I tightened my grip on her small form. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’ve been very fortunate. Never wanted for anything growing up. Went to the best schools. I used my trust fund to start my company, and now I’m bigger in business than they ever dreamed.”
I cupped her shoulder and squeezed her tighter. Being with her like this was comfortable. Easy. It had been a long time since I felt such ease holding a woman. She sighed and nuzzled her nose into my chest. The movement sent tingles rushing through my body and the deep wall around my heart started to crack and shake, small starbursts of light peeked through the crumbling foundation. “They must be very proud of you.”
“Not really.”
“Why not? Your company is doing well. You’ve made a name for yourself. And you’re drop-dead gorgeous.” I patted then squeezed her fanny for emphasis.
“Hank!” She laughed but didn’t remove my hand. “No, it’s just--they didn’t want me to be as successful as I am. They wanted me to marry someone successful, have perfect little high society brats, and attend charity functions with Mother.”
I cringed and my lips twisted into a snarl.
“Exactly!”
“Our parents always have one idea or another for us but we rarely go that route. Take me for example. Old Man Henry wanted both his boys to take over the business. Technically, I own fifty percent of it, but instead, I opened up Jensen Construction. I’d rather spend my time building new things than herding and selling cattle.”
“So what did your dad say?”
“He was honest, Darlin’. Told me he was disappointed, but respected my decision to go after my dream, not his.”
“Sounds like a great guy, your dad.”
“The best.” My dad was the best around. He worked hard for his family and rightly deserved the retirement he now enjoyed. A little old-fashioned but so was any good Southern man at his age and station in life.
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” she smiled coyly. Her hand rubbed along my bare chest, “there’s only one guy sitting on a pedestal for me right now.” She planted a kiss against my peck. She flicked her tongue against the nipple and bit down on the tender nub. The pleasure-pain went straight to my shaft. I groaned loud.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help myself. You’re so … so, I don’t know. I just, I want you.” First time I’d ever heard her struggle to speak and it was music to my ears. Knowing that she was just as affected by my presence as I was with hers, made me ache to have her.
“The feelin’ is mutual, Angel. There’s nothin’ I want more than to hear you scream out my name when you come, but this is not the place. Once I have you naked, there’ll be no turning back and I’ll need a bed and a full night to do it right.” I lifted her chin with one finger and planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Now you need to go home and get some rest. You have a man moving in tomorrow.” I winked and her corresponding smile melted my heart.
Chapter 5
“Wake up, Princess.” Oliver’s sing-song voice broke through the haze of sleep. “We have to go save your prince from the evils of public healthcare and bring him back to the castle. I’ll be in your closet picking out your clothes. You have ten minutes!”
I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. Oliver had always been a morning person. I wasn’t. On top of that, the combination of lack of sleep and sexual frustration had taken its toll. I’d never been swept away with lust before. Did I like sex? Yes. Who didn’t? Did I need it? On occasion, sure. With Hank, my skin was literally leaping off my body to be next to the man. It seemed as if the only thing that would take the edge off was having his big body pressing me into the closest mattress. Preferably soon.
Needing someone for anything was new to me. I’d worked my ass off to make sure the only person I needed was the face in the mirror. Oliver and my sister were the only real human ties I had or cared about. I valued the people I worked with and the individuals I employed but never let them get too close. People who claimed to be my friends came and went. Hell, even my own mother and brother I could do without, most days. Sounded harsh, but my mother saw me as a disappointment and my brother saw me as a challenge.
Even with all my success I’d never been able to fit into my parents perfect high society mold. I played the part well enough. Went to the functions, knew which fork went with what food, dressed appropriately. Yet, I still never fit in. The only place I’d ever been comfortable was at the head of a conference room table, planning, organizing and delegating. Being in control of my life and my company was top priority.
And therein lay the problem with Hank. He made me feel things I’d never felt. Want to do things I wouldn’t normally do. He brought out a reckless side that was unfamiliar, somewhat dangerous. For the first time in my life I was nervous, uncertain about my footing. Walking into uncharted territory willingly.
“Up and at ‘em!” Oliver cooed. He ripped the blanket off my body and tossed it to the floor leaving me bare-assed naked. Before I had the chance to complain he had me up and out of bed and into the bathroom. “Now make yourself pretty for our cowboy.” His grin was loaded with excitement. He practically hopped from foot to foot.
“Our cowboy? I wonder how Hank would feel about a gay man sizing him up?”
“Don’t know, don’t care. He’s as much mine as he is yours.” He grabbed a towel from the linen closet. “What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is mine, too!” He was in a saucy mood this morning.
Butch, Hank’s dog entered the bathroom and walked over to the toilet. I’d forgotten he was here until he leaned over the bowl and proceeded to take messy slurps. Water sloshed all over the lid. Oliver and I watched the dog with matching horrified expressions. After two days of being around Butch, nothing surprised me about the animal. He’d already pissed off Gustav by digging in the trash and spreading it through the kitchen. Gustav asked me to board the dog or he’d quit. I gave him a raise and told him to deal with the mutt.
“You know, I read an article somewhere that dogs don’t understand why their owners won’t let them drink out of the toilet because to them it’s like a big margarita bowl!” He tipped his head to the side as he watched the dog drink his cocktail.
“That’s just sick. Now get out and tell Gustav that I’d like a cappuccino to go for me and one for Hank. I’d also like half a bagel with cream cheese, please. Oh, and make sure he feeds Butch.”
“Yes, Princess. Your wish is my command.” He headed toward the door as I stepped into the shower.
“No, my wish is your job. One you get paid damn well for!” I yelled over the water cascading down my back. “And take the dog with you!” The hot water soothed my aching muscles. I heard Oliver fighting with Butch just outside the room. He didn’t care for Oliver. Though he seemed to be fine with me as long as I gave him a good petting before bed and again when I got home. I’d actually started to take a liking to the mangy animal. He was sweet in a slobbery and hairy way.
I finished my shower and threw on the matching black lace bra, underwear and stockings Oliver had left on the bed. Glancing in the freestanding mirror I inspected my form. I worked hard to stay in shape. My legs, arms and abs were all toned, belly flat. I was proud of the defined indent in my biceps. Nothing too bulky, but strong and feminine at the same time. My breasts were large but perky for their size.
I turned around to view my backside relishing in the fact that my bum was tight and firm. It was my sexiest feature and the panties with the scalloped trimmed edge were doing wonders for my confidence. If Hank did end up seeing me in this, I think he’d be pleased.
I slipped on a royal blue dress that hugged every curve. It was plain in the front with a scoop neck and fitted bodice. The back had an exposed zipper encased in leather running down the entire seam. Oliver called it the “business in the front, party in the back” dress.
As I put my makeup on, Oliver came in and gestured for me to sit in the vanity chair. He twisted my hair into a complex system of knots and swirls, every so often adding a bobby pin to hold a piece in place. The man was a sheer genius at styling me. He knew exactly what looked good, knew my sizes to perfection, and was able to create an updo masterpiece.
He put one last bobby pin in place and handed me a mirror. “There, perfect.”
“Looks great, as usual. You constantly amaze me.”
His return smile was huge spreading across crisp flawless skin. Oliver was good-looking in a pretty boy way. “Thank you. Now what are we going to do about the cowboy? I’ve fixed up the spare room, put away all of his clothes, and set up his toiletries in the bathroom. For a man planning on staying for two more months, he doesn’t have a lot with him.” His eyes scrunched up thoughtfully, thin lips pinched together in thought.
“Well, he’s a man.”
“So am I, and I would have traveled with five times as much as he has. It didn’t even fill the closet or drawers.” His expression was shocked, bordering on horrified. “I think I’m going to have to get him a few things. He has one button-up long-sleeved shirt, one tie, and one blazer. That’s it!”
I smiled and thought about how manly Hank was. He didn’t worry about clothing or dressing to the nines. Frankly, I couldn’t care less. The less clothes he wore the better, in my book.
“So buy him more clothing if it makes you feel better. Maybe take him shopping when he’s up to it.”
Oliver’s eyes lit up like the sun peeking through on a cloudy day to spread its rays of light in every direction. He clasped his hands together and spun around on one toe in a perfect circle. “Oh, my very own personal man doll.” His shoulders squeezed together in excitement.
“Not something you want to say to Hank. He’s liable to punch you in the face for suggesting you want to play Barbies using him as your personal Ken doll.” I tried to hide my grin.
His eyes went wide, nostrils flared. “You think he’d punch me in the face? Seriously?”
“Um, No.” My laugh sounded loud echoing off the bathroom walls. “Now let’s go. I need to get him settled and then head to AIR for a meeting this afternoon.”
We made it to the hospital in record time. I tried to ignore the butterflies in my belly and the jackhammering of my heart. The moment I opened the door to Hank’s room all the nerves dissipated. He stood at the hospital mirror combing his dark hair, dressed in a pair of low hanging sweats that accentuated his lean hips and firm, muscular thighs.
From the back his white t-shirt stretched across a chest wide enough to be a professional football player’s. The bandaged shoulder and left arm were held to his chest in a blue sling. Beautiful honeyed green eyes caught mine in the reflection in the mirror. His face split into a wide grin showing white, even teeth. He was cleanly shaven and his hair damp as he slicked the pieces back.
“Mornin’, Angel.”
“Morning, Stud. You ready to break out of here?”
He turned around and smiled. “I reckon’ there’s just one thing I need before we jet out.”
He didn’t have much with him. I looked around the room for anything that seemed out of place. In a few strides he stood in front of me large and looming. He palmed the back of my neck, and dug his fingers into my hairline. In seconds his lips devoured mine.
My hands went around his form cautiously, mindful of his wounded side. Slick strands wet my fingers as I gripped his hair, bringing his face to mine in the process. A growl emanated from his throat as he nipped and tugged at my lips. Liquid heat boiled at the surface between my thighs.
I heard the door open and close behind us. “Holy shit, down cowboy!” Oliver chastised.
Hank pulled away and petted my cheek with his thumb. “I like your dress.” The comment held a gentleness I hadn’t expected from such a hulking man. He seemed more the caveman type. One who would grip a woman by the hair, drag her off to his cave, and have his wicked way with her.
The care with which Hank held me close made me feel cherished, special in a way I wasn’t used to. It was obvious in how he looked at me as if I was the only woman in the world. The gentle way he caressed my face proved that he was affected by me. Thank God I wasn’t the only one whose world was tipping on its axis.
He kissed my lips briefly once more and looked over at Oliver. He gave Oliver a pointed look. “When a man is kissing his woman, it would be best if you didn’t interrupt.”
His woman.
Oh boy.
***
Along the ride to her house, I chastised myself for being so forward and sticking my foot in my mouth. Calling her my woman could have gone to the shitter. Real quick like. It was as if I’d forgotten to apply a filter. I feared I may have played my hand with her too soon. Never a good idea to go for broke when you’re not sure your opponent is ready to fold.
With Aspen, I didn’t really know what her thoughts were about this thing between us. It was happening fast with no brakes in sight. When she wasn’t near, I wanted her to be. When she was near, I couldn’t get close enough. If this busted wing wasn’t in the way, I’d already have her pinned to the nearest bed.
I’d never lacked the company of a woman, a warm body to lay with on a cold Texas night. But with Aspen, there was something more. The filly made my bones feel week and my chest tight. An ache hung at the pit of my stomach. A woman had never jumbled up my thoughts more than the blond goddess.
Her home was at the top of a skyscraper. Central park could be seen from her balcony along with an open view of New York City.
The place was modern but comfortable. Art hung over the stark, white walls like a museum. Matching white marble floors gleamed across the large expanse. Area rugs were scattered throughout, breaking up the spaces like mismatched puzzle pieces. She definitely didn’t lack any modern conveniences. Top of the line entertainment equipment, media room, plush furniture that looked like it should have been on the cover of a home design magazine. The more I looked around the more I realized how different we were. She lived in the lap of luxury. I lived on a ranch that had tattered old furniture and walls of books and sports paraphernalia.