Desperately Entwined (Touched By You 8) Read Online Free Page A

he’d never had a real, functional family. Of course, it would be important.
    Natalie had been hashing out her priorities for weeks on end. It had never been her desire to be a career woman. She was more of an artist than a business woman, and never deluded herself about that. There was no question that Tanner and her family came first. She’d just never been able to figure out how to make that happen. And now, Tanner had done just that. He’d provided a solution. It did make sense.
    “I’ll have to see the agreement, so I understand how this will work.”
    “I’ve already drawn it up,” Tanner said proudly.
    “Of course you have,” Natalie grinned, despite herself. Darned if he didn’t charm the daylights out of her. He got what he wanted. Always in control. Fortunately, he had her best interests at heart. That was something she never doubted.
    “I’ll want you to go over the agreement , line by line, with your attorney, until you’re satisfied with the terms,” Tanner added.
    “I trust you,” she said.
    “And I’m glad you do,” he said. “But this is business.”
    She had to admire his finesse. He ’d swooped in, merged her company with his, rearranged her life to suit him, and she couldn’t find a flaw in his thinking. Since he’d touched her life, positive changes had taken place, and she was grateful.
    Did Tanner have any imperfections? Well, other than his lack of commitment to her. But, she’d cut him some slack for that. He certainly did everything else to show he loved her. Maybe someday – no, she was digressing. She couldn’t allow herself to think about that.
    The smooth, taught skin of his forearms was unbelievably sexy. The auburn highlights in his thick, dark hair had a deep glow under the recessed lights in the upstairs tearoom. She could see the rock hard muscles of his chest, pressing against the thin fabric of his T-shirt. She was lost in his commanding, sexy image, and willingly let the warmth of his presence seep into her.
    She tilted her head, playfully. “All this business talk is making me hot for you.”
    Tanner smiled, and rubbed his ankle along her calf, under the table. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’ about my company proposal,” he said, grabbing her hand to lead her downstairs. “Let’s get out of here.”
    For a relaxing evening , Tanner chose the Ace Hotel, a hotel in midtown. A refuge in the heart of Manhattan, it had made it to the list of top ten things to do in the city. She argued that she wasn’t dressed for a nightclub, but he assured her it was a casual place. No change of clothes required.
    He guided her to the rock ‘n roll-themed Lobby Bar, leaving his security guard to hover and protect. Although, the friendly environment didn’t indicate it would be needed. Natalie had hardly noticed the burly guard all day, but felt safe with him observing from the dark recesses.
    The high-ceilinged space, wood-paneled walls, and soft lighting spoke of intimacy. The atmosphere was different than any Natalie had ever seen. The low lighting created a sultry darkness, giving the interior sexy warmth. She settled into the comfy red suede couch next to Tanner.
    “You really know how to show a girl a good time,” she shouted in his ear, and he smiled. His thigh pressed against hers, and she leaned against his muscled chest. A sexual thrill ran through her. The darkness, the edgy atmosphere, and Tanner so near, transported her into state of slow-burning arousal.
    The e nergy of the bar radiated around them while Natalie relaxed and chilled, pressed against Tanner. He put his arm around her shoulders, holding her close. They ordered black pepper crisps and caramel corn to go with their Chardonnay, the cool white wine rolling down their throats like honey. Halfway through the bottle, they were starved and ordered juicy hamburgers with fries, feeling like college kids.
    Unhurriedly drinking and eating, t hey had such a great time, watching people and blending with the