Ayden's Secret (8 page)

“So.” Megan searched through the CD’s in Charlie’s case.

“It was different.” Stephanie blushed. “Wonderful.”

“Good for you.” Charlie nodded. “Do you think this is over the top?”

“Oh honey, I think it is right on.” Megan looked her up and down. The three were in Charlie’s room deciding what she should wear.

“Wow!” Stephanie agreed. “If he doesn’t notice you in that, he has to be dead.”

“Okay.” Charlie clapped. “So tell us.”

Now that her outfit was out of the way, they could get the details of Stephanie’s big night.

“It was weird at first because I expected him to want to do more or to want me to touch him, but he didn’t.” Stephanie took a long breath. “He said ‘show me’ and I thought I would just die. I mean it was like he was turned on by me touching myself. Only I was guiding him.”

“Guys like to watch.” Megan nodded. “I stripped for Chase once, but I ran into the damn dresser again, so I gave up on it.”

“So did you touch him at all?” Charlie was interested to know. Malcolm seemed pretty smitten this morning.

“Not really. Just kissed him, I mean he kinda came anyways.” Stephanie was blushing again.

“And you didn’t touch him?” Megan asked.

“Nope. Guess guys really like it.” Stephanie sighed. “I know I wouldn’t mind watching him. It’s fascinating don’t you think?”

“It’s less fascinating over time but right now, yes. Learn it take good notes. You’ll need them later when it becomes real fun.” Megan patted her on the knee and stood as the door opened downstairs. “Evelyn won’t tell Joshua, Stephanie. You can trust her. She may have a few torture techniques of her own.”

“I know.” Stephanie looked at Charlie sharing a knowing expression.

Joshua was her brother. She didn’t care that Evelyn knew what she did with Malcolm. Stephanie just didn’t want ideas of what Evelyn did with Joshua. The same reason Charlie couldn’t discuss too many details with Evelyn. Ayden was Evelyn’s brother after all. Grace and Megan were cousins, and they were both pretty open about their sex lives. Stephanie was too conservative for that. Standing, she had a new motivation to help make Charlie’s plan a reality tonight.

Grace and Megan brought the table in from outside making sure to put socks on the wrought iron legs so they didn’t scratch the freshly waxed wood floors. Evelyn situated the clear lights around the countertop and placed a few more candles strategically around the kitchen. Charlie tied coverings on the table and two chairs with the ribbons Evelyn found. Once the kitchen and living room were set up, the women took a lunch break.

“Malcolm is like a love sick puppy down there.” Grace looked at Stephanie.

“What makes you say that?” Stephanie spun the engagement ring she now wore proudly on her finger.

“He asked three times when we were coming back. The three dogs are in full testosterone mode even with the babies.” Evelyn smiled. “Okay. I have to potty. Can I use your bathroom, Charlie?”

“Yeah, of course.” Charlie shrugged.

Evelyn disappeared upstairs. Charlie shook it off and continued to follow the conversation. It was weird that she went upstairs and not just down the hall.

“I want to get married soon.” Stephanie emphasized soon.

“Of course you do.” Grace laughed. “Do you guys want kids?”

“I don’t know.” Stephanie thought about it. “Not right away. His schedule is pretty tough at the firehouse, and you guys moved out of the loft because it was tough to drag two kids in and out of there. Malcolm will probably move into the loft with me at first.”

“Take your time. You have plenty of time. Plus you can really enjoy each other,” Megan advised.

“Yes, I don’t regret anything, but Ethan and I steal moments so often we get caught half the time.” Grace giggled. “But I still can’t keep my hands off him.”

“That’s a good thing,” Charlie agreed. “I hope when I finally have a man that wants me, he will still want me years from now, with babies and a body that had babies in it.”

“True, I was nervous about that, but Ethan doesn’t care. He loves my body.” Grace shivered. “I need to go steal him away for a bit while we have babysitters. See ya ladies.”

Grace left.

Megan patted her foot a few moments then got her own idea.

“So Stephanie, you think the back of the van was comfortable?” Megan raised her brows.

“No, but it wasn’t uncomfortable either.” Stephanie laughed. “I’ll watch Chase Jr. Go.”

Megan slipped out the door with Stephanie, skipping all the way.

***

Evelyn finally returned.

“Where did everybody go?” Evelyn looked around the kitchen as Charlie sat smiling and shaking her head, alone.

“Off to have sex would be my guess. Are you okay?” Charlie looked at her. She seemed pale.

“I’m pregnant.” Evelyn smiled. She knew it, just knew it.

“Oh my God! Congratulations.” Charlie stood and hugged her tight. “Is that what you were doing?”

“Yeah, there’s no privacy at my house right now. I need to steal my own husband away for a private dinner tonight. Don’t tell anyone okay?” Evelyn looked up at her. “Are you crying, Charlie?”

“I’m sorry it’s just that I feel so safe here. So welcome and I hate to think of leaving.” Charlie felt like she was home, but this was Ayden’s home, his family not hers.

“It’ll work out. Ayden’s not like other men. He was raised in the south, and he likes to take his time. Don’t give up on him.” Evelyn brushed Charlie’s tear away. “I’m counting on you being here.”

“What do you mean?” Charlie sniffed and tried to collect herself.

“My studio, you can dance, do yoga, you can work there if you want. As I get bigger, I won’t be able to do most of the classes, the Yoga for mommas maybe. Hey, that’s an idea.” Evelyn smiled in thought. “Well look, you have everything you need for tonight. He loves the chicken Alfredo. Get ready, and good luck.”

“You’d give me a job?” Charlie was on the verge of really sobbing tears now.

“Of course.” Evelyn had called an old friend and was checking Charlie out. Evelyn could feel there was something else going on, but she could also sense that her feelings for Ayden were real. That superseded everything else. “If you’re willing to stick around longer than thirty days that is.”

“I’m afraid he’s going to break my heart,” Charlie confessed quickly.

“I know.” Evelyn of all people knew that fear. “He won’t.”

Charlie hugged her again. “Thanks.”

Evelyn left and Charlie set about making dinner and getting ready. At three fiftyfive on the nose, Ayden put his key in the door. He had thought about Charlie all day. He couldn’t decide what color her nipples were. The pink pajamas seemed so thin; he wondered how they felt. She looked like an angel this morning. He smiled again.

Chapter 7

Charlie opened the door and took a deep breath. This was it.

“Well hello, darlin’.” Ayden wasn’t expecting this at all. He imagined a dinner in front of the television. Charlie obviously had other plans.

“Welcome home.” Charlie relaxed as he smiled, and his eyes trailed over her in a sweet slow manner that left tingles in its wake.

“All this for me?” Ayden stepped inside. The room was lit up only by candlelight. Soft Italian music was playing in the background. The table was set. Charlie was fully dressed in a slinky black number that fit like a glove in some places and swayed just enough in others. Her hair was pulled back and her makeup was flawless. Cherry red lips made her eyes bigger and brighter. God he wanted to kiss her.

“Yes.” Charlie stepped behind him and slid his jacket off. Folding it carefully she placed it on a kitchen chair. Stepping back to the door she locked it and then guided him to the table they had situated between the kitchen and living room. “I felt like Italian tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Ayden was surprised when she pulled the chair out for him. “Shouldn’t this be the other way around, darlin’?”

“Not tonight.” Charlie pushed the chair in as he took a seat.

She lingered there rubbing his shoulders and neck for a soft massage. “How was work?”

“Not bad, I mean it was just a narcotics class.” Ayden wasn’t used to being coddled like this. Not even his mother treated him this way. Sure, he was pampered if he was sick or hurt but damn. She stopped rubbing him.

“But I have to hold my arm up a lot to write and stuff.” Charlie started rubbing again. All right, she wanted to baby him, and what a wimp he was turning into just to keep her pampering attention.

“You poor baby, is it this arm?” Charlie knew he was just making it up so she would keep touching him, and that was exactly what she wanted to do.

“Both actually.” Hell why not? He deserved a little attention. God, would she do this everyday? Would she be there at the door waiting in some little outfit ready to feed him, pamper him and love him? He had to push that out of his head. “So what’s for dinner, darlin’?”

“Chicken alfredo.” Charlie moved to get the plates ready. He tried to stand but she stopped him. “No, no, you just sit here and relax. I’ll get the plates.”

“Charlie, I gotta tell ya, darlin’, I’m not used to all this.” Ayden took in her long lean legs. She was in heels again, and they pushed her calves at an angle, tightened her thighs, and lifted her already perfect behind a little higher.

“You’ll get used to it.” Charlie brought the plates back setting his salad and entrée down in front of him. She then retrieved her own and sat across from him.

They had brought in the wrought iron table from out back so it would be more intimate. The clear Christmas lights were twined around the countertop giving it more of a restaurant feel. Charlie loved the way the candlelight played with his features. Casting shadows then light, picking up the pure blue heat that was now in his eyes.

“Do you like it?” Charlie watched him eat. Every move he made set her on fire with need.

“It’s very good.” Ayden enjoyed the meal. He was more a steak and potatoes kind of guy, but Charlie had gone to a lot of effort and he could tell by the recipe that this was Evelyn’s idea. He always ate at their house when they had chicken Alfredo. It was more because he wouldn’t take the time himself to make it than because it was his favorite. However, looking at Charlie by candlelight, her beautiful eyes so focused on him, it was rapidly turning into the best meal he had ever eaten.

They ate in near silence, the lights glowing, and placing shadows on the wall. Charlie was filled with anticipation. She barely ate anything because of her nerves. She had to make this night special, something he would remember. Something he would want to have again.

“You look wonderful tonight, darlin’.” Ayden had a whole, new appreciation for candlelight.

“So do you.” Charlie blushed. He noticed, and he commented. Could she take him upstairs now?

“Must be the lighting.” Ayden knew he looked hardened. He had too many lines permanently in place from his work. He had a scar on his eye and another on his chin, yet Charlie was looking with wideeyed wonder, like she always did.

“No. You always look delicious.” Charlie reached for his empty plate as she stood, but he grabbed her hand and pulled the back to his lips. They were so smooth and sinfully soft.

Delicious? “Thank you, darlin’.” Ayden kissed the back of her hand like the gentleman he was. He couldn’t let her clean up after all she had done. “I’ll clean this up.”

“Actually, the tub should be just about right by now. There’s a bath upstairs waiting on you. I’ll clean this up.” Charlie pulled her hand back and grabbed the plates. “And be up in a few.”

“You’re coming up?” His heart threatened to bust out of his chest it started thumping so hard.

“I have something I want to show you.” Charlie began loading the dishes in the dishwasher. “Go soak and relax. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

“What are you up to, Charlie?” Ayden was itching to know.

“You’ll see. Now go before your bath gets cold.” Charlie had him right where she wanted him. Interested, and she was in control.

***

Ayden headed up the stairs taking his jacket with him. Sure enough once, he got to his bathroom a hot bath was turning nice and warm. He debated it for several minutes, soaking in a hot tub while Charlie made plans to do whatever it was she was going to do. Damn, he really wanted to know what she had planned next. He prided himself on knowing what the next move was when it came to criminals. Here, Charlie had him clueless. Maybe she would come in the bathroom and climb in the tub with him. That was a nice thought, so he stripped and turned on the CD player, listening to Elvis while he soaked in the tub.

***

Charlie had straightened the kitchen up and blown all the candles out. She took several deep breaths before heading upstairs. Of course, he had turned on the CD player and Elvis sang about “Blue Suede Shoes.” Ayden had to be nice and relaxed by now. That was what she wanted. To catch him off guard, and then wind him up so tight he could burst. Charlie tapped on the door.