Dark Desire (Touched By You 1) (9 page)

No detail was left unattended. The consultant let her choose from a selection of fine French lingerie. She settled on a white lace set that was lovely and fit her slender curves ju
st right. The outfit was completed with a small, delicately-embroidered clutch and a light, yet warm evening coat made of brown leather, a shade lighter than her eyes. It felt so soft around her that she was reluctant to remove it.

The final touch was the necklace chosen for the evening. It was white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds in the pendant. Natalie nearly fainted when she heard the price
, and could only consider leaving the room wearing it, after being assured that Tanner would be with her all evening, along with several well-trained bodyguards, and that it was insured against loss or theft. It was the loveliest necklace she'd ever 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.

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 lobby. She was in for another surprise.

Tanner stood, elegantly dressed in a light-weight suit with a shiny silver and black tie and a pale gray shirt with thin stripes. His hair looked styled, but oh so touchable. His gold cufflinks gleamed in the lobby light. His pale skin was smooth and perfect. He smiled his charming, boyish grin and Natalie grinned back.

"For you," he said, holding out a corsage of gardenias. She could smell it, even from her distance. He stepped forward. "I seem to recall that you didn't go to prom night. You ran off to a concert. And since I usurped that night, I don't want you to regret your loss. The least I can do is
to provide a proper corsage and night out."

"Oh, Tanner, it's beautiful. You don't have to make up for that night. It was the most memorable night of my life," she spoke honestly. She never seemed to hold back with him, against her usual instinct.

Tanner just smiled and wrapped the corsage around her slender wrist, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles. "Shall we?" he said motioning to the door. Natalie felt a flush of excitement and nodded sweetly.

They had reservations at Daniel's, a romantic restaurant on the Upper East Side, known for contemporary French cuisine. Tanner to
ld her the chef had written several cookbooks and even had a TV show. For this special night, he was preparing a menu just for them, based on the preferences Tanner had submitted. When he'd asked Natalie a few detailed questions about her eating preferences, she'd never dreamed it would lead to such a special meal.

It was still early. Before dinner, Tanner had arranged for a carriage ride. Natalie couldn't imagine anything more romantic. For
tunately, the weather was warm enough for such a ride to be pleasurable. As the horses pulled the classic carriage through Central Park, Natalie looked around at the sights, just like the tourist she really was. Tanner admired her, pleased to see her enjoyment.

He placed his arm around her shoulders, pul
ling her close.  She was glad to be wearing her leather coat. The cool breeze became chilly as the ride progressed. Natalie looked at Tanner who seemed completely in his element. He was in charge and overtly seducing her. She couldn't believe her luck.

He was so beautiful, rich and confident. What could she mean to him? Maybe he was using her, wanted her virginity, coveting the ego boost of being the first. Looking at him, sitting beside her, she was aware of his kindness, his generous nature that he worked so hard to hide. No matter what fate had in store, Natalie knew she wouldn't give up this date for anything. She'd cherish this night, no matter what happened in the future.

"You have bodyguards?" She asked referring to the men she saw routinely, but only now realized the significance. Tanner shrugged as if it was normal to have your safety guarded.

"The consultant told me. I had been concerned about wearing this necklace in public," she laughed, slightly embarrassed at the opulence.

Tanner admired the delicate necklace and felt his heart warm at how perfect it looked around Natalie's slender neck. "Yes, it's wise to have guards. My father always did. I'm used to them. I'm not as well known by name as my father was. Yet, it's easy enough to discover who I am. Do they bother you?"

"Oh no, it's just different. I didn't even notice them at first. I guess they are trained to be unobtrusive. I hope they are enjoying the carriage ride behind us. It must be awfully romantic," Natalie giggled, rec
alling the two burly guards, who had stepped out of the dark vehicle that had parked behind the limo, when they'd arrived at the park.

Tanner stroked Natalie's check with his fingertips. He'd been with many beautiful women but there was something about her. Was it just that she was untouched by any other man? No, he didn't think that was it.

She had cast a spell over him, he thought ruefully. He was trapped like a fly in a web. Her pale, creamy skin was flawless. And her long, brown curls, piled up on her head were meant to be touched, pulled loose from the pins holding it so properly in place and allowed to flow free.

He wanted to bury his hands in her hair and nuzzle his face against her neck, her lovely, slender neck. He noticed her pulse throbbing gently at her throat. And
, her lips had an angelic quality, both innocent and seductive at the same time.

She was, quite simply, the most captivating woman he'd ever seen. Her unawareness of the effect she had on men made her all the more seductive. Her innocence and naivety added a sumptuous, forbidden layer to his desire, already burning out of control.

"Tanner, do you ever think about the unlikelihood of our meeting? That night at the concert, I wouldn't have dreamed I'd run into anyone like you," she looked at him, with admiration and longing she made no attempt to hide.

"Sometimes fortune smiles on us," he gave a stiff smile but his eyes were serious. "When I was younger I would fly to venues just to see groups perform. My tastes run outsi
de the norm. It seems yours do also.

But that night, I just felt a desire to see that concert. I'm glad I followed my instinct," he said. "After that night, I didn't go back. I had many duties to attend to. I didn't have the freedom to just go whenever I wanted to, especially after my father passed away a couple of years ago. My responsibilities increased. I reap the rewards, so it's only fair."

Natalie's curiosity got the better of her and she asked what she'd been wondering for so long, "Why did you leave that night?"

Tanner shifted in his seat. He knew he needed to tell her
, but had hoped to delay, at least until after this night. He didn't want to lose her, although he wouldn't blame her for leaving him. And, maybe she should, before they passed the point of no return.

"You remember
She Wants Revenge… the group that was playing at the concert?"

Natalie nodded, "Of course."

"Well," Tanner went on, "Despite my better judgment, I really did intend to leave with you that night. There's nothing I wanted more. I'm sure if you were at that concert you had to be a fan and likely knew all the lyrics, by heart."

Natalie nodded again to indicate he should continue. She had no clue how song lyrics related to his disappearance.

"Yes, I'm not surprised," Tanner continued. "That group has a small, but loyal following. Or, they did have. I don't think they are performing anymore.

Anyway, I was waiting for you in the lobby when you went in to let your friends know you'd be leaving with me. The group was playing one of their best songs called
These Things
. Knowing the lyrics, I was singing along and there I was singing the line, 'I'm a bad man. She's locking me out.' And I had a premonition.”

Tanner looked away for a moment and then straight ahead, not really wanting to look at Natalie, just yet. "I left before you returned, before we went any further. I'm bad for you, Natalie. I was then and I am now." Tanner looked at her loving gaze and felt a pain wrench in his chest.

"I don't see how you can say that," Natalie protested. "You've been very kind. I've enjoyed our time together. Well, most of it. I can't say I like being left without a word. But, you're here now. We're together tonight. I'm here because I want to be - it's the only place I want to be. It's not like you forced me. I want to be with you. I want to be yours," Natalie confessed.

"There's something you don't know," Tanner's face turned dark. "And I'm not prepared to tell everything right now. You're just so lovely and innocent. If you want me to leave you alone, just say so and I will. I'll take you home, directly."

"You're crazy," Natalie said aghast.

"Yes, I might be, for taking you on a date with the intent to take your innocence, your virginity. You should save yourself for someone worthy of you," Tanner said
, seriously.

"You are worthy of me. Nothing can convince me otherwise. I am a good judge of people. You are kind and generous. I know that," Natalie pleaded.

"And you are naïve," Tanner cautioned. "I'm neither. I'm greedy, used to having what I want. And it's your fate that I want you, Natalie. I want you and I mean to have you. I suggest that when this carriage stops that you ask one of my guards to take you wherever you'd like to go, but away from me. And don't look back. If you do that, I promise I won't follow. I'll disappear from your life forever," Tanner stated.

Natalie was too surprised to respond. He sighed deeply
, as if giving her warning was some kind of relief. "I warn you, I'm not good for you," he concluded.

Natalie didn't move for a minute. She wasn't sure how to convince Tanner that he was wrong. She knew it deep inside. Something had given him a false impression. He didn't know her at all, if he thought she was that easily scared off.