Raw Burn (Touched By You) Read Online Free PDF

unburdened about trying keep up with her company’s growth, and the need to travel.
    His response was merely, “I’ll go with you.” And Natalie was glad. She didn’t want to go alone, and valued his support. But more than that, she couldn’ t take the pain of being apart.
    She replied with, “I’m glad you are able to do that. I need you.” That was music to Tanner’s ears.
    Travel plans were roughed out. There were no immediate trips to her boutiques required. But over the next few months, they’d fit in any that were. Tanner refused to allow her to panic, instead planning and structuring, just like he did for his own company.
    Stress had just about reached a peak for Natalie when she got the call from her doctor that she’d been anxiously waiting for. Biting her lip and holding her breath, she braced for the news, trying to convince herself that she could handle it either way. But knowing she couldn’t, not really.
    “The results are negative. You are not pregnant, Natalie. At least now right now.” The doctor ’s words echoed inside her head. Immense relief washed over her, mixed with a melancholy that she didn’t expect. Now was not the time for a baby, but still she felt she’d lost something. Having a family was something she wanted someday. However, she had no idea how that fit in her life with Tanner.
    The doctor explained that her periods could be erratic from the stress she was under, the details of which she’d shared with him during her visit for the test. He understood that she needed to travel often, and had a company to run, but he advised that she take time for herself too.
    “Balance is important,” he said as if it were the easiest thing in the world to achieve. She agreed, but somehow that didn’t seem like a lifestyle that she was destined for.
    Relief flooded her, after hearing from the doctor that the test results were negative. She took several deep breaths and paced around the room after the call. Conflicting emotions haunted her, and she couldn’t let go of the feeling of motherhood that fast. She’d begun to imagine what it would be like, and placing her hand over her abdomen, she remembered the good feeling of thinking she might be pregnant. Now there was just emptiness.
    Permanency was still beyond reach with Tanner, and in her estimation, bringing a new life into the world required more stability than they had. Yet, naturally it thrilled her to think of having Tanner’s baby. Would the baby look like him, and have his beautiful blue eyes? Would it be a boy or a girl?
    Agitated, N atalie paced back and forth, a meager effort at letting out the pent-up emotions she’d held inside for too long. Tears followed the fleeting relief, and her chest constricted. In no condition to hold back, she sobbed freely, sad for the loss of the baby that never was and even more, for the one that may never be.
     

8 – Bad News
    The ir new home was nearly done. Natalie stopped by to survey the results. She was meeting Tanner to make a make a list of any final items that needed to be done, and expected him to arrive shortly.
    The first thing that caught her eye was the new piano. The Chiocciola designed by Paolo Fazioli was made from sycamore and maple in a stunning geometric design, exquisitely outlined with ornamentation of ebony wood and mother of pearl. She sat on the padded seat and struck a few of the ivory keys, just to hear the beautiful sound. She couldn’t wait to listen to Tanner play.
    She walked through, checking the renovations, and stepping out on the various terraces to admire the views. Just as she turned into the library, her phone rang. Expecting it to be Tanner saying he was on his way, she was surprised to hear Andre on the line.
    “Natalie?”
    “Yes.”
    “We are on the way over. I don’t want to alarm you. Tanner is in the back seat. He’s asleep right now.”
    “Asleep ?”
    “We were in a minor traffic accident ….cab driver didn’t notice traffic had