Free Dark Desire (Touched By You 1) by Emily Jane Trent Page B

worn.
    Being prepped all afternoon helped take her mind off Tanner and the evening ahead. She drifted off for a few minutes during the massage. With the warm room, background sound of falling water, aroma of lavender and the expert touch of the masseuse, she experienced the ultimate in relaxation.
    But many times during the hair and make-up process when she wasn't chatting, she felt butterflies in her stomach. The combination of all this new luxury, and what she had to look forward to, had her alive and expectant.
    She dreamed of Tanner, wondering how he'd be dressed and whether he'd be relaxed or stern. She wasn't used to him, intimately. His mood seemed to vary and was unpredictable, although with what had been going on between them, it was understandable. All of it seemed like a wish-come-true and she prayed it wouldn't end, even though she knew it had to.
    He was so gorgeous and perfect in every way. Ultimately, he'd find a woman up to those standards. Natalie didn't look as plain as she normally did. The beauty consultant, along with her expert team, had achieved the transformation they sought.
    Tanner waited, watching the clock all day. He wanted Natalie with every fiber of his being, and the prospect of having her kept him hard. He meant to possess her. That he could do this so completely was an added thrill. She'd be his and only his. He would make this night one she would remember forever. His inflated ego was further bolstered by knowing he would hold a place in her life that no other man ever could.
    Dressing wasn't as involved for him as for Natalie. He'd been to many events, so his extensive wardrobe served him well. He chose an evening suit and gold cufflinks, understated but elegant. He had no desire to be flashy. The only person he cared to impress was his special date. He'd chosen to have a manicure and massage earlier in the day. He ran some gel through his thick dark hair and splashed on cologne.
    In the back of the limo, on the way to the spa where Natalie would be enjoying a late afternoon drink of her choice, Tanner scanned his mental list to be sure he'd thought of everything. Satisfied, he leaned back, closing his eyes to envision the unfolding of the date he had meticulously planned.
    He felt a pang inside and considered if what he intended was best for Natalie. Probably not, he admitted to himself. But he didn't have the will to alter the course he'd set, now that the woman he craved beyond all others was within reach.

23 - The Date
    Natalie had been on dates previously, but tonight was in a category by itself. Before she'd been chauffeured to the spa, a huge bouquet of flowers had been delivered to the penthouse. Cheryl had to clear off the table in the entry to make room for them, admitting she'd never seen such a large arrangement, and that was saying something. Cheryl had been sent many flowers, of all descriptions, in her years as a model and revered sex symbol.
    Sitting in the overstuffed chair on the patio of the spa, Natalie glowed at the thought of the flowers. No one had ever given her flowers before, something every woman loves. It certainly set the tone for the special date. Now, sipping her hand-crafted mint tea, she tried to relax but it was impossible. He'd arrive in a few minutes. She was swept up in Tanner's plans for her and there was no turning back.
    Without provocation, Natalie was thrown into panic when the old feeling of losing Tanner surged in her heart. What if he didn't show up for the date and she was left alone again - consumed with desire for him? She resorted to self-talk, telling herself it wouldn't make sense. There'd be no reason to arrange an all-day preparation for a date that wasn't going to happen.
    Yet, the nagging voice of her earlier disappointment wouldn't be muted until the attendant stood next to her and announced, "He's here for you." Natalie's heart raced and her legs felt a little wobbly. She took a deep breath and followed the uniformed clerk to the