pounded but it wasn’t fear. It felt more like excitement. Yet she had no clue how she could be excited to see someone she didn’t even know. Well, on second thought, she’d have to be blind not to see that this man was a magnet for women. For the first time, a subconscious thought pressed into view. Yes, she was in trouble.
Natalie turned around and saw him standing behind her. However unlikely, he was even more handsome than she recalled. “I would never avoid someone like you.” That wasn’t at all what she intended to say. The words spilled out as if spoken by someone else.
The grin he gave her was blinding. Those perfect white teeth. And this time his eyes squinted when he smiled. She realized she was grinning back. Yet a tiny voice inside nagged her that he couldn’t actually be interested in her. She was just an ordinary girl from Oakland, from an unremarkable neighborhood.
“I see you didn’t get a chance to get a drink. The concert is going to resume shortly. I took the liberty of snagging a Coke for you, not being sure of your preference.” He held out a plastic cup in offering.
Natalie felt warmth flow through her. She didn’t recognize the feeling, exactly. She wasn’t very experienced with men. It seemed her life was involved with more mundane activities. Yet she couldn’t keep looking at him this way. Her knees were weak. “I need to sit down,” she blurted out, and turned to scan for seating.
The lobby was still packed with music fans trying to get back to their seats in time. Tanner glanced at the sea of bodies and put his arm around her, guiding her along the wall to an unmarked door. Amazingly, it was unlocked. It appeared to be some kind of small lounge, possibly for employees.
Now, Natalie felt really awkward, and faint. So she plopped onto the fake leather sofa nearest the door. If she needed to make her escape, the door would be close by. “How did you know this would be open?”
Tanner looked frozen in place, a bit statue-like. It was a result of his awe over this amazing woman he was alone with. Plus, his strong features, pale skin, and stoic pose lent the impression of a perfectly carved marble statue. He’d come to this concert purposefully. So much of his life was dictated. Music was for pleasure. When he went to concerts, he liked to go alone, wanting to listen to the music without social demands. Tonight, the music was taking a backseat.
He let his eyes wander over Natalie, taking in her soft brown eyes, long brown hair, and creamy, translucent skin. His cock was hard, and had been since he’d first seen her. In the muted light of the tiny room, she looked even lovelier than she had in the balcony. He wasn’t sure if she was shy or just embarrassed. Either way, she seemed nervous. He was so used to arrogant women that Natalie’s humble nature touched him.
In the few seconds he stood gazing at her beauty, he battled with himself. His urges, he knew from experience, could be overpowering. The last thing he wanted was to scare away this delicate butterfly he had temporarily captured.
The silence between them was weighted. Neither knew what to do. That was unusual for Tanner. He was bold in most situations. And, really, it was bold to bring her here.
He hadn’t responded to Natalie’s question. He knew an answer wasn’t really needed. He could have told her he knew the owner, which he did. But it didn’t matter. He took two steps toward her and she stood from the seat. It seemed too natural, like some cosmic occurrence had thrown them together. Neither wanted it any other way.
Natalie was a bit out of her element. However, she was aware from his composure that this man could take the lead. And she was more than willing to have him do just that.
* * * * *
3 – Desire
Tanner looked at the beauty before him, standing so still. He had her alone in a private room and the thrill of that ignited his passion.
Natalie blushed, not used to being with a man in an intimate