she apologized, feeling a little dizzy at the abrupt about face he did on the phone.

Oliver smiled at her. "Hey it's alright. I'm not afraid of John. His bark is worse than his bite…..well I would imagine the bites are nice, too." He winked at her.

"Not bad at all," she laughed back.

"Well…let's see it," Oliver said.

"Oh yes, that report," Natalie moved around her desk to the labs computer.

"Not the stupid report. This amazing dress, you went all over town for!" he replied jokingly. Natalie smiled and went to the coat rack to unzip the garment bag to show him the dress.

"Wow Nat, you…are going to knock his socks off with that," Oliver told her, "you're right, that is amazing."

"Thanks," she laughed nervously, "that is kinda the plan. We haven't spent any time together lately and he has been so busy and preoccupied…I just wanted to have a nice night, you know…..reconnect."

" 'Reconnect', that is one word for it. I'll bet you lunch you don't leave your house," Oliver laughed turning to leave her office, he paused at the door, "oh and Natalie?"

"I know the report, right now," she put the dress away and started back towards the computer.

"Well, yeah but, I was going to say, hair down and nude heels with that…" he smiled to himself as he walked out. 'John McBain wasn't going to know what hit him when he saw that dress' was all he could think.

Standing in their walk-in closet, Natalie knew everything about tonight had to be perfect. She chose a pair of black lace panties she knew were his favorite and the matching strapless bra. She knew he was partial to any black undergarments she wore. Slipping on her silk robe she walked back out into the bedroom to find her oldest son standing in the middle of the room. She quickly closed the robe to cover herself.

"Hey, what in the world are you doing up?" Natalie asked Liam, crouching down to his height.

"I can't sleep," he said as he rubbed his eyes.

"You can't? Well, you know what? I am going to sing you your favorite song and you'll be asleep before Jody gets here. Ok?" She stood up and took his hand, walking back toward his bedroom.

"Where are you going?" He asked in a sleepy voice.

"Mommy and Daddy are going out to dinner...alone," she smiled at him, "we'll all do something special tomorrow, ok?"

"Dad and I are watching the game, he promised," Liam's eyes lit up.

"He did? Well, Dad never breaks his promises does he?" she smiled as Liam crawled back up into his bed.

"You don't need to sing to me, I'm a big kid," Liam laid down and Natalie tucked his blankets up around him.

"You are? Oh, well alright...if your sure?" She looked at him skeptically, feeling more than a little sad when he nodded his head yes.

"Well, good night then," she kissed him on the forehead and turned out the light on her way out of the bedroom. She turned at the door to look at him one last time only to see his eyes closed as if he was already asleep.

She walked slowly back to her room stopping to pick up a picture of her, John and Liam on Liam's Christening day. It seemed like just yesterday he was a baby. He would be starting school next year. They had been through so much since he was born. She knew they could make it through this too.

"Natalie! If we don't hurry up we'll be late." 'Damn it' John thought, looking at his watch. He really didn't feel like going out tonight but, she had seemed so down this morning so he gave in. And he realized he had to explain. He hadn't been able to concentrate all day. He knew he had to tell her what was going on. He had to.

"I'm ready," she said as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She stood nervously smoothing down the bottom of her dress. He turned and barely glanced at her.

"We need to get going," he said absentmindedly putting on his jacket, "you going to wear a coat? It's a little cold out." He said walking towards the door.

"Uhm, yeah," Natalie looked down at her dress and tried to hide her disappointment. She thought for sure he would loved the dress but, he barely looked at her. Boy had she misjudged that.s John grabbed her long black dress coat from the hook by the door and held it out to her. Not even bothering to help her with it.

Natalie stopped to make sure Jody had their cell numbers, then she grabbed her bag and followed him out the door.

They drove in silence, it was so loud Natalie thought her ears were ringing.

"Shit," she heard John say bringing her out of her thoughts. Looking up and seeing the mad house in front of Capricorn.

"Wow, this is crazy. I didn't realize that this night club would be this big of a deal," she said turning to look at him, trying to hid the disappointment in her voice, "we don't have to go if you don't want to."

"No, it's ok. We need to do this. How bout I drop you off and go park?" He said looking around at the crazy line, red rope and all. He shook his head.

"Yeah ok, at least they have separate entrances. That was smart of Blair," she mumbled as she pulled the handle on her SUV and slid out of the passenger side door when he pulled up to Capricorn's main entrance. If he responded at all, she didn't hear it.

Taking a deep breath she walked in the restaurant. She thought she would order them some drinks and get a table. There were lots of people having dinner and drinks but, the place wasn't packed. She moved around to the bar easily and waited for the bartender. She half-turned her back to the bar so she could watch for John to come in.

"What can I get you?" she heard a familiar voice ask, turning she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

"Christian?! What are you doing here?" She was genuinely happy to see him. Last time she'd talked to him he had gotten married to a woman he'd met in Barcelona. He and Erin had two boys. Two new Vega boys.

Christian smiled at her, obviously pleased to see her. "Blair needed some help for a couple of weeks opening Shelter, and I was between jobs so...I thought I would help her out for a while. A few weeks tops," he smiled at her. She always thought he had the best smile.

"That's so wonderful. I'm so glad to see you. Are Erin and the boys with you?" she asked him.

"No but, she'll be on her way soon. She wanted to spend some time with her folks before we decided on someplace permanent. Now that we have the boys, we really wanted to be back in the states, you know. We've both sent resumes to universities all over the country. It's like an adventure waiting to see who calls us back," he laughed as he lean his elbows on the top of the bar.

"That is so great. I'm so happy for you," she said and meant it. Natalie reach up and removed her coat.

"Are you here alone...dressed like that?" Christian asked her hesitantly, looking concerned.

"John's parking the car," she laughed and looked down at herself, "do you like it?" She raised her eyebrows and quickly twirled in a circle.

"Uhm...I'm wondering why John let you out of the house like that," he smirk at her.

"It's...a special night," she told him, a smile spreading slowly across her face.

"Yeah, I'll say. You look beautiful," he told her sincerely.

"Thanks." Natalie felt her confidence return, "can I get a couple of beers and a waitress to..." she turned and pointed to a table in the corner, "that table." She smiled at him when he nodded. Natalie made her way to the table and waited. She had just started to wonder what was taking John so long when he blew in quickly.

"Hey, what took you so long?" she asked him as he settled in his seat.

"You wouldn't believe it," he said cryptically and took a pull of his beer.

"Try me," she said, feeling hopeful again that her John was here.

"Vickers was out there...trying to get into Shelter, I guess...I don't even know what he thought he

was doing. He's ridiculous," he gave her a small smile.

"I didn't realize he and Dorian were back in town," Natalie said picking up her menu.

"You didn't see the paper this morning?" John ask her picking up his own, "you're mom had a whole write up today about some scandal Dorian Lord is involved in. Big surprise there," John finished as the waitress returned to take their order.

The slipped into silence and Natalie scanned her mind trying to come up with safe topics.

"Christian's here, he's helping Blair out during the night club's opening for a few weeks," she told him after the waitress left.

"Oh yeah," John said absently, looking around the room.

"Yeah," Natalie said back. They sat in awkward silence for what seemed to Natalie like an eternity but, was really only until the waitress brought them their meals. Which they then ate in silence. She was grateful to see Christian coming their way with fresh drinks.

"Hey, you guys looked a little low," he said with a casual smile, "how's it going McBain?" He asked John.

"Good," John answered absently, without looking up. Christian looked at Natalie who looked up and gave him a small embarrassed smile.

"I hear congratulations are in order for you guys," Christian said smiling back at Natalie.

John looked up at him, clearly confused.

"Tonio said you all had another son recently and that when Bo retired, you got a promotion?" Christian said, questioningly wondering if he got the story wrong.

"Oh, uh….yeah," John said taking a pull of his beer, looking out across the room. Christian looked toward Natalie quickly surprised by John's inattention. Natalie tried to give him a large happy smile but, he knew her well enough to see the fakeness in it.

"Thanks Christian," she said with a false brightness. He gave her a look that said he wasn't buying it but nodded once to her and walked away as the waitress brought out their dinner.

As she finished her meal, Natalie spotted Oliver and Kyle at the bar and waved at them. Prompting Oliver and Kyle to start over in John and Natalie's direction.

"Hey, didn't see you over here," Oliver said.

"Hi guys, how are you?" she asked them both, receiving a 'great' and 'wonderful' to her question, Natalie excused herself, "I'm going to run to the restroom, I'll be right back." John nodded but, she wasn't sure he really heard her.

"Wow, I owe her lunch. What were you thinkin' John?" Oliver asked John getting his attention.

"What do you mean?" John asked him clearly confused.

"I bet Natalie that there was no way you would let her not only out of the house in that dress but, not out of your sight! Boy, was I wrong," Oliver replied.

"Well not all men are neanderthals," Kyle spoke up, smiling, "I'm sure he wants to show her off."

John looked between the two men, still not sure he was following.

Oliver noticed John's confusion. "John," Oliver said exasperatedly, "tell me you noticed that dress."

John felt his heart sink, and when he didn't answer Oliver continued, "John, she spent all morning looking for just the right dress for tonight. She said tonight was special. You did notice how hot she looks? Right?...or the looks she's getting. Hell, I'm a gay man and I can definitely see it," Oliver nodded in the direction Natalie went. John turned to see her standing at the bar, talking and laughing with Christian and some guys from the station. Rice and Daniels. Their eyes were running all over his wife's body. The hair stood up on the back of his neck.

Turning his eyes to her himself he finally took her all in. Her dress clung to her curves. It was short and the blue color of her dress set her long hair on fire. Her hair fell down her back in waves, and the way the top was made, it left her shoulders bare. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen her look so sexy. And everyone was looking at her too, Oliver was right, if he would have been more focused on her...he wouldn't have let her out of the house.

"Shit," he muttered, setting his beer down and moved quickly across the room.

"Hey guys," John said wrapping his arm around her possessively. The officers nodded in return.

"Hey John, how you doing?" Christian asked him, as if they hadn't spoken earlier. Chris leaned his elbows down on the top of the bar and smiled know what brought about the change in John's attitude. Christian could clearly see John was staking his claim and he was pretty sure the other guys could too.

"Yeah, just fine. You?" John asked politely.

"Great, just great," Christian answered trying not to laugh out loud. Natalie was looking back and forth between the John and Christian confused since the just greeted each other not too long ago.

"That's….great then. Hey listen excuse us," he said quickly placing his at her elbow, gently pulling her back toward their table, glad to see that Oliver and Kyle had left so that he could be alone with her.

"What's wrong John?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I...I am an ass. A complete ass," he said, running a hand through his hair and down over his face.

"Wh-why?" she asked not sure what he was talking about. He grabbed her hand and pulled her down into her chair and instead of taking his across from her, he pulled out the one right next to her, never letting her hand go.

Once he sat down he grabbed her other hand and held both of hers in both of his. She watched as he took a deep breath and looked up into her eyes, "I didn't tell you...just...how beautiful you looked tonight," he told her quietly.

She looked down and blushed, "oh, well…..I...it- it's ok-" she started.

"No. It's not. I'm so sorry. Truly," he told her as he looked into her eyes. All she could do was nod.

"Dance with me," he whispered. She laughed softly.

"John McBain does not dance in public," she teased with a small smile.

"I dance," he said, placing a hand on his chest pretending to look offended.

"In the privacy of our bedroom yes but, in public no." She spoke in a low tone and smiled at him.

"I have been known to dance in public...a couple of times...here and there...throughout the years," his smile grew as he looked at her, "and besides, I want to show everyone that you, in this dress...belong to me." His blue eyes smoldered as they looked into hers.

Still holding her hands in his, he stood up pulling her with him. He lead her over to where there were other couples dancing and John pulled her close. He slid one hand around her waist and curled his other hand around hers. Swaying so gently they were barely moving, she pressed her body even closer to his and rested their foreheads together.

After a they had danced one song and the next started, he said, "it's different you know, dancing with clothes on that is," John smiled. Natalie laughed and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you, John," she whispered, then sighed and removed her hand from his so she could wrap both her arms around his neck..

"I love you and...I need to get you home. Desperately," he said winding his now free hand around her waist can caressing her back, pressing the side of his face to hers and she smiled at the roughness in his voice.

"But...we really need to talk first," he said regretfully, as he pulled back to look at her.

"What is it? Please tell me," she could hear the begging in her own voice and he could see it in her eyes.

"Come on, let's sit back down," he said as they made their way back to their table.

They settled back into their seats side by side, still holding hands, "Natalie, there's something I have to tell you," he looked into her eyes.

She nodded, "I'm listening," she said as she leaned forward.

"Ok, a few weeks ago, when-"

"Quick! Someone call the cops! Some chick OD'd downstairs!" John was out of his seat and half way down the stairs before the young man had even finished speaking. Natalie grabbed her purse and coat while she dialed for an ambulance and followed John, Oliver, Rice and Daniels down stairs.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs she saw John standing at the bar.

"Hey, I called an ambulance," she told him. John looked at the bartender, "can you call 911 and cancel that ambulance?" the bartender nodded and walked away. John turned back to Natalie, "listen uhm...they took her out the back door to the hospital already but, thank you."

"You're welcome...John, what's going on?" she could tell there was something he wasn't telling her.

"You uh, you might want to call your mom," he told her quietly.

"My mom, why? Oh my God, who was it?" she knew instantly she wouldn't like the answer.

John took a deep breath and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Sweetheart, it was Dani."

"What? No. Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yeah, the bartender said that Todd and Blair, Tea, Matthew and Destiny were all here and they took her to the hospital. I don't know anything else since they were gone when we got down here," he said, then continued, "listen, we are going to be here a while, why don't you go home? I'll meet you there later?"

"Well, I don't want to leave you, maybe I could help," she knew there wasn't anything for her to do here. Any dealers would be long gone, this was a matter of questioning witnesses. There shouldn't be any forensics involved.

"Go check on your mom then, and I will meet you at home...later," he said clearly dismissing her as he caught sight of Christian as he came down from upstairs, "Chris, we need to shut this place down right now."

"You got it John," Christian said as he turned to go back upstairs to lock the doors. John walked away to talk to the other officers leaving her standing there alone. Natalie knowing there were be no more discussion about it, turned to follow Christian to the doors.

"I'm sorry your night was ruined," he told her as he let her out.

"It's ok, see you later Christian," she smiled before she turned and walked through the parking lot to her vehicle and climbed inside.