Page 82 of The Vow We Made
16
To Know Him
VICTORIA
Applying moisturiser to my feet is a pain, physio is hard and remembering to keep up my exercise regime every day is draining. All these things don’t come naturally to me, but ever since my cast was removed a month ago, I’ve had to get myself into a routine.
For the most part, I’m doing alright, although my ankle is still sore. Initially, I used one crutch to get around and lean on when I was tired, but now I’m becoming less reliant on my metal friend and use the excuse of finding Aiden whenever I’m weary.
I’m falling deeper and deeper for him as time moves on and our physical relationship has moved in an unexpected direction. Let’s be honest, a cast is no turn-on and there are only so many ways to get creative in a bedroom with a bloody great weight on the end of your foot, although I tried every trick in the book.
Now my cast has gone, I’m discovering how his creative mind works and how much he wants to make up for lost time. I love the taste of his skin, the feel of his incredible body and the time he takes to satisfy every part of me. He makes me feel like his first priority every morning and his last thought at night. That’s a bloody amazing feeling to have when you’ve been cut so deeply with hurt in the past.
Aiden has become a permanent fixture in recent weeks. Once Steph and Will returned from Scotland, he wasn’t in a rush to move back to his own place and I haven’t questioned if he intends to. I want him to stay with me and we’ve easily adjusted our lives to fit the other. I could never dream of having something so pure and right with anyone after Andy because my trust was tested to its limits where he was concerned; but Aiden is the man I always thought Andy was, and I can almost feel my heart investing without control on my part. I miss Aiden when he’s not with me and I dream of him while I’m sleeping.
I’m still unable to work at full capacity, which isn’t a bad thing as now I’m managing to catch up with things I wanted to do when I started the business. I’ve gained a few clients for the future and new make-up artists for our books. The contract in Scotland is delayed by six months. It was very last minute as their leading man is tied up on another shoot. The timing works in my favour and means I can fully recover before it begins, but I’ve already decided this will be Faith’s time to shine. This will be her first major contract as full partner. I didn’t have the best start for my business, but Faith stepped in when I needed her most. She pretty much saved the contract and my business. This is the most significant way I can thank her.
Aiden works such long hours, so my objective is to ensure when he gets home from work, we’re as chilled as possible. I never interfere with his monthly boys’ night. It’s a ritual from what I can gather and although they have other nights going to the pub or catching a match together, this particular gathering is special. I’m not entirely sure why, but there are no nagging doubts that he’s doing anything sinister. Maybe after my past experience, I ought to keep my guard up, but the way he confessed to being Andy’s doctor only strengthened my growing feelings for him. He wanted to be straight with me. He wanted to do the right thing, so I asked myself, why I should question my faith and trust in one man just because another has let me down? He is my world and each day, we move in the right direction; closer, deeper, stronger and every instinct tells me I can trust him, so I do. Completely.
Today I’m doing something different and I won’t deny I’m nervous about meeting Georgie for some one-on-one time. Aiden has a history and closeness beyond friendship with this beautiful woman. It’s as if I’m meeting his sister and I find the prospect of being alone with her, nerve-racking but it’s something I need to do if Aiden and I are going to work.
It was my idea to meet on the ground floor of 100 Wardour Street in Soho. It’s selfish, but I’ve picked this bar because of its close proximity to my last meeting of the day and I don’t want to wear my leg out when my recovery is going so well.
The bar is always packed to the rafters, but the ground floor is more dinner and after work drinks. Waiting staff move effortlessly around its colourful plush surroundings, and the extensive bar has every gin and whiskey you can dream of. I make a note of a few; I may need them later if our first solo get-together goes horribly wrong.
It takes me a few seconds to spot Georgie, sat in a quiet corner at the end of the bar, but as I approach, her hand shoots in the air, waving frantically.
I hurry towards her, worried she’s been waiting too long. “Am I late?” I check my watch out of habit, but I’m five minutes early at least.
“Not at all. It’s me, I got out of work early, so thought I’d take advantage and sneak out for a crafty G&T.” Reaching over to give me a kiss on the cheek, her bright and welcoming smile instantly puts me at ease.
“How have you been?” she asks with genuine concern.
“I’m not exactly free running through London yet, but getting faster every day and I’m nearly back to work full time.”
“Good for you.” She motions for me to sit on the leather stool next to her, as her hand shoots in the air for the second time, except now it’s to order our drinks. “What are you having?”
“I’ll take a Monkey 47 and a slimline Fever-Tree please.”
“Now there’s a girl on a mission, I’ll have the same please,” Georgie smiles to our waitress who nods and elegantly makes her way to the bar. Georgie turns back to me, her long golden blonde curls bounce and settle around her shoulders and her lips have natural colour with a hint of lip-gloss. I notice how her flawless skin shines with her near-permanent smile and can’t help but wonder why she and Aiden were never a thing, even though he’s explained their relationship. It’s just that she’s stunningly beautiful and I’d challenge any man who said they weren’t attracted to her.
“Aiden on his boys’ night?” she questions. I blush at the mere mention of his name.
My head shifts to one side and I roll my eyes in jest. “You know Aiden, he never misses one.”
“I can’t complain. It’s thanks to one of their nights out I met Marcus. Did you know Aiden introduced us?”
“I didn’t, no.” I wonder how much more I have to learn about my selfless man. “Aiden James the matchmaker, I can’t imagine it.”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly matchmaking, more me badgering him to fix us up on a date. The first time I saw Marcus, I knew he was the one.”
“Was he a friend of Aiden’s?”
Her brows snap together. “Aiden really hasn’t mentioned anything at all?”
“Only how he knew you were perfect for one another.”
She giggle’s before replying, “Aiden is one hell of a man. He literally saved Marcus from living on the streets.”
