Tending Their SECRET (5 page)

The suit he has on has been tailored just
for him leaving his muscular arms, trim waist, and strong legs
showcased to their full potential. As long as I’ve known him, Aiden
has always dressed to enhance what he’s got, and the only thing
better than him in his clothes is when he’s naked. I realize I want
him that way—naked, and letting me run my hands and mouth all over
him.

“What are you thinking about, Doll?” he
asks, using the nickname he gave me when we met, and he said the
same thing everyone else does—that I look like a brunette
Barbie.

“You haven’t called me that since I’ve been
here,” I remind him, happy that he’s feeling comfortable enough
with me to use it now.

“I wasn’t sure I could. I thought maybe it
was okay now.”

I know he means that it might be okay
because we now kiss every time we see each other, and we spend
every break together at work. Tonight is the first time we’ll be
together outside of work, and I’m looking forward to having him
next to me all night. If he wants to be, I mean. Maybe he won’t
want to, the little voice inside of me that still thinks I’m too
damaged to deserve him calls out. I shake my head, trying to dispel
the negative thoughts.

“El, where are you? What’s wrong?”

Rule number one from my shrink is that I try
my best to always be honest about my feelings. With her, my
friends, and most importantly, with Aiden. So I take a deep breath,
and look him in the eye as I tell him the truth. “First, I was
thinking about how I want you naked so I can run my hands and mouth
all over your gorgeous body.”

“And then?” he asks, not seeming to be
affected by what I just told him. At all.

I’m really hoping it’s because he’s got the
best poker face I know, and not because he isn’t interested. “Then,
I was thinking about how happy I was going to be with you next to
me all night.”

“You didn’t look happy there for a
minute.”

“I’m damaged, Aiden. Maybe you won’t want to
be next to me all night.”

“Where would I want to be?”

“With someone who’ll let you touch her.”

“Is it my turn now? To let you know what I
think?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Let’s start with the first part of what you
said. I already told you that I’m yours, anytime and anywhere, so
do you want me to start undressing for you now?” he asks, as he
reaches for his tie.

“No. Well yes, but we have to go to the
party.”

“Pity. But just so we’re absolutely clear on
this, I’m going to tell you again. Say the word, and my clothes are
coming off.”

“We have a ‘word’?” I ask, teasing him.

He tilts his head and seems to think about
it. “Cock.”

“What if I have to use that word in
conversation? Will you just drop trou?”

“Yes. But I can’t imagine you using the word
in polite conversation.”

“When have you ever known me to have a
polite conversation unless I’m faking it?” I ask, and he gives me
that smile of his that has panties dropping two states away. “I can
use that word. When women are looking at you like you’re their last
meal, I can say ‘I just love having Aiden’s magnificent cock in my
mouth.’ Or when they’re checking out your package, I’ll tell them
‘that cock fills my pussy like no one else’s can.’”

“Are we sure we need to go to this party.
Because now my cock wants to come out and play. However you are
ready for, I mean. No pressure,” he says, turning serious.

“You shouldn’t even have to
ask. I
hate
that
you have to say that.”

“Time for me to talk about the rest of what
you said. There is no place I would rather be than next to you
tonight, and every other night. Morning, afternoon, evening—I want
it all. We’re all ‘damaged’ in some way. You accepted me, when I
was thinking I couldn’t be the man you needed. I gave us both a
couple of months of happiness, and then I let you down. But you’re
still here, making me feel like I could be that guy again. Do I
want to touch you? And run my mouth all over your body? Fuck, yeah.
Can I wait until you’re ready for that? Another fuck yeah.”

“What if I’m never ready? I think I will be,
maybe even soon, but I won’t know until we try. And I might freak
out.”

“Whenever you want to try, you let me know.
If you aren’t okay with it, we’ll stop. I’m in love with you, El.
Not your body, but you. All of you.”

“You like sex.”

“I do like sex. And with you, I fucking love
it. But I hope you can give me a little credit and realize that I’m
more than a magnificent cock and hot ass.”

“I never said anything about your ass.”

“You were checking it out pretty hard when I
walked in. It’s all good, I work hard to keep myself looking so
hot.”

I burst out laughing. “No one’s ever going
to accuse you of having ego problems. But thanks. I know you’re
more than your body, Hawk,” I tell him, using my nickname for
him.

From the time we met, he’s always had a
focused intensity on whatever he’s doing, and watches everything
like a hawk. He used to hate it when I called him that, but when he
realized I meant it as a compliment, he told me he loved that I
appreciated his quirk. Let me tell you, when that laser focus is on
me and my body, I really, really do appreciate it.

“I just realized that I haven’t told you how
beautiful you look tonight. As usual, I had trouble catching my
breath when you opened the door.”

I’m in something the “old” Ellie would
probably have never worn. It’s a dark green dress that is somewhat
fitted, but covers me from my neck to right above my knees. It has
a sheer, cape-like thing that comes out from the sides to cover
most of my arms, while flowing down my back. Stella was really
excited about finding me all of these cool retro dresses, but while
I like them, I miss me. Or at least the part of me that dressed in
what felt good, not caring what anyone else saw or thought. I’m
thinking that maybe I can slowly start bringing her back, and
combining the two.

“You don’t mind that I cover up more?”

“No. I’d say it’s because I have less guys
to warn off, but you’re never lacking for attention, no matter what
you wear.”

“Thank you. I just need to put on my heels,
and some lipstick. Then we can go.”

“Hold off on the lipstick. I need a few
minutes with your lips.”

“Just a few?”

“You’re the one who said we had to go to
dinner.”

“I know. We have a date.”

“Uh-uh. Nope. This
is
not
a date. Our
first date is not going to be a group outing with D.C.
society.”

“So what is it? Are we not going to be
together once we get there?”

“I don’t know what to call it, but it’s
definitely something. Let me make this clear, El. I am not leaving
your side unless it’s to hit the head, and even then I hope you’ll
stay nearby.”

“You want me to hang out outside of the
bathroom while you take a piss?”

He shrugs. “You can come in if you want.
I’ve been in the bathroom while you pee.”

“Yeah, no. And you walked in on me, I didn’t
invite you.”

“Whatever. Just stay close, please. I don’t
want to have to punch some guy who thinks he can take a shot while
I’m incapacitated.”

“Do you ever listen to yourself speak?”

“Nope. That would probably be a
disaster.”

“Just when I think I can’t love you more,
you go and say something like that,” I tell him, and then freeze.
We’ve both used the “L” word, but I haven’t said it since I’ve been
here.

“I love you, too, Ellie.”

I don’t say anything else. I can’t right
now. I bend down to put my shoes on, tentatively reaching out to
hold onto Aiden’s shoulder as I step into them. His muscles flex
under me, but he doesn’t move. Once I’m standing straight again,
we’re almost the same height. I’m ready to try something. Something
small, but meaningful.

I move both my hands down
to his, and take them in mine. Then I move them to my hips and
place them there. I don’t flinch and it doesn’t feel weird—or bad.
Aiden’s hands feel
right
. He’s still holding them stiff
on me, but he doesn’t need to.

“You can relax your hands, Aid. I’m
okay.”

“You’re sure?”

Instead of answering, I lean forward and
kiss him. After a few moments, his fingers automatically relax, and
he starts to rub my hips with his thumbs. I place my hands on his
glorious pecs and take things a little more passionate. There are
still several inches separating us, but this is more than we’ve
done this past week. He pulls back before I’m ready and I chase his
lips for a few more kisses as he chuckles.

“Dinner. We have to go to dinner.”

“I know,” I say with a sigh.

“We’ll come back here after.”

“Or we could go to your place.”

“If you want.”

“I want. I’d like to see it again.”

We stayed there when we came into town to
support Isa, and I have some very hot memories of the things we
did. I can tell Aiden’s having the same thoughts; although, he’s
trying hard to be a gentleman and hide what he wants. He’s going to
get rewarded for his behavior as soon as we’re alone later. And
then maybe, someday soon, I can let him make me feel good too.

* * *

Aiden

Walking into the party at Liz Mason’s house
is like blasting back to my past. One I worked hard to put behind
me. Mingling with Virginia’s polite society, and D.C.’s power
players, is just not my scene. There’s just too much fake going
on—fake boobs, fake marriages, and most importantly, fake support.
Everyone is out for themselves. Well, everyone except for my dad.
He’s always been open and upfront about everything he does. Which
is why no one ever believed he would be President one day, even if
he hadn’t come out.

I’m surprised when Ellie reaches over and
takes my hand, but I don’t really blame her. Swimming in shark
infested waters is safer than mingling at this party. Jake’s
friend, Vicki, spots us and quickly engulfs Ellie in a hug. One
that has Ellie stiffening her spine, and squeezing my hand hard
enough to break it.

“Ease up, Vicki. You don’t want to smother
her to death, do you?”

“Sorry,” she says, sheepishly. “I’m just so
happy to see a couple more people who won’t make me want to throw
myself off the second floor balcony.”

“You know you’d survive the fall, right?”
Ellie asks her, trying to sound like her “normal” funny self. But I
don’t even know what her normal self is anymore. I don’t think she
does, either.

“Of course you have to remind me.
Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

“Let’s go get you a drink,” she tells her.
“You’re going to need it.”

“What about me?” I ask.

“You’ve been swimming in these waters for
years.”

“I left this scene almost 15 years ago.”

“It’s like riding a bike. Just jump back on
and take them all for a spin.”

“Don’t you dare take anyone for a spin until
I get back, Aiden Ford.”

“Wasn’t planning on it, Doll. Go have fun
with Vicki while I find my dad so the two of you can meet.”

She looks at me strangely, because of course
they’ve met before. You can’t work for a secret organization that
has unofficial government approval without meeting the Vice
President. But she’s only met him when he’s working, not when he’s
being my dad. Despite being in a house belonging to the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and her billionaire husband, tonight my
dad will be just that to Ellie. My dad. At least if I have any say
about it.

I find him, and Andres, in the formal living
room. They’re surrounded by supporters, but my dad breaks free once
he sees me. That’s one thing I can always say about my parents—I’ve
always come first, not matter what.

“Aiden,” he says, hugging me tightly. “It’s
so good to see you.”

“You too, Dad,” I tell him truthfully.

“Hey man,” Andres says, giving me a “bro
hug.”

We met in the military, before I even knew
Matt and Nate. We all joined the Special Forces together, although
he went into a different branch. I tried to keep in touch as best
as possible, but we dropped out of contact. Until he started dating
my dad last year.

To say that was a surprise is an
understatement. I always thought he was into women, but hey, he
makes my dad happy and that’s all I care about. We still don’t see
each other much, but I’m glad he’s back in my life.

“Hey, Andy. How are things? My dad treating
you okay?” I ask with a wink.

“We’re good. You should be coming around
more now that you’re local.”

“I should. I get too caught up in my own
shit sometimes, you know?”

“I
do
know. We’d love to have you over,
though.”

“Yes, we would,” my dad says, putting his
arm around him and kissing his temple.

Okay, so maybe it is weird. Not because
they’re guys, but because that’s my friend. I’d feel the same if my
mom was the one Andy was with, or if Audrey was with my dad. It’s
odd to have a friend dating your parent.

I’m not sure how she knew that I needed her,
but Ellie is all of a sudden at my side, taking my hand in hers
again. “Did you miss me, Hawk?”

“Always,” I say, looking over at her with a
smile.

“Hello, Ellie.”

“It’s nice to see you again, sir.”

“You’ve met?” Andres asks.

“Oh yes. Ellie has attended some official
events in the past, and she’s not easy to forget, especially with
how often you’ve mentioned her to me.”

“Hold up. I wanted to make the
introductions,” I say, sulking a little.

“We’ve just established that I’ve already
met your father.”

“But only as VP, not as my dad.”

She chuckles, but squeezes my hand, so I
know she gets it. “By all means then, go ahead and introduce us
properly.”