Whispered Confessions (Touched By You) (5 page)

Dessert was
rumkugeln, a divine chocolate treat with a hint of rum aroma; a German favorite. Natalie was aware of the German influence in the local culture, so wasn’t surprised to see the rum balls served with hot, steaming Brazilian espresso. The experience was memorable. Many restaurants in the area served delicious food, but Natalie had to say Fiorella’s versions of the traditional recipes were a notch above.

As they finished their espresso, she came by to be sure everything had been satisfactory. And she made a point to thank Natalie for designing the wedding dress for Ella, her future sister-in-law. “I’ve seen the preliminary sketches,” she said. “It’s going to be a very special dress.”

A handsome Italian with dark, wavy hair and striking gray eyes came up behind Fiorella and wrapped his arms around her waist. She giggled delightedly.

“This is Adrian
Tomoni, my fiancé,” she said. Natalie would have pegged him for an Italian movie star. He just had that look.

Adrian was friendly and cheerful, greeting them and chatting for a few minutes. Overall, Fiore was unforgettable, and Natalie planned to return whenever she visited Rio again. She felt like she could be friends with
Fiorella; she was so easy to be around. And she could rival Ellis as a gourmet cook. Natalie may have many problems in life, but eating well was never going to be one of them.

The beach house was a quiet hideaway. The walls were white and the tile bright blue. Cozy and intimate, it made for wonderful nights alone. The outdoor shower looked out to the beach, and one day, in broad daylight, Tanner made love to Natalie in that shower. The beauty and romance of the scene lent a special mood. Even though they couldn’t be seen due to all the foliage surrounding the property, it felt like they could. That added thrill made it another boundary crossed, another moment to remember when their love burned hot.

After lovemaking, they sunned on a separate part of the terrace positioned for sunbathing. Holding hands, soaking up the rays from the Brazilian sky, they relaxed. Natalie wasn’t sure if it was the right time to talk, but something had been on her mind.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Tanner turned to face her, looking sexy in his sunglasses.

“Well, you know when we saw Aimee?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, I know I shouldn’t care, but it bothered me.”

“Still?”

“Well, it’s just that she still seemed interested in you.”

“I wouldn’t pay attention to that.”

“But that’s the thing.”

“What?”

“You must know how women are attracted to you. It’s…well…sometimes it’s a bit intimidating.”

“But you are married to me. It’s other women who should be intimidated.”

“That’s the male in you talking.” Natalie laughed lightly. “But that’s not the case. Marriage isn’t the insurmountable barrier you might think. What you don’t see is that it makes you more attractive.”

“To you, maybe.”

“No, not just me.
You are a gorgeous, wealthy man. That will always be desirable. Add to that your amazing sexuality, and it’s a deadly combination.”

“You make it sound bad.”

“No, it’s good.”

“But, it’s a problem?”

“Yes, it’s a problem.” Natalie frowned, and Tanner grinned. “You aren’t taking me seriously.”

“I always take you seriously, baby. Excuse me if I think you are adorable when you are worried.”

“Tanner, I’m not adorable. I’m concerned.”

“Okay, but why?”

“Because you—a wealthy, sexy man—
married
you are even more forbidden. Don’t you see that it would make other women want you more?”

“If you say so, but I’m not interested in anyone but you.”

“Not now, I know that. But there is so much temptation out there, all the time. I worry. I can’t help it.”

Tanner rolled onto his stomach and held her hand. “I know you do. Believe me, I worry too.
But not about me. I know that there is no woman that could entice me; not the way I crave you. I worry all the time that something will take
you
away from
me
.”

“That would never happen.”

“Oh, but you don’t know that.”

“Now you are the one talking crazy.”

“Baby, baby. This conversation is going nowhere. I will never take you for granted. I’ll always show you I love you, and keep a sharp eye out for any competition. I’m a man. That’s just the way it is.”

“And I will worry too,” Natalie said. “I trust you and have faith in you. But I don’t trust the other women, not with you, the man I value most. So I guess we can agree to worry.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t.”

“Worry?”

Tanner leaned over her and sucked on her lower lip gently. He kissed along her jaw, and ran his hand over her shoulder. “Because if you worry, I guess I’ll just have to do something to take your attention off of it.” He lifted her breast out of the top of her bikini, and sucked on her nipple.

Natalie reached inside his trunks and felt his heat. All thoughts and worries were put aside. With Tanner so close and hot for her, the discussion was over. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her and made love to her, made Natalie feel like the most beautiful, desirable woman in the world. Tanner was hers, and she treasured him. Would it always be that way? Was he truly attainable? She believed
he
thought so, and that was enough right then.

*****

Tanner did have meetings, since it was a business trip. Shopping entertained Natalie when he wasn’t with her. For shopaholics, Rio was a dream come true. She spent a lot of time in Barra, one of the biggest shopping centers in Latin America, with over five hundred stores. It had plenty of restaurants, a cinema, and even an indoor theme park.

Natalie bought gifts for family and friends. The holiday season would be coming up. Since she never knew what her work demands would be, or where Tanner might take her, it was smart to shop early. It was fun, too. There were a lot of items she might not find in New York. The bodyguards loaded the car with her items, and would stow them on the jet for the trip home.

One day, Natalie went to São Conrado, a fashion mall housing the designs of Lorenzo Merlino, Carlos Miele, and many others. She’d seen Merlino’s fashions in Paris; he was becoming more internationally known. Over half the population of Brazil was under the age of thirty, Natalie had heard. The youthful design of the clothing attracted her.

Brazilians, proud of their body no matter the shape, tended to show more skin: off-the-shoulder dresses, sarongs to the beach, and short skirts. The designer wear was elegant, feminine, and brightly colored. It was just what Natalie was looking for. The lovely silver dress with one pink shoulder strap, designed by
Merlino, looked great on her, pretty and sexy.

Carlos
Miele fashions were sold in many countries of the world, and Natalie was familiar with them. His designs reflected influence from Brazilian artisans, and his clothing sometimes featured traditional Brazilian elements supplied by regional artisans. He worked with these artisans in the favelas, the slum areas of the city, to ensure fair trade practices and fair wages for the workers.

With his dramatic flair, he presented clothing in sensual flowing and clinging fabrics. Natalie found a strapless dress with the bodice of light aqua silk. The skirt looked like a scarf in deep blue and gold, ending mid-thigh. Trying it on, she spun around to see in the mirror from all angles.
That one
she knew Tanner was going to love.

Business went well on the trip, and Tanner was in a good mood on the flight home. He gave her the highlights, most of which she understood. Pleased about his success, Natalie paid attention to every detail he imparted. Seeing him involved with his company and setting up new arrangements for marketing luxury goods was enjoyable for her. His power and competence was impressive, and admiration swelled inside her as she listened to him talk about it.

In some ways, New York wasn’t such a big city. Running into her former assistant was proof of that. Natalie slipped into one of the many tiny cafés sandwiched between buildings. Walking toward the front of the establishment, holding her hot drink, was Susan.

She looked sharp, dressed for business, and her hair was long now, styled in waves. It took a second for Natalie to recognize
her.

“Natalie, it’s been a while,” Susan said, looking a little flustered.

She should be flustered
, Natalie thought. The woman had been kissing Tanner the last time she’d seen her. “Susan,” she said, giving her a smile she didn’t feel.

“How have you been?”

“Very good. We just got back from Rio.”

“Oh, business or pleasure?”

None of your business
, Natalie thought, but said, “Business mostly.” Susan didn’t say anything for a moment, so Natalie blurted out, “We got married.” As soon as she said it, the statement hung in the air like some sort of confession. She wanted Susan to know Tanner was off limits, but her announcement of marriage only made it look like she was warning the other woman off.

“I read that in the papers,” Susan said. “How is…Tanner?”

The way she said it riled Natalie. She had no right asking, not after how she’d behaved. And the way she said it—the look in her eye and the tone in her voice—said Susan still had feelings for him.

“Fine.
We are fine,” Natalie said clumsily, avoiding the subject. “Where are you working?” The change of subject might deflect attention away from her husband.

“Oh, one of your competitors—well Tanner’s, anyway.” Susan laughed uncomfortably.

Natalie raised an eyebrow.

“Margo and Company.”

“Fine wines and champagnes?”

“
Yes, and the company is expanding into other luxury items. There is a lot of potential for me there.”

I bet
, Natalie thought bitterly. “Well, good luck. I have to run.” She nodded at Susan and walked past her toward the counter to order her drink, probably leaving too abruptly. But she didn’t care. The woman had worked for her, and been somewhat of a friend, yet found the nerve to go after Tanner. Some things couldn’t be forgiven.

Although she shouldn’t have given the encounter any more thought, Natalie knew it was going to bug her. If she could run into Susan, then so could Tanner. And if the woman was that visible in New York and now worked for a competitor, it was likely Natalie, and Tanner too, would see her.
Just great. Natalie was glad she was meeting Cheryl for a late afternoon drink. It always helped to talk with her.

*****

Weather in the city had cooled off, and Natalie wrapped her coat tighter around her. Her ever-vigilant bodyguard and friend, Andre, opened the door. “Just call when you are done and I’ll come to get you.” Natalie nodded.

Cheryl’s long, dark hair had been styled to shoulder length, and it looked good. Her brown eyes were rimmed with blue liner, making them stand out. “Hey,” she called, waving Natalie over.

Sliding into the seat across from her friend, Natalie smiled. “Good to see you. How long are you in New York?”

“I’m never sure, but I’m here now.” Cheryl grinned. “What will it be?”

“White wine for me,” Natalie said, looking over the wine list. Cheryl flagged the waitress.

They chatted about Rio until the wine arrived. Natalie told her about the new restaurant they tried, and the shopping she did. Cheryl nodded. “You make me want to go there. I haven’t been in a while. You went to the São Paulo fashion show?”

“Yes.”

“Was it good this year?”

“Yes, but…”

“What?”

“We ran into Aimee.”

“Oh, you have to be kidding. She was modeling?”

“Yes, and she came over to talk to us.”

“Well, she was with…” Cheryl stopped mid-sentence.

“I know…she was with Tanner.” Natalie leaned forward like she was telling a secret. “They were together a long time.”

Cheryl didn’t say anything.

“How long? You have to tell me the details. I can’t take my mind off of it. I need to know more.”

“I don’t think you do.”

Now Natalie really wanted to know. “Yes, Cheryl. You are my friend. Tell me, please.”

“Well, you act like there is something to tell. You know most of it, that they had a sexual relationship.”

“There’s more, isn’t there?”

“You don’t need to be thinking about this.”

Natalie tilted her head in an “oh, come on” gesture.

Cheryl took a gulp of her wine. “Well, I’ve been friends with Tanner a long time. I know Aimee also. We both know his, um, sexual tastes.”

Natalie felt her cheeks warm even though this was her close friend talking. “Yes, we do.”