Angel Falling (Falling #1)(35)
“Angel?” she asked, her eyes pointed and squinting.
“Hank likes nicknames.” I didn’t really need to defend his pet name for me, but my mother brings out the psycho in anyone within a ten-foot radius. Hank seemed completely immune, just eating his dinner with fervor.
I pushed my plate away, no longer hungry.
“I’m glad you didn’t eat all of those carbs. You’re not as young as you used to be. You’re close to thirty. A good man doesn’t want a fat wife, remember that, dear.”
I held my breath and counted to ten so I wouldn’t throttle her.
“Hey now, she’s got nothin’ to worry about in that department.” His eyes bored into mine, heated desire pooling in those honeyed depths. “Her body is fantastic.” His gaze scanned my plate. “You’re not hungry, Darlin’?”
My mother was stunned, mouth agape and eyes wide. If there was a doubt to the extent of our “relationship” before, there definitely wasn’t now. The thought actually thrilled me. Knowing she’d spend hours on end fretting over my lack of social class and snubbing my nose at my proper upbringing would give her a heavy dose of anxiety. Maybe she’d rethink that invitation and call it off.
“Not anymore, thank you, Hank. Mother, if that’s all, I’ll see you out.” Hank stood when I did, the consummate gentleman. He walked us both to the door.
“Mrs. Reynolds, it was good to meet ya.” Hank brought her hand to his lips for the second time that evening. I made a mental note to have him wash his face before he kissed me again.
“It sure was a surprise meeting you. Thank you for assisting Aspen. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Mr. Jensen.” Her saccharine sweet tone made me want to gag.
“Goodbye, Mother,” I said, trying to close the door. She air kissed both sides of my cheeks. When she was gone, I leaned against the door with a heavy thud and closed my eyes.
“What’s the matter, Darlin’?” Hank’s fingers traced the edges of my hairline. Home. His touch was becoming a necessity, something I craved and I leaned into it until his large hand was cupping my jaw.
“Hank, what’s happening between us?”
“What do you mean? We’re enjoying each other’s company. Immensely, I might add.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, his hands gripped my hips. “And I’m healing up. Gettin’ stronger every day.” He thrust his pelvis against me playfully.
His response was exactly why I hadn’t allowed myself to fall, to feel something more for this beautiful man. When he was healed, he’d go back home to his ranch, to his real life.
“I’ll make excuses about the event tomorrow. There really is no need for you to attend. I, on the other hand, will not be able to avoid it. If she paid a visit that means my father will be next if I don’t show.”
His face scrunched up, his mouth twisting into a grimace. “Why wouldn’t I go? I meant what I said. I’d love to meet the rest of your family. I met your wacky sister and your mother seemed nice enough.”
“Don’t let her fool you. She’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She only came here to check you out.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t care. Doesn’t bother me none. But we’re going to that shindig.”
This was going to be a disaster. Hank would be his fun-loving, straightforward cowboy self, and my family would be ready to pounce. It was like throwing a steak in a tank of piranhas.
“Hank, this is not like a family barbeque.” I blew a frustrated breath over my forehead. “It’s a high society social gathering. The place will be chock full of high-powered executives, politicians, people with more money than God … ”
“Are you saying I won’t fit in, Darlin’? I can hold my own.” His gaze searched mine. The next four words shook me to my core. “Do I embarrass you?”
“Of course not! No, I … no. I just don’t think you’ll enjoy yourself.”
“And you will?”
“Well, no. But I never do. Being with my family is a necessary evil.” I slid my hands over his broad torso, trying to express how very much I didn’t want him to be near that kind of evil. He gripped my hands to his chest.
“Angel, I’m going to escort you to that party. I’m going to dance with you in front of your family. I’m going to show you that you can have fun anywhere as long as you’re with the right person.” Was he even real? It wasn’t possible that there was something so good in the world.
“God, Hank, I could get used to you so easily.” But I won’t.
He laughed and kissed me, tentatively at first, then pulled an inch away, our breath still mingling. “I should hope the hell so. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. You’re stuck with me, Angel.”
“Do you mean that?” I whispered, keeping my eyes closed tight, not wanting to see his response. He kissed each eyelid and leaned his forehead against mine.
“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”
***
Ever since her mom visited yesterday, Aspen acted differently. She seemed almost sad when she got ready for work this morning and left for the office. We didn’t make love. She said she had a headache and scampered off like a scared kitten to the washroom to shower and get ready for work.