Free Raw Burn (Touched By You) by Emily Jane Trent

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