Bound by Love
Authors: Emily Jane Trent
1 – Reconnecting
Paris had been a whirlwind of excitement, but Natalie was glad to be back in New York, near her family. She’d sat with her dear mother, Emma, telling her about her trip with Tanner. Emma got tears in her eyes when she heard that Natalie Baker Designs was soon to be profitable. She asked all about Suzanne Dumond, the boutique owner, who was selling the new line Natalie had worked so hard on. She wanted to know what she was like, including what she looked like, and every word she’d said. Only a mother would be that interested.
Jazzy had swept her off to lunch, hardly able to contain herself, not even commenting on being chauffeured in Tanner’s limo, or having his bodyguards watching them. It seemed she was getting used to it, just as Natalie had.
She couldn’t wait to tell Natalie about Ellis, the love of her life, and starting gushing, the instant they were in the backseat. “Oh, Natty, I’ve had a crush on him for years. I just never dreamed he would give me a second look.”
“You’re lovely, and one of the best-hearted women I know. And, I should know. I’m your sister. Of course, he would be attracted to you. I think he was just shy,” Natalie responded.
“I never thought so. He used to come over all the time and help you cook, when we were younger. I was the younger sister. I felt invisible. But, that time he flew home with you when mom got sicker, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.”
“You mean he couldn’t take his off of
you
.” Natalie smiled at Jazzy. She adored her, and couldn’t be happier about the budding romance. Ellis Larsen had been a friend since high school, and she couldn’t think of a person she trusted more with her sister’s future.
Jazzy giggled like a schoolgirl, and continued sharing the details of her romantic involvement. It was sweet and pure, and very romantic. Natalie couldn’t help but note the contrast between Jazzy’s love story and her own. She blushed to think of the hot sex she had with Tanner, and how she wanted it, as much as he did.
“Natty, are you listening?”
“Sorry, honey. Yes, I’m listening. I’ve heard every word you said. I’m just so happy for you. You deserve Ellis. He’s always been like part of the family.”
The limo pulled to the front of the restaurant, and Natalie caught a glimpse of Cheryl, walking inside. Cheryl Easton looked stunning in her fur coat, with her long dark hair blowing out, in the slight breeze. She was a class act, and Natalie had grown close to her.
Cheryl had kept an eye on Jazzy and Emma during Natalie’s recent trip to Paris. Natalie had brought her to the apartment in New York,
Tanner had so generously secured, so Emma could get the treatments she needed. Jazzy lived with her mother, and cared for her. Cheryl hit it off with the family, instantly. And they liked her just as well. It was natural for Cheryl to look out for them in Natalie’s absence.
Emma’s c
irrhosis of the liver was not curable, but she was stable now, and stronger. Dr. Gene was encouraged by Emma’s response to treatment. He was Tanner’s uncle, and Natalie suspected that Emma got special treatment because of that relationship. But, she was glad. Anything that helped her mother was a good thing.
The limo driver came around to open the door, and Jazzy hopped out, behind Natalie. They spotted Cheryl at a table next to the window and waved. Natalie’s phone rang, so she motioned for Jazzy to go sit with Cheryl. She had to take the call. It was Suzanne
Dumond.
“Natalie, I’m so glad I caught you. I’m in New York for a few days on business. I’m not sure we will have time to get together, but I have some exciting news,” she said.
“Suzanne, it’s so good to hear from you. What is it?”
“First of all, everything is on schedule for your new line to debut in my shops. So, nothing to worry about there,”
she went on, in her beautifully French-accented English. “I have a friend who owns a shop in London. His name is Q. Thomas Hawkes. He owns Couture By Thomas, and curates fashion labels to nurture emerging designers.”
“Oh, I haven’t heard of him.”
“Well, I was telling him about you. I ended up showing him your work. I had some pictures with me. And, he was impressed. He has a sharp eye and knows talent when he sees it.”
“You flatter me, but I love it,” Natalie interjected.
“Yes, well, it’s true. And he’d like to speak with you. He’d consider having your new designs in his shop. He wants to see what else you are creating, and get to know you, personally. So, I took the liberty of giving him your contact information. I hope that was alright.”
“It’s more than alright.
I worked on some designs while we were in Paris, so I’ll have some new ones to show you soon. I am very grateful to you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support,” Natalie beamed.
“It’s business. Your designs are good. Something new and unique will be in demand
, quickly. I’m glad to hear you are continuing to develop your ideas.
Thomas has a knack for finding new talent. Seems this time
, I beat him to it. But I was glad to share. Listen, I have to run.”
Suzanne was gone, and Natalie stood for a moment to catch her breath. It seemed her business had a chance. She’d designed clothes all her life. In fact, the dress Jazzy was wearing was one of her designs.
Her dream of turning her passion into business was becoming a reality. In fact, designing was taking so much of her time that Tanner had released her from her contract to consult for his company. He wanted her to devote her talent to Natalie Baker Designs, as it should be. If he needed her to assist, with her unbiased fashion view, they agreed she’d accept work at his request.
Although, she suspected he wasn’t planning to use her in that capacity, if he could avoid it. He was determined that she succeed in her own business, knowing how important it was to her.
She couldn’t wait to tell Tanner about this new opportunity.
Surprise For Tanner
Creativity and surprises were Tanner’s specialty. This time, it had been Natalie’s turn. She’d thought long and hard about a gift for him. There was one thing that no one else would think to get him. Not that others were in the habit of giving him gifts, anyway.
What better gift than concert tickets? After all, she’d met Tanner at a concert in San Francisco - in the
very same
concert hall - a sweet memory she’d never forget. The look on his face when he opened the gift and held the tickets in his hand, told her it was the perfect gift.
He ended up surprising her, too, by flying her to the concert in his private jet. She looked around at the opulent interior. The dark leather seats contrasted with the light beige interior. The plush look invited relaxation, and Natalie hardly felt like she was flying at all.
She looked at the presentation of food in front of her that had been delivered by a young female server, who Tanner called Claire. She’d placed the food and wine in front of them, and disappeared into a small kitchen area.
“Aren’t you hungry?” Tanner asked, taking a sip of his 2007 Nosotros, a red blend from Mendoza, Argentina. The predatory, ravenous look in his clear blue eyes gave new meaning to his question.
Natalie swirled the deep red wine and breathed in its perfume. She took a sip. “Hmm,” she said. “I’m hungry for this.” She’d learned to enjoy good wines. She admired the label, understanding the art of creating labels that sell wine. But, she knew Tanner only ordered quality wines. He knew the difference.
The plate of grapes, nuts, caviar and other assorted delicacies went untouched. The offering was overshadowed by the first class experience of flying in Tanner’s private jet but, most of all, by the knowledge that they were alone. They were alone and very high up, with access to the sensual bedroom Natalie had walked through earlier. What was it, about having sex thousands of feet in the air that was so exhilarating?
“And, I’m hungry for…” Natalie didn’t need to say more.
Tanner slipped his shoes off, and ran his toes along her ankle. Her sex felt hot. Desire swamped her.
Both took a slow sip of wine, never taking their eyes off each other. Tanner’s foot edged up Natalie’s ankle and under her skirt. She stopped breathing.
Her legs were slightly parted. She leaned against the seat, feeling the pleasure seep into her. Tanner’s toes slid up her thigh, and she hung in the balance. That precious moment of want, before he devoured her, like she knew he would.
His toes touched her sex, barely covered by her silk panties. He caressed her gently, and her eyes closed. She sat her wine down and grabbed his ankle, pressing him to her.
In one fluid motion, Tanner dropped his foot and stood, sweeping Natalie into his arms and carrying her to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind him. He placed her on her feet, and kissed her deeply and passionately. She melted inside, and felt slightly dizzy.
He quickly removed his blazer, tossing it aside, and undid his slim pants and dropped them to the floor. Natalie’s eyes locked onto the huge bulge in his jockey shorts.
He pulled his shirt off, over his head. She admired his arm muscles, flexing with just that simple task. Frozen to the spot, waiting for his command, she watched his cock spring free of the useless shorts. They dropped to the carpet and he stepped out of them.
Natalie never ceased to be awe of his lean physique, carved from masculine stone, and now glimmering in the soft lights. Hot, heavy sensation flowed to her pussy, seeing him in all his male glory.
“Undress for me,” Tanner directed in a stern tone.
Natalie kicked off her pumps, and began peeling away her feminine garments: the embroidered jacket, the satin blouse, the lace bra. Purposely, she stopped before going lower.
Tanner followed her movements, drinking in the beauty of her bare form, as she slowly revealed it. She turned away to lower her skirt, providing him a nice view of her firm bottom, still clothed. She’d worn a garter belt, knowing Tanner’s preference. She undid her stockings, and bent forward to roll each off, aware of the effect it would have on him.
She undid and tossed aside her garter belt, and with her thumbs under the waist of her lace panties, the last covering to protect her, she lowered them carefully to the floor, bending at the waist. Offering her bare butt to Tanner in this fashion had Tanner’s cock swollen to full readiness.
Natalie stood, and slid her hands over her buttocks, as a tease. Completely naked now, she turned to face Tanner, seeing the slight surprise he immediately suppressed.
He stepped forward and placed the palm of his hand over her sex, on her bare sex. She felt a little high, from the thrill her virgin skin gave him, coupled with the smooth rolling of his private jet hurling them through the sky, so smoothly, she hardly knew they were moving.
“You waxed,” he whispered. “You did this for me?”
Natalie had long wanted to wax completely. Finally, she had found doing so, irresistible. Tanner had been fully waxed, since his experience with the bdsm group and his relationship with Aimee. She’d learned the reason for waxing the private areas was to increase sensation, and she wanted to try it.
“Yes, for you,” she whispered.
With his other hand, Tanner grabbed a fistful of her long, thick hair, pulling her head back. His hot kisses steamed down her neck. He bit and kissed, alternately. She moaned.
His mouth found her erect nipples and he sucked, ruthlessly. Natalie moaned louder.
