Intimate Secrets: 10 (Touched By You) (2 page)

Tanner was focused on the pictures, but he reached out and wrapped his arm around her. “Look.”

Natalie looked at the pictures, instantly recognizing clothes her mother had made. The smiling—sometimes not so smiling—faces of orphans looked back at her.

“One of the facilities sent these over to say thank you for all the clothes Emma has been providing.”

Tanner turned away from the photos to kiss Natalie. His quick, soft kiss melted her heart. To see him in this setting was special. Having been an orphan, Tanner connected with the young children he assisted. Even though he never said it, Natalie knew the memory of being without parents never left him. As strong and successful as he was, being alone in the world, at such a young age when his mother died, had been traumatic.

Rarely did Tanner admit the generosity of his creation of the foundation. Sweeping it aside as his duty to give back, he was always humble about it. Yet Natalie knew how much the funding and other programs meant to the parentless children. Though sometimes it was the last thing Tanner saw, he was a good person. She’d always known that.

“Let’s look around. They’ve really been getting things in shape; all the improvements have been completed. Finally, they can hire the additional staff they need.” Tanner walked toward the hall, leaving Andrew to get back to his work.

Natalie took a step to follow, watching how Tanner moved. She should have been focused on the foundation work, but her thoughts were swamped with her husband’s nice ass. In the tailored slacks he wore, his athletically rounded rear was enticing. His broad shoulders filled out the knit polo shirt, and her eyes drifted to his trim waist.

Something about seeing him, proud of his work, caring about others, made him all the more attractive. Tanner was gorgeous, perfectly chiseled, and all masculine virility. His warmth and generosity completed the irresistible combination, and she looked down at the floor briefly to distract her imagination, lest she throw herself into his arms in the middle of the busy workplace.

“Come, let me show you,” Tanner said, motioning for her to follow.

It would be best to concentrate on the progress at the foundation, and stop ogling her handsome husband. “I’m here, wait up a second.” Natalie walked a little faster to catch up, still unable to clear her head.

An ache, long buried and now unable to be ignored, persisted. Couldn’t she just be satisfied with what she had? Did she always have to want more?

Sensual urges that were so much a part of her—she was unable to separate from them—blossomed within the loving confines of her marriage. It made her wonder if she was different from other women, having nothing to compare her feelings to. The feeling of having a secret was uncomfortable. Still, telling it might be worse. She wasn’t ready yet.

A couple of days later, Jazzy invited Natalie over for lunch. Ellis was working hard to keep the gourmet French cuisine flowing out of the kitchen and make a name for their restaurant, so they had the house to themselves. The home was very cozy, reflecting her sister’s knack for decorating. The dark wood floors, accented with rich wool rugs, contrasted with the ivory walls. The great room had a gray stone fireplace, and plush off-white furniture.

Sitting at the kitchen table, sipping tea, they talked and talked. There was a lot to catch up on. Natalie noted her sister’s radiance and was comforted. Being the oldest, she’d always felt responsible for her younger sister. Marrying Ellis had been a joyful occasion for Jazzy; she’d confided that she’d loved him long before he ever left for New York.

Holding her cup with both hands, Jazzy grinned.

“What?” Natalie knew her well enough to see that she was bursting with news.

“We’re trying to get pregnant.”
Jazzy’s flowing brown hair curled past her shoulders, and the copper tint in her eyes sparkled. She wore a velvet hoodie and a ribbon necklace, looking barely over the age of eighteen. Her youthful exuberance added to the impression.

“Really?”

“Yes, we both really want to have children. The restaurant is doing well. In fact, we hope Paul can leave Artisan within the year and join Ellis. That’s one partnership that’s working out.”

“I’m so happy for you, Jazzy.”

“Oh, Natty, I want a baby so badly. To have Ellis’ baby. I want my own family. You’ll be an aunt, and mom will have a grandchild.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Natalie hoped that one day she’d be saying something similar. She should be the more mature one, but she needed more time with Tanner, just the two of them, before she was ready for a baby. “Well, I see a baby shower in your future.”

Jazzy giggled. “Hope it’s soon.”

Natalie stayed to finish her tea and share the raspberry tart Ellis had sent home from the restaurant. Ellis’ talents encompassed French desserts along with gourmet cuisine. Escorting her to the door, Jazzy hugged her tightly before releasing her. “Okay, you can go.”

Natalie laughed. “I want to be the first to know; after Ellis, I mean.”

“You will. You can count on it.”

Andre waited out front to drive her home. Their conversation covered a range of innocent topics; Natalie felt like talking. She wanted to ask about Sara, but then men weren’t usually chatty about such subjects. Once they were back, he followed her inside to be sure she was safe.

Stepping into the foyer, Natalie heard noise from the kitchen. She motioned Andre to follow her. “Hey, Sara, smells good in here.”

“Hope so. Tanner asked for something Italian tonight, so I’m making
lasagne.” Sara stepped toward Andre at the same time that he closed the distance between them and hugged her affectionately.

Natalie could have sworn he blushed. A big, buff, no-nonsense guy, Andre definitely had a soft spot for Sara. “Go ahead. Kiss her. She misses you. I won’t tell Tanner,” Natalie said, and left the kitchen so they could have a few minutes alone. Maybe the relationship would continue to blossom; she hoped so.

Missing Tanner, she sat at the piano, running her fingertips over the ivory keys. He played it so beautifully. It was sexy watching him play. She’d discovered he knew a lot of popular songs as well as classics. Admiring the craftsmanship of the instrument, she stood and walked around it, touching the ebony surface.

The need for Tanner was ever present. It wasn’t just that they’d been apart, and she looked forward to seeing him, like she always did. It was more, so much more. Being with him allowed her to be in touch with her sexual desire, and it was a fire that roared more with each passing day.

Sometimes she questioned whether it was always good to tap one’s inner urges and open to the desire that simmered there. Would Tanner think so? Would he want her as much if he knew? The concept was both exhilarating and frightening at the same time. Not tonight; she wouldn’t tell him tonight.

One of the divisions of Tanner’s company was dedicated to fine wines and champagnes. The plethora of choices on the market made staying at the top a challenge. Since he was briefed by his managers on a regular basis, he didn’t need to deal with the winemakers directly. For Australia, he was going to make an exception.

Barossa Valley was a major wine-producing region in South Australia, renowned for its Shiraz. The best wines of Barossa could stand up next to the top wines of the world. Australian wines had been a dominant force in English-speaking countries, and many European countries. Tanner’s company maintained a significant market share and dominating influence in the production and marketing of the wines. Yet, only a small portion was currently from Australia.

The soft, fruity, full-bodied, very appealing wines from the country could be consumed shortly after purchase and did not require long cellaring, something young consumers appreciated. That aspect piqued Tanner’s interest, as young wine drinkers were a huge and ever-growing market. Clarke Luxury’s wine division was looking to expand dramatically into that market.

Tanner could have sent his staff to survey the available vineyards and sample the wines. But it was a good excuse to take a trip to the area, and spend time away with Natalie. The wine region was just an hour northeast of Adelaide. They could see the sights in Adelaide before spending a few days in Barossa Valley. His plans for being with Natalie went far beyond a business trip to the wine region, centering more on the romance of the trip.

The timing was good for Natalie. With her fall fashions in the hands of her merchandisers, she could break away from designing for a few weeks. The wine country of Australia was a good place to visit, and to share with Tanner. The first few nights they stayed at The Sebel Playford, centrally located in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

The classic-style hotel provided luxurious amenities, including a top-quality spa and even an indoor pool. Natalie liked the Art Deco décor and was delighted over the breakfast menu selection of organic foods. The room had a garden view, a sitting room, and a sweeping staircase up to the bedroom.

The first night they ate at the Playford restaurant at the hotel. Natalie wore her Stella McCartney cranberry-colored ribbed dress. The drop-waist dress was fitted to her body down to the top of her thighs, and then flared into a short silk skirt. The dress was tasteful, but exposed a lot of leg. She wore her Gucci three-inch-heel pumps and diamond stud earrings.

Before dressing, Tanner came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He nibbled her neck and ran his tongue over the curve of her ear. “Don’t wear any underwear tonight,” he whispered. His words made her feel instantly naked. “I want to think of you that way during dinner.”

The thought that she was bare under her dress made Natalie’s nipples hard. It was more the idea that Tanner knew; that he was thinking about it. Tanner had worn slate-gray trousers with a white Armani dress shirt. The light silk and wool fabric of the pants moved with his body, drawing attention to his lean thighs and narrow waist. There was something about the white shirt that was enthralling, the way it fitted over his rock-hard muscles.

Wanting to experience that area, Tanner ordered a 2005 bottle of The Laird, made by
Torbreck, a boutique winery in the valley. The rare Shiraz had been snapped up by collectors upon its release. The restaurant owner had a bottle or two tucked away for special guests. Tanner commented on the notable blackberry and plum flavors, and Natalie thought it was delicious.

They nibbled on black olives and fresh-baked bread while sipping the delicious wine. Tanner gazed at Natalie with a commanding look, making her wet. The food and drink did little to distract her from his intent. If anything, the old-world-style restaurant, with the exquisite food and wine, made the perfect backdrop for their sexually charged mood.

The more Natalie sipped the wine, letting it flow past her lips and down her throat like the sweet nectar it was, the more she wanted Tanner. Visions of removing the singular white shirt and revealing his sculpted pectorals and shoulders became all consuming. When he slipped off his shoe and caressed her ankle under the table, Tanner knew exactly what he was doing.

The wine was an experience, and while watching Tanner
take a bite of bread, the only thing Natalie could think of was his lips on hers. His perfect mouth, thick hair, and angled jaw were impossible to stare at without wanting him. And she did.

Dinner just never happened. Several times, Tanner waved the waiter away and refilled Natalie’s glass. His blue eyes held hers, binding her to him, rendering her unable to look away. Rubbing the top of her hand with his fingertips, Tanner mouthed the words, “Did you do as I told you?”

A thrill ran through her. There was no mistaking what he referred to. Natalie nodded, nearly imperceptibly, getting wetter by the second. Tanner’s hand tightened around hers, and the look on his face said everything. He wanted her. That knowledge sent warmth to her lower body and weakness to her limbs.

Standing, Tanner went around and helped her out of her chair. She needed assistance, unsure if she could stand on her own. Without a word, he guided her out of the restaurant and back to the room. Any appetite for food vanished. Craving only the taste of Tanner’s skin, and his strong touch, Natalie allowed him to guide her.

Inside, Tanner pulled her into his arms and kissed her wantonly. The vigor of the kiss foretold what was to come. Natalie pressed against him, feeling his hardness, her skin tingling though the thin fabric of her dress. When Tanner’s hand touched her thigh and he reached under the hem of her dress to feel her bare skin, it made her tremble.

With a sense of ownership, he squeezed her ass. Natalie fisted his hair, anxious to remove the sexy white shirt. Tanner felt her bare pussy, panty-less and wet. He moaned at her bold exposure, though he’d ordered it himself. Fingering her, Tanner increased her arousal making her quiver in his arms.

Leaning back, she looked into his eyes, hard and demanding. Purposefully, she undid the top button of his shirt and continued down. When at last the front was open, she quickly undid the cuffs and pulled the shirt off. The sight of his smooth skin stretched tight over his masculine muscles melted her.

Natalie kissed his shoulders and across his collarbone. With the tip of her tongue she flicked his nipples, hard with pleasure. Tanner let her caress him. He stood strong and virile, allowing her this indulgence. She felt an overpowering need to pleasure him, to give him sensations of which he could only dream.