Ayden's Secret by Cara North

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