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

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.
     

15 – Ripped Apart
    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