Raw Burn (Touched By You) (6 page)

The supermodels of Brazil, strutting down the catwalk at Fashion Rio, showed off
clothing by designers that Natalie hadn’t heard of before. Adrian Bozon exhibited sterile cuts in black and white, finished with chunky shoes. Liliane Rebehy created a collection somewhere between Boho and Gypsy with sheer accordion skirts and striped pants.

It was the swimsuits that awed Natalie. If Tanner thought she was prone to dress overly sexy, well, he had clearly not been to Rio before. The models pranced down the aisle in swimsuits that bordered on
lewd, and in other countries would likely be banned.

One top by
Triya had a sort of wide grid that left the models breasts open to view. And there was the swimsuit cover-up that was so sheer that it covered nothing, and the model wore nothing under it. Or, the frilly red satin top that had a ribbon collar around the neck, and bloused over the bosom, completely open underneath. All one need do was reach under, and the wearer had no protection. That was the idea.

Tanner took it all in stride. He was there to get a first-hand view of what the Brazilian designers were offering, and he
had no complaints about the show. Apparently, he only found fault with Natalie wearing provocative fashions.

Jewelry
, that one of the models on the Catwalk wore, inspired Tanner to get something like it, only better, for Natalie. He took her out for feijoada, a black bean and meat stew, popular for lunch in Rio, and washed it down with a light beer, very refreshing in the hot climate. After their meal, they went to Amsterdam Sauer, well known for its impressive collection of precious stones.

After
explaining what he wanted to the clerk, several rings with an aquamarine gem were offered for Natalie to try on. Each had a pastel aqua gem set in platinum or white gold, and with a subtle, cool appeal. It was difficult to choose as each Brazilian aqua had a rich luster, and each design was unique. The clerk described the valuable aquamarine as the treasure of mermaids beloved for thousands of years, and Natalie could see why.

The prices g
ave her pause, but she could tell from Tanner’s expression that he wanted to see her wear such a ring. He enjoyed buying things for her, and he could certainly afford it. She admitting liking a rectangular domed aqua, surrounded by diamonds, set in white gold. The brilliant ring fit her perfectly, without resizing. She slipped it on the ring finger of her right hand, and Tanner handed the clerk his gold card.

Natalie didn’t attend
the show every day. Business was business, and Tanner had meetings with many details to focus on. That was fine with her. She had a chance to shop in Rio, and spend time in the spa at the hotel. She luxuriated most of one day, feeling important. The massage therapist informed her that Copacabana had been visited by numerous movie stars, including Marlene Dietrich and Ginger Rogers.

But the best part of the day was meeting Tanner for dinner at
Zaza Bistro Tropical, an art-filled and whimsically decorated converted house, one of the first contemporary restaurants in the city. The food was mostly organic. They ordered curry chicken with coconut milk, and basmati rice, and chose an Australian Sauvignon Blanc Semillon to go with it. The food was mouthwatering and delicious.

Natalie waited until the Brazilian coffee was served before giving Tanner his surprise.
The coffee arrived steaming hot and aromatic. What better place to get good Brazilian coffee than in Brazil. Natalie took one sip and announced, “This is the best coffee I’ve ever had.”

Tanner looked beyond handsome in his
light blue, short-sleeved sport shirt, his biceps bulging. So often he wore business attire. Natalie rather liked him in casual garb. The humid climate of Brazil did not allow for structured business wear. The pale blue color of his shirt made his blue eyes, appear bluer, making him so huggable.

She realized she was starring. But Tanner just smiled, liking h
er attention.

“I have a surprise for you,” she said, and reached into her bag to retrieve a small box.

Tanner raised his eyebrows.

“Happy birthday,” she beamed at him.

She was sure she saw him blush, but he just said, “How did you know?”

“Oh, I know a lot of things. Go ahead
, open it.”

Tanner tore off the silver wrapping and open
ed his present. He lifted black diamond cufflinks out of the box. “Wow,” he said, rolling them in one hand, “you’ve been shopping.”

“I hope you like them. Black diamonds are rare, mostly found in Brazil and the Central African Republic…I found out today.”

“Very handsome,” he said. “I’ll wear them proudly. I didn’t expect you to get me a birthday present. I get cards and business gifts at the office. Nobody buys me personal gifts.”

“
Well, they should. Sorry, I couldn’t arrange a surprise party, but then I don’t think you are as keen on surprises as I am,” she grinned.

Tanner smiled, his eyes sparkling. “Thank goodness. I don’t think I could h
andle a party. Come here.” He pulled her toward him and kissed her. “Thank you baby….for the wonderful present.”

He looked at her, sitting across from him in her
frilly summer dress. He wanted to hug her to him and never let her go. The desire to possess her in a more permanent way urged him forward toward a destiny that he hadn’t yet clearly defined.

Natalie had worn a light dress in deference to the hot weather, but it wasn’t overly revealing. It was more sweet than sexy. She was making an effort to moderate
her taste in fashions. Although, he might have a heart attack when he saw the new designs she had in mind, after seeing the latest Brazilian creations.

“What do you think of the fashions so far?”

“They will make quite a stir,” Tanner replied. “And that’s the point. In fashion, one has to gain attention.” He stopped and looked at her with something on his mind.

“But don’t get any ideas,” he added. “You are beautiful, and you’ve
already pushed the envelope with your recent wardrobe choices.

You don’t need to tempt other men. What you wear at home with me is one thing. In public…well, that another,” he said.

Natalie smiled at him. She loved her jealous man, and decided she could be a bit more moderate in her approach to dressing. There were endless racks of stunning fashions. She didn’t always have to pick the most daring. She’d tested the waters and enjoyed the sexy outfits, but she guessed she could tone it down, at least a little.

Tanner took Natalie to a few of the key tourist attractions in Rio before leaving. There
wasn’t time to do it all, but he vowed to bring her back. The highlight was the steep train journey through the dense Atlantic forest of Tijuca to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, perched atop Cococado Mountain. The views on the train ride were amazing, and next to the statue looking down on the city, the sight was spectacular. Natalie could see Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay in the background.

Standing under the statue of Jesus, Natalie looked straight up at his outstretched arms, a symbol of peace.
He was ninety-eight feet tall, and the arm span of the concrete replica was ninety-two feet wide, considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. She turned around, to look out over the scene from the mountaintop, and threw her arms around Tanner.

“It’s so breathtaking! I can’t believe we are here. It’s like standing on top
of the world. The sky is so huge…. and look at the deep blue of the sea, and the mountains so thick with trees. Oh Tanner, we have to come back,” she exclaimed.

Tanner hugged her, glad to be able to
experience the stunning panorama with her by his side. “We will, baby. We will. I promise. I agree that this is one of the most beautiful views in the world.” They stood in silent reference gazing at the majestic city of Rio, from the same vantage point as the statue of Jesus did every day.

Leaving Rio was sad. There was something about the culture and the city that ma
de one never want to leave. But their time had run out, at least for then. They returned to New York safely, on Tanner’s Gulfstream jet, and Natalie had to take a day or so to recover from the effects of travel. She didn’t bounce back from jet lag as easily as Tanner. Yoga helped revitalize her, but she still felt the exhaustion from the long flight.

Yet
, work called and she was back at her desk sketching designs soon enough. The fashions of Brazil had inspired her, and she found her new ideas were a bit more radical than usual. Her assistant had given notice and Natalie was sorry to see her go. She’d have to replace her, but hadn’t had time to think about it. Suddenly, she missed Tanner horribly. They’d been together most of the time in Rio, and it took readjusting to return to their normal schedules.

She just couldn’t focus on work, and
decided to surprise Tanner by taking him to lunch. She knew he’d be pleased to see her. She let Sara know she’d be eating out, and changed into her Burberry summer dress in bright Indigo green, accented with her, onyx and diamond, butterfly necklace. She remembered how Tanner had said it represented joy, when he’d given it to her.

She tried to relax in the limo, but was excited to see Tanner. She loved surprises, and he’d be delighted at her unexpected visit. She hoped he wasn’t in a business meeting he
couldn’t break away from. But she’d take that chance.

Natalie glided past his secretary, who called out, “He’s downstairs in the café.” She spun around to head back to the elevator. “Thanks,” she called, in a hurry. She glanced at her watch,
wondering what Tanner was involved in. It was early for lunch, so he must be grabbing some coffee, although he’d normally send one of his staff on that errand. Oh, well.

She ground to a halt at the café entrance, looking around for Tanner, but didn’t see him at first.
Her singularly handsome man should be easy to spot. The hostess asked if she needed help. Natalie just motioned that she was fine. “Just looking for someone,” she said.

Stepping in further, sh
e looked into the adjacent room and froze. She stopped so fast her heel caught on the carpet and she nearly fell. She recognized Tanner immediately, but he had his back to her. Next to him was a classy woman in a business suit, who she immediately recognized. Susan, her soon-to-be-otherwise-employed assistant, had her hand on Tanner’s forearm and her lips pressed against his.

Natalie didn’t wait to see what happened next. The private moment between the two was clear enough. Her heart
fell, but anger coursed through her veins. How could he? He certainly had her fooled. Tanner, being such a heartthrob, could certainly have any woman he wanted. Natalie knew she couldn’t compete with all the many beautiful, talented women. But she thought Tanner loved her, and had felt safe in their relationship.

However
, he’d never made a commitment, had he? No, and that was what was wrong. Natalie had no hold on him, not really. Anger boiled within her, though. Whether she had a right to or not, she felt betrayed. She was betrayed. She wouldn’t stand for it.

Tanner was always the jealous one. And she’d never given him any reason to be. It was certainly okay for his eyes to wander, but not hers. She’d see a
bout that. Jealous raged inside, ripping her apart. The tables had turned. This time Tanner would have to answer to her, and deal with her jealousy - if he could.

Strolling in
to the office, back from the café, Tanner was surprised to hear, “Natalie is waiting for you in your office.”

“Why didn’t you send her down?”

The receptionist just shrugged, knowing better than to get in the middle of this. The look on Natalie’s face when she’d stormed back into the office was all the evidence needed to know this was a confrontation.

Tanner opened the door to find Natalie sitting in his des
k chair looking out the window.

“Hey
baby, what a nice surprise,” he said, striding toward her.

She wheeled in the chair. T
he flushed color to her cheeks and the dark look in her eyes, stopped Tanner in his tracks. Something was wrong.

“Yeah, I’ll bet it’s a surprise,” she retorted, with her arms crossed, holding back tears of anger. She was determined to keep the upper hand this time.

Tanner sat on the edge of the desk, looking down at her. “What do you mean? You look ill. Are you okay?”

Natalie sprang up
and paced around the desk. “No, I’m not okay. Not at all.”

Tanner was floundering, unsure of the situation. Clearly, she was upset but he was at a loss.

“Did something happen?”

“Yes, something happened! You and Susan,” she said in a shrill voice, and wrapped her arms around her body as if to hold on, to something, in the roiling waves of emotion.

Tanner was silent, not knowing what she meant. He really didn’t. And that made Natalie even madder.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. I saw you. I mean I saw her. Well, anyway, you were kissing,” Natalie fumed.

The shock of what she’d said struck Tanner like a bolt of lightning, and he reacted just as instantly.

“You mean,
she kissed me,” he replied, a little more at ease, certain he could handle this now.

“Whatever.”

Tanner reached out for Natalie, but she stood firm, unwilling to move toward him. Even in her agitated state, she knew if he touched her she’d waiver. Just looking at him, so darn perfect, in his charcoal suit weakened her.

Seeing her res
istance, Tanner sat on the sofa and said in a confident tone, “Come. Sit here.”

Natalie sat as far away from him as she could, against the opposite arm of the sofa. She couldn’t understand why he was smiling, or how he could find humor in the violent end to the love they’d had.

“Susan is leaving the company,” he said.

“Yes, I know that, but what does that….,” she started, but Tanner cut her off.

“Now I just ask that you listen,” he said and looked at her sharply, leaving her no choice but to hear him out.

“There’s something I’ve never told you,” he said, and Natalie’
s heart pounded. He was going to confirm her worst fears.

“I thought it would just upset you
, so I didn’t see the need. But now you’ll have to know.”

Natalie held her breath.

“Susan has had a crush on me for some time, and has made it known. That’s the real reason she’s leaving. I don’t feel the same toward her, and she’s confessed it’s too hard to work in such proximity, considering how she feels.

We tried moving her to your company, in an effort to give her more space, and assignments that I wasn’t directly involved in. But it didn’t work. She feels that she must separate from the company.”

Natalie struggled to find her voice. “She was in love with you, so you gave her to me as my assistant?”

“Something
like that….”

“Tanner, that’s the worst way to handle this. After all, she knew that you were dating me.”

“Yes, you are right. In retrospect, it was a bad idea. I think being around you only made it worse for her. You know…. jealousy and all. Considering that, she did a very professional job for you.”

“You are such a….a….
man. You don’t understand women at all,” Natalie pouted. Then, remembered that the most important question hadn’t been answered.

“But
you were kissing her.”

“No, she kissed me. I thought it would be a kind thing to do on her last day to take her for coffee, thank her for all the years of servic
e. I’m not heartless, you know.

Before she stood to leave she reaffirmed how she felt about me, and asked that if I should ever change my mind that I contact h
er. Impulsively, she kissed me.

Clearly, you did not witness the entire scene, or you would have seen me push her away. She went too far. But you have nothing to worry about. She’s been given her final pay, and you won’t be seeing her again.”

“So, will you?”

“Will I what?”

“Change your mind, and contact her.”

“Enough,” Tanner said,
pulling Natalie into his strong embrace. “Now listen here. Just get such notions out of your head.

Natalie looked into his sparkling blue eyes, admiring for the thousandth time his perfect face, and using every shred of will not to plunge her hands into his thick dark hair. She started to tremble in his arms.

“I love you, my gorgeous, emotional, sensitive, loving, sexy woman. And there won’t be any other woman. I crave you impossibly, and have from the first moment I set eyes on you. Right or wrong, here we are.

You are mine. I want you more than I want my next breath
, and the sight of you needlessly distressed is killing me.” Tanner squeezed her so tightly she couldn’t breathe, and slanted his mouth over hers in a lip-bruising kiss. Heat flooded her lower body, clouding out relief at knowing he was still hers, that there was no other woman. He still belonged to her. And that’s all she cared about.

Raw Burn –

7th novella in the Touched By You series by Emily Jane Trent ©2013 All Rights Reserved

Cover design by QuickSiteStudio.com

Read – Desperately Entwined, 8
th
novella, dramatic conclusion to Touched By You series

I hope you enjoyed this story! I love to hear feedback from my readers. You can leave a review at Amazon or write to me, directly, at my blog -- Emily

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About the author:

Emily Jane Trent writes steamy romances about characters you’ll get to know and love. The sex scenes are hot, and the romance even hotter! If you are a fan of stories with a heroine that’s got spunk and a hunk of a hero that you’d like to take home with you, these stories are what you’re looking for. The Touched
By You series will let you escape into a fantasy – and you won’t want it to end - ever.

You can find out more about the Emily Jane Trent at her blog:
http://www.EmilyJaneTrent.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.