Angel Falling (Falling #1)(21)
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.
“Nice digs.” My mouth twisted in a smile I wasn’t sure she’d believe. I don’t know what I expected, but the woman was rich. As in boo coo bucks. I’d never even been in a place that fancy. It was as if every piece of furniture was perfectly placed and nothing out of order. There was no clutter or much in the way of trinkets. Magazines were displayed like fans on different tables.
Before she could respond, I heard the familiar clicking sound I looked forward to after a hard day’s work. Butch ran as fast as his hind legs could carry him. He plowed into me almost knocking me on my ass. He spun in a circle, so I crouched down to pet him on the head, and gave my boy some lovin’ while he licked my face.
“Oh, good boy. Missed you, Butch. Were you a good boy for Aspen? Yes, I bet you were. I love you, too, Buddy.”
His long, pink tongue gave me one final lick along the entire side of my face. Aspen cringed and grimaced. Then the craziest thing happened. Butch left my side and ran over to Aspen and rubbed against her legs.
“Alright boy, but no kisses this time!” She petted Butch, scratching her nails along his neck. He curved into her side. I looked at her in shock. Her gaze caught mine. “What?”
“Butch likes you?” I couldn’t believe it.
“Yeah, we’ve become friends the last couple days. He leaves me be as long as I give him attention in the morning when we wake, then again each time I come home.”
“He sleeps with you?” No f*cking way.
“Not with me. That’s gross. He sleeps at the foot of my bed. Why so shocked?”
“Because, Butch hates women. Except Ma and my sister-in-law, Jess, and that took some time.”
“Oh, no he doesn’t. Do you boy?” She petted him on the head some more and smiled down at the yellow lab. Butch preened up at her. I could relate. She was something to feast your eyes on.
“Well, I’ll be damned. You continue to amaze me, Darlin’.”
The situation was interesting and unexpected. My dog really didn’t like the ladies. Every time I brought a woman back to the ranch he would growl and scare the daylights out of her until they would beg me to put him outside. Usually, I would do my business with the lady and then take her home. Butch was more important than a roll in the hay to get my rocks off. Figured if the women were one night stand type of ladies then they should be okay with not staying over once the deed was done. Worked most the time. Once and awhile I’d have to deal with a clinger. I’d just cut em’ loose right quick and carry on about my business. They eventually got the hint.
Aspen continued to show me around the mansion masquerading as a penthouse. Why someone who lived alone needed so much space was beyond me. She stopped at the door closest to the master bedroom.
“And this is your room for the next eight weeks.”
I entered the room and sat on the bed, bouncing it a few times. It was big, with a blue comforter. The room was decked out in a nautical theme. Not my taste, but it didn’t really matter. I planned on hanging my hat in her bedroom, anyway.