Bound by Love by Emily Jane Trent Read Free Book Online

ultimately, I can’t satisfy him? I don’t know what I’d do,” Natalie finished, and her eyes welled with tears. It surprised her that she’d cry. Until she talked about how she felt, she hadn’t realized how deep the emotions ran.
                  Cheryl put her hand over Natalie’s, and in a calm, confident voice said, “You’re okay, honey. It’s normal to be afraid. There are no guarantees in love. Believe me, I’ve had my heart broken more times than I’d like to admit.
                  But, if what you have with Tanner is worth it, stick with him. He’s had a rough start. I know about his childhood and the burden he carried for so long, thinking he’d abused a woman. I mean, his stepmother, Gabriella, made it her life’s goal to crush his self-esteem, and even, to see him rejected by his adoptive father, William.
                  It takes time. Love is a risk, and he may not be able to admit to his love for you…yet, anyway. I think he loves you, and I’m sure you think so, too. There’s no way to know if he will commit. I can’t promise that he will.
                  But, if you’re asking for my advice…” Cheryl stopped to give Natalie a chance to prepare.
                  “Yes, I need advice. Sometimes I feel lost,” Natalie said.
                  “He’s a good man. You know it, and I know it. Your love might be the only thing that will melt him. His emotions are shut off for a reason. He probably doesn’t even understand it, fully.
                  Experience the joy you have together. Give love, as only you can. No one can say where that will lead. But, it’s the best way. Don’t you agree?”
                  Natalie laughed, softly. “When you put it that way, it doesn’t seem so bad. Really, I’m so glad to have this time with Tanner. I willingly give my love, whether it’s returned or not. I’ll just have to be strong.”
                  Cheryl’s words had been exactly what Natalie needed to hear. She moved on to other topics of conversation. She wanted to hear more about Dani, who Cheryl described as tall, handsome and distinguished. She produced a photo of them, together at a restaurant, and Natalie agreed with her description. He was a handsome man, with gray at the temples, giving him that distinguished look.
    Natalie had a few sketches she wanted to show Cheryl. One in particular, was for Cheryl. The design was inspired by Cheryl’s look. Natalie had created a dress that highlighted her best features, and Cheryl was honored. She definitely wanted to see the personal design come to life.
    “ Who knows, maybe it could turn into a best-selling line,” Natalie proposed.
    “Wouldn’t that be something,” Cheryl said.
     

8 – Announcement
                  Natalie found that lunch with Cheryl had rejuvenated her. It also seemed that love was all around her, continually reminding her of her situation with Tanner. Would he ever profess love to her? Could he?
                  Dinner at Arabelle’s had been planned for a while. Tanner had his staff arrange everything. Natalie had looked forward to seeing her family and close friends. Tanner had invited Emma, Jazzy and Ellis. Cheryl and Dani were there, so everyone met Dani for the first time. He was charming, and not at all arrogant, despite his wealth. Natalie could listen to him talk all day, with his deep-throated Russian accent.
                  Tanner secured the private dining room for them. From the moment they sat down, Natalie knew something was up. She looked over at Ellis, who seemed to be smiling more than he usually did. He kept whispering to Jazzy. That wouldn’t have been unusual, considering their romantic involvement. But, there was something else, something in their attitude.
                  Drinks and appetizers were served, and Ellis took the first