"He still comes to the gym?" I asked.
"Of course he does. He needs to work out somewhere, doesn’t he?"
"So, have you helped all of the kids in these photos?"
"I like to say I gave them another option, just an alternative place to go. All of them have worked for me at one point or another. I needed help, and they needed a job that wouldn't land them in jail or buried six feet under."
I admired the photos and shook my head in wonder. “You’re a real hero, Aiden, you know that, don’t you?”
He tugged my hand to go. "Enough about all that. I promised you a night of pampering and I intend to keep good on my promises.”
Aiden led me to the bathroom, where a large porcelain tub was tucked up under a large, bare window pane. Moonlight spilled in straight on the tub and Aiden busied himself lighting a few candles. Aiden ran the water full force, putting his wrist under the stream to check the temperature.
"Care for bubbles, A Chara?" he asked.
"How often do you indulge in a bubble bath?" I asked. “I can’t picture it.”
"Full disclosure, I've never had a woman in my apartment before."
My jaw fell open at his confession and stared up in wonder at this unique and fascinating man.
He walked over to the counter and pulled a bottle from an array of toiletries there. “I bought them the other day while grocery shopping for you. Next confession, I’ve never taken a bubble bath my entire life.”
“I’m happy to share your first bubble experience,” I told him. My smile was wide, not in jest, but in admiration for his idiosyncrasies.
I watched as he bent down, his jeans molding to his incredible ass, distracting me from my own body and the fact that it responded to him eagerly.
“I’ll sit this one out because I promised you a night of pampering, but I will take a rain check on the bubbles. I’ll get dinner ready while you soak. The towels on the counter, and I got you a set of sweats.”
“You bought clothes for me?”
“More like pajamas. I didn’t want you to feel like you had to put on an act for me. You’re beautiful without all the bells and whistles. I wanted you to feel at home here.”
Never in my life had a man purchased clothes for me—not even my own father. The gesture was so considerate and yet simple that it nearly brought me to tears.
That was the moment Aiden McCarthy cracked all the way into my heart.
Chapter 9
Aiden
"I don't think I've ever had a bath like that," Erin said, stepping into the kitchen wearing the black sweat suit I’d bought her. "Also, I'm humbled by the clothes you bought me. They are, hands down, the most luxurious pair of sweats I’ve ever owned. How do I look?" she asked as she twirled in front of me. Erin was giggling and I’d yet to see her that relaxed and at ease in front of me.
"I've never seen anything more ravishing," I said, placing another dish on the counter. "Hope you brought your appetite tonight, Erin."
Indeed, it was true she was a vision on any given day, but I liked to admire her beauty this way. Away from everyone else and any distractions, I could take in all of her beauty and appreciate it myself. I didn't think I’d seen anything more beautiful than this standing in my flat, hair still dripping from the bath, feet bare and a simple black sweat suit.
"What's that you've got there, partner? Can I do anything to help?" she asked. Most of the spread was already on the table. I’d pretty much outdone myself.
"Nothin' too fancy. Just some beef and Guinness pie with rocket. The only time I drink is when it's in food."
"Well, it all looks incredible and already smells fantastic." She went to sit down, but I beat her to it and pulled out the chair for her.”
“Chivalry is still alive in Ireland, I take it?” There was a bit on an edge to her tone like she didn’t believe I was being sincere.
“Blokes don’t pull out chairs in America anymore?”
“The ones who do usually have an ulterior motive.”
“Are you being serious? Are you angry at me for pulling out your chair?" I asked her sincerely. I could see right through all of Erin’s defense mechanisms. She reminded me of myself before I learned to trust again. It only made me feel more drawn to her.
"Of course I’m not angry at you. I guess when someone is acting such the gentlemen, I tend to wonder when they’ll stop.”
"Maybe that’s where you’re wrong. Perhaps it will never have to stop. I do what I want to do when I want to do it. I put in effort for you because you're worth the effort. You will always be worth the effort, Erin. Maybe you should be wary of the folks who don’t go the extra mile from the start." I took a seat at the island and looked directly in her eyes. "You're special, Erin. Any fool can see that, but I think it’s most important that you know that."