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  “Ali, you need to listen to me,” I pleaded with her. “I didn’t take the money. I don’t want to be paid to be with you. What I feel for you is real. I know you feel it too, please tell me I’m not wrong.” I knew I sounded like a pussy, but I couldn’t help it nor did I care.

  “That’s beside the point, Aiden. Yes, these few weeks have been amazing, and my feelings..." She stopped and shook her head as if shaking the notion from her thoughts would deny their truth. “You paid attention to me, fucked me, because Chloe paid you to. Simple as that. Just get out of my way.”

  “No! It’s more complicated than that. You need to let me explain... I’m not an escort.”

  “How naïve do you think I am? If you’re not an escort what are you? A man who massages and whores around with all sorts of women? All those women at the club who knew you, they were your clients? Did you sleep with them... for money?” A tear escaped her eye before she swiped it away. “Just like me. Let’s be honest, escort, whore, gigolo, does it matter what we label it? The point is, you were paid and we fucked.”

  I couldn’t deny what she said. I did sleep with them all, but it was just fucking, an admission I wasn’t going to make. With her, it was way different. But like crying wolf, how could I possibly convince her of that?

  “Just give me a minute to—”

  “To what? Explain? How about you answer a couple questions for me and then I’ll see if I can believe anything you say.”

  I knew that was a bad idea, but what choice did I have? Either way, I was screwed. “Okay.”

  “Did you sleep with those women from the club including married ones like Chloe?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did they pay you to do it?”

  “Yes. And their husbands knew what their wives paid for.”

  “Were you paid to be with me?”

  “Yes, but that was different.” It truly was. “I was just paid to spend time with you, not to have sex with you. Us connecting these past few weeks, that was all us. It was real. I wanted you the first night I met you in the bar. To me, you’re Ali. I had no idea it was you who Chloe wanted me to seduce. When I saw you, all bets were off.” She remained impassive as she listened to my answers.

  “So you say now because you got caught. Yet, there was no mention of the truth all the time we spent together.” Straightening her spine, her features totally iced over. “Please, just move.”

  All the air I had in my lungs expired. I slid to the side and before she could open the door, Derek walked in.

  “Hey.” He looked at us. “Ali, are you alright?”

  “No. Bye.” She brushed past him and out the door as if she was being chased.

  Derek looked back at the empty hallway before he closed the door. “What the hell happened?”

  “She found out.”

  “Oh, fuck.” He tossed his keys on the side table, walked into the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Want one?”

  “No.” I sat on the couch and raked my hands through my hair. Derek sat in a chair opposite me. “This is so fucked up.”

  “How did she find out?” Derek took a swig of his water.

  “She saw a text on my phone from Chloe. Things escalated and now she thinks I slept with her for money.”

  “Didn’t you?” Derek’s voice cut me like a knife. “I mean, she paid you to take her out but the money is what started it.”

  “No. When I found out Alessandra was Ali from the bar I was there for my own reasons, not because Chloe paid me to be there. I gave the money back to her, but Ali doesn’t believe me.”

  Derek ran his hand over his scruff. “Sorry, man. I know you were into her.”

  He had no idea how much. Changing the subject, I asked, “Where have you been? Did you get lucky last night?” Maybe, by talking about him it would help.

  He chuckled, “Yeah, but not in the way you mean. I got a call for an opportunity in Los Angeles, City of Angels... what better place for my profession?”

  “That’s fantastic man.” We both stood and I clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad it all worked out for you.”

  “Thanks. And thanks for letting me crash here. Regarding Ali... Aiden, give her time to cool off. If you really like this girl, then fight for her.” Derek walked past me. “I need a shower. I grabbed a motel room last night so I wouldn’t have to drive back here and the shower wasn’t inviting,” he said on a chuckle and left the room.

  Feeling like I’d been beaten up, I tipped my head back and stared at the ceiling. How did I get myself into this? Chloe. Shit. I needed to call her, but before I did I grabbed my cell and read the text Ali read.

  Chloe: Been trying to reach you. Thank you for agreeing to meet Alessandra. It looks like you two hit it off. I knew you’d be perfect for the job. I’ll be by in an hour to pay you the balance for your services. XO

  I tapped the screen to get to my contacts and called Chloe.

  “Hey, Aiden.” She sounded as though she was still in her car.

  “Are you alone?”

  “Yes. I just hung up with Ali. She’s really upset and told me she never wants to speak to me again. I tried to explain and smooth things over, but she wouldn’t hear it. I’m really sorry.”

  I’d begun to pace around my apartment and ended up in my massage room. “Did you tell Ali that I gave you back the money?” I asked knowing Chloe’s confirmation of my claim would do no good in convincing her.

  “I did, and she still hung up on me. I’m very sorry.”

  “Yeah, okay.” I then walked into my bedroom and stared at the rumpled sheets where the perfect woman had just been. “It’s not your fault. I should have told her. Do you know where she was heading now?”

  “The hospital.” She paused. “I just pulled into my garage and need to go. Good luck.” Click.

  Luck? I would need a miracle. After I showered, I headed out to the hospital. Just as I stepped out of the elevator, there she was leaning over the information desk talking to an older man.

  “Ali.” She straightened and slowly pivoted but didn’t say a word.

  “Can I help you, young man?” The white-haired gentleman addressed me.

  “No, thank you, sir. I just need a minute with Ali. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  Ali opened her mouth to say something, but the man spoke first. “Of course not. She was just going on her break.”

  “Thank you.” I looked at his name tag. “Henry.”

  I reached for her arm, but she was too quick for me and started to walk out the back door. Following right behind her to the sidewalk, she stopped so abruptly I almost ran into her. “What do you want, Aiden?”

  “To talk.” The furious passion in her eyes caused them to spark in the sunlight. Damn, even in basic navy scrubs she looked stunning.

  She crossed her arms. “Now, you want to talk? I think it’s a little too late or is your conscience bothering you?”

  “Just hear me out for a minute. When Chloe told me about her friend Alessandra, I had no idea it was you,” I repeated again in case it didn’t register. “And before you say anything, the only thing she hired me for was to boost her friend’s confidence. When I saw it was you at the benefit, I was thrilled. I knew immediately that I wouldn’t take the money. No one would have to pay me to be with you.” She raised her brows and stayed silent. “Shit, Ali, what I got paid for had nothing to do with sex. I swear to fucking God.”

  “You fucked me that first night Aiden! The night Chloe offered you money to be with me. It’s pretty cut and dried.

  “I did because I wanted you... and you wanted me too!” I looked around hoping we were still alone and thankfully we were. “I have from the moment I first met you at the bar with Shelly. That night of the benefit, I couldn’t believe my luck. And since then, you’re all I think about. I’m addicted to everything about you, Ali.”

  She sat on a nearby bench and dropped her head in her hands. “You say that now because you got caught.”

/>   “No... I say that because it’s true.” I sat next to her and thankfully she didn’t move away. “I wouldn’t need to be paid to spend time with you.” I grabbed her hands and held them in mine. Her eyes went to where we were joined and then she looked up at me. “When I met you in the bar, I wanted to get to know you, but I tamped that shit back because of my job. The money was great, and I got lost in it. But now, it means nothing to me. I gave it up the night we got together. I haven’t taken a client in that way since, and I never will again. Chloe told me what your ex-boyfriend did. The only reason I didn’t tell you was because I didn’t want to hurt you. ”

  “But you did... and you lied to me just like he did.” Her shoulders tensed again as she glanced at her watch. “I need to get back. My break is over soon.”

  We both stood and walked inside. “Can I call you later?” I prayed she’d say yes.

  At seeing us, Henry got up so she could replace him. “No. I think it’s best that you don’t. Go back to your job. Obviously, you’re very good at it.” She began to type on the computer in front of her cueing me to leave.

  Defeated, I shoved my hands in my pockets as a couple walked up with a bouquet of balloons reading “Congratulations.”

  Ali smiled sweetly at them, and I took a step back when she handed them a visitor’s badge. More people walked up to the desk as I respected her wishes.

  Chapter 10

  A few weeks have gone by since Ali found out my truth and so much had changed. The spare room in my apartment had been transformed back into an actual bedroom. All of my free time was spent either at my legitimate job, in my apartment alone, or at the bar where I had first met Ali.

  Like an idiot, I resorted to stalking and thought the chances of running into her were high. But after the fifth or sixth attempt, I resorted to slipping Jack, the bartender, a hundred to call my cell if she should happen to hop in.

  Even attempts from Derek to get me out, including box tickets to a Cubs game, held no appeal. Neither did his constant propositioning to hook up with some random females he had done business with, which was the last thing I wanted.

  With my tail between my legs, I applied and began working as a masseuse at the spa in town. On my free time, I called my traditional clients and advised them to set up appointments at the spa. Maybe someday I’d have my own legit business, but I refused to aimlessly flounder with my poor career choices in the past.

  Almost late for work, I grabbed my keys and headed out. Not a minute went by when I didn’t ache for Ali. She was constantly on my mind.

  I pulled into the parking lot, walked inside, and immediately greeted the receptionist. “Good morning, Gail. How are things today?”

  She pulled her headphone out of her ear. “Well, some of your ex-clients are still calling. I really don’t understand why you’re turning them away.”

  “I just want to regroup and take a step back for a bit.” I couldn’t tell her the reason so I lied. “Business grew too fast and I felt rushed.” I reached into my back pocket and took out a folded piece of paper. “If anyone on this list calls, please tell them I’m not taking on any additional clients.”

  Gail looked at the list and then to me. “That’s a lot of names.” Her brows furrowed as no doubt a million questions ran through her mind.

  Before she could throw any of them at me, I asked, “Is my first appointment here?” When she looked at the computer screen and then my list her eyes widened.

  “I’m so sorry, it’s Chloe. I see her on your list. Do you want me to cancel her?”

  Hoping it was good news about Ali, I said, “It’s fine. I’ll speak to her myself.”

  Gail nodded and I headed toward my massage room. I gave one quick knock and opened the door. Crossing my arms, I stared at Chloe as she said, “Hi, Aiden. How’re you doing?”

  “Could be better.” Since we were at my place of business, I needed to reel in my snark and keep the volume of my voice at a respectable decibel. “Why are you here, Chloe?”

  “I ran into Ali.”

  My heart beat faster just hearing her name. Although, it could have been from fear because I didn’t know what was coming next. “How is she?” I asked, looking at her for a sign of something positive.

  Chloe bit her lip and looked down. “She’s okay. When I saw her, she was with some friends from the hospital. I didn’t get much out of her since she hates me. But, I did explain, yet again, what happened that night and my part in it.”

  “And? What did she say?” Please say she forgave me.

  “She told me she appreciated the information, but the damage was done. I don’t know what else I could have told her. I made sure she knew that you even stopped giving personal massages the very next day, but it didn’t seem to matter.”

  “Well, I do appreciate the effort.” I felt utterly deflated. “I’d hoped she could forgive me, but I guess that’s not going to happen.” I needed to get out of my funk and fuck someone. Chloe wasn’t going to be an option, no one really was until I got over Ali. That was exactly why I didn’t want to get involved with anyone.

  She stood and placed her hand on my upper arm. “Good luck with everything. I’ll miss having my appointments with you.” She winked, rolled on the balls of her feet, and kissed my cheek. “Bye.”

  “Did you still want a massage? I could see if someone else is available.”

  “I really just wanted to let you know about Ali.” Something in her expression said she really wasn’t interested in a legit massage anyway.

  THE BEER I HAD PULLED from my fridge an hour earlier went warm. The Cubs game I tuned into during the fifth inning hadn’t held my attention. There I was on a Saturday, hiding in my apartment with thoughts of that sexy blonde, who uprooted my entire life, running on a constant loop.

  My phone buzzed on the wooden table with an incoming text. Expecting it to be Derek, I glanced at it in complete boredom. That was until the name “Jack” appeared above the bubble. The sight of it propelled me off the couch to open the complete text. The words I’d been waiting to read were there in bold: She’s here.

  Like a bat out of hell, I tore my way through the motions of becoming somewhat presentable to go and see her. The dark circles that surrounded my eyes, and the overgrown scruff, would need to suffice.

  No more than twenty minutes later, I stepped into the crowded bar as my eyes peeled over the bodies looking for the blonde I needed to see.

  Fuck, she looked gorgeous as her blonde hair cascaded down her back. The sheer off-white blouse that revealed just a hint of lace beneath it, and a tight pair of jeans molding over her the curve of her ass, worsened my predicament.

  She sat along the short end of the bar, cocktail in hand, laughing along with some prick who had his arm laying across the back of her barstool.

  The only thing that stopped me from beating the shit out of him was the thought I’d be in jail instead of with her the rest of that evening. Only taking seconds to contemplate my next move, I strode up to Ali and the douchebag beside her.

  “Hi, Ali.” Catching her completely off-guard, she twisted to look at me and her eyes widened at the sound of her name.

  “Aiden.”

  “We need to talk,” I said, ignoring the man beside her.

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I have nothing to say to you.”

  “Well, I have a lot to say to you and since you won’t answer my calls or texts, here I am.”

  “Listen, buddy,” the dickhead said while jabbing a finger on my shoulder. “The lady said she didn’t want to talk to you.”

  Clenching my fists, to stop from pounding his face I instead narrowed my eyes and hissed, “Get lost, asshole.”

  “Aiden!” Ali admonished.

  Jack appeared slapping his white towel on the mahogany wood. “Aiden, take it outside. I don’t need any blood on my bar.”

  “I agree with Jack,” I said coming chest to chest with the cocksucker.

  Ali popped off
her stool. “Fine, I’ll talk to you, Aiden,” she snarled. And contrary to her attitude toward me, she smiled sweetly at the dickhead. “Please excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  The fuck she will.

  Placing my hand on the small of her back, I guided her out of the bar shooting Jack a grateful nod on our way out and earning me one in return.

  The thick humidity created instant beads of sweat on my skin, where Ali’s pebbled with goosebumps.

  “Say what you need to say, Aiden. I don’t want to keep Richard waiting.”

  “I knew he was a dick.” Ali rolled her eyes without humor. “Fine. I miss you, Ali.”

  “Okay, thanks for telling me.”

  She turned to leave and I caught her by the crook of her elbow stopping her before she could take one step away from me. “You’re all I think about, Ali. Not a second goes by that I don’t want to talk to you or to make sure you completely understand how much you mean to me. When I’m at work, I think of you.” She cocked a brow. “I work at Serenity. It’s a very upscale spa if you didn’t know.”

  “Congratulations. I’ve been there, it’s lovely. I didn’t realize they changed their policies.”

  I raked my hand through my hair. She wasn’t making it easy on me. There I was pouring my heart out and nothing would get through to her. “They haven’t. It’s legit, Ali. Fuck. You need to tell me what I need to do to prove to you that what we had was real. Do you know how difficult the past few weeks have been for me?”

  “For you? Did you actually say that? How about for me? How about when I walked into the country club for lunch, every woman I looked at I pictured you fucking? How about all the faceless ones that have haunted me? What number am I for you... a thousand? Maybe two?” Her body began to tremble with anger as she poked a manicured finger square in the chest. “How would you feel knowing that Richard and I fuck like rabbits? Or that you were number one thousand for me? Would that make you happy and ready to forgive me?”

  “I wouldn’t like it but I dislike being without you more. I’d do anything to change my past if I could, but I can’t. After my parents died my life went to shit. I lost all direction.” Not meaning to blurt out my personal business on a Chicago street, I took a deep breath. “Come home with me. Please, Ali, just give me one last chance to explain it all. I can’t function without you. And if you still can’t forgive me after my last attempt, then I’ll leave you alone.”