Ayden's Secret

by Cara North

  “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 fifty-five 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 make-up 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 entr 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 wide-eyed 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.

  “Ayden?”

  “Yes, darlin’?” Ayden smiled; this had to be it.

  “After you dry off, come to my room so I can show you something.”

  “Charlie?” he called, but she was gone. Now he really wanted to know what was going on. Maybe it wasn’t a seduction after all.

  Ayden pulled on a pair of long pajama bottoms. He thought Noel was nuts for sending them last Christmas, but now he understood that a man can’t always be naked in his own home, and boxers weren’t appropriate. He crossed to Charlie’s room, and she was there waiting. Sitting on the bed with the light on, still dressed… and nervous?

  “What did you want to show me, darlin’?” Ayden leaned in the doorway and began to wonder if maybe she needed him after all and not for sex. He was beginning to feel like a real jerk for thinking it.

  “You have to promise me, Ayden, that no matter what I say or do you will sit in that chair and wait until I’m finished.” Charlie was so nervous. She had never done anything like this before, but there was no turning back now. He leaned in her doorway wearing long cotton pajama pants. She never imagined him wearing those. She had always seen him in boxers and T-shirts. At least it covered him, giving just his chest to focus on.

  “Are you okay, darlin’?” Ayden moved to stand in front of her. “You can tell me anything. I’ll do whatever I can to help you. You know that, right?”

  “Well, you can help me by promising to sit in that chair.” Charlie stood and waited.

  A long moment of silence fell between them. He was winding up all right. His muscles began to bunch, and his expression grew more intent and serious.

  “All right, Charlie. I promise I will sit in that chair till you’re finished, but if someone has hurt you, that’s where it ends.” Ayden looked her eye to eye. He knew something was wrong, and she wanted to keep him out of it. Now she was going to tell him. “I make no promises as to what I will do once you’re done. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes.” Charlie made a slight laugh. He was still trying to protect her. She was sure she was safe here. All she needed from Ayden was love. He needed to realize that.

  Ayden paced to the chair and sat down. He crossed his arms and drew a serious expression. He looked ready to jump up and fight at any moment.

  “Remember, you promised to stay in that chair, no matter what.” Charlie took a deep shivering breath.

  “I’m a man of my word. You know that.” Ayden was sure she was afraid. Her breath was shaking and so were her hands. God what had happened to her? Can I still do something about it?

  Charlie dimmed the light but not a lot. The whole point was for him to see. She moved next to the bed and began to explain. His eyes followed her intently, and she knew he was confused. Good, so was she.

  “What I want to show you, Ayden—” She pulled her dress from the hem up and over her head. “—is me.”

  “Charlie?” He gulped and swallowed his tongue, he was sure of it. She was naked. Totally naked. Her perfect body pale and proportioned, was bared to him. He looked her over head to toe. She was without a flaw in his eyes and without hair, but he should have expected that. She was a showgirl after all.

  “I want you to look at me, Ayden. See me as a woman, not as some case you solved years ago. Do you see me, Ayden?” Charlie’s breath shook with nerves. He was looking, and his entire body seemed to tighten.

  “Kinda hard to miss you, darlin’.” Holy shit! She had him cornered. Literally in a corner and bound by his word not to move. He didn’t anticipate this, not by a long shot.

  “Good. Because I plan to tell you what I think about every year before we meet.” Charlie moved to the bed and sat down.
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br />   “I think about you. I think about you touching me. I think about how you would touch me. Do you want to know how, Ayden?” She scooted back on the bed still sitting, still focused on him.

  “Do you want me to touch you, Charlie?” Oh, he could easily get out of the chair and take care of this for her. His whole body was tight with need. She had twisted that around on him so fast he was still spinning.

  “Yes, but not tonight.” Charlie licked her lips and sat a little straighter. “So do you want me to show you or not?”

  “I want you to touch me and let me touch you.” Ayden wanted control of this situation and fast.

  “You’re not ready.” Charlie bit her bottom lip.

  “It doesn’t get more ready than this, darlin’.” Ayden was now leaning forward, hands on his knees as if he would pounce on her at any moment.

  “You have to stay in that chair, but you can show me how ready you are if you’d like. I plan to show you.” Charlie lifted a hand and stoked her left breast. “I plan to show you everything.”

  Well that knocked the air out of his lungs. Ayden couldn’t speak. He realized he wouldn’t be able to touch her. She was going to let him watch her touch herself. The only ounce of control he had was to keep it in his pants. If she wanted to torture him, fine. He had been trained to deal with torture, just not this kind.

  “Well if I can’t touch you, I definitely won’t touch me either.” Ayden took a shaky breath and wavered on his resolve.

  “Suit yourself.” Charlie dropped her voice to a low husky whisper. Not on purpose, it came out that way naturally. “So, shall I continue?”

  “Do I have a choice?” Ayden was frustrated because there was nothing he could do. She made him promise and damn, if he didn’t feel like breaking it. Of course, that’s what she was counting on, his discipline to keep him in that chair. He wouldn’t disappoint her, and she apparently had quite a show in mind for him.

  “You could close your eyes, but I’m still going to tell you everything.” Charlie smiled a devious smile. He was defeated, and he would have to deal with it. She wanted him damn it. Now he would know what it felt like to want something so bad and not be able to have it when you wanted it. “Like how the night before we meet I lay in bed and do this. Only I imagine that it’s your hands, not mine. Your big, strong hands caressing my breasts.”