Angel Falling (Falling #1)(43)
“I can’t help but say that I’m surprised to hear such news.” Grant was always good under pressure, but his jaw was his tell. He had a tick and a small vein that ran up his neck that proved his anger.
Something about the way he said he was surprised made my own jaw twitch. “And why’s that? It took no time at all for you to choose a new flavor of the month.”
Grants mouth twisted into a scowl. That’s right buddy, suck on that. I held Grant’s gaze as his eyes shone bright with fire.
Hank’s arms squeezed my waist. “Hank, are you ready to go home?” I asked over my shoulder. One of his hands met the tender skin at the nape of my neck, really sealing the deal of his possession. I still wasn’t sure if he’d claimed boyfriend status to help me save face in front of Grant, or because he’d genuinely meant it. One way or the other, we would discuss it. First, I needed to get away from Grant and Mommy Dearest.
“You live together?” Grant snorted in disgust.
“You got a problem with that, pretty boy?” I didn’t like the sound of that. Hank physically moved me to the side; Dean placed an arm around my waist.
“What makes you think you have any right to her? You’ve known her what? All of two weeks?” Grant hedged. Hank stopped dead in his tracks. Grant knew he had the upper hand and continued to press his luck by coming closer to Hank’s face. “You’re just a convenient f*ck to her. She spreads those legs nice and pretty, doesn’t she?” Hank gritted his teeth, his hands turning to fists. The tendons in his strong hands popped out and showed white as he clenched them. I stared in horror completely taken aback by Grant’s harsh words.
His eyes were cold and his lips curled into a snarl. “What are you going to give a woman like Aspen? Or maybe it’s not about what you can give her, but about what she can give you—with her mouth and her money.”
Oh no. This is not good.
“I’m sorry, Angel. But he had it comin’.” Hank said as he pulled back and decked Grant in the jaw. Hard. I think I heard Grant’s jaw crack at the blow. The man fell back and was knocked out cold, barely missing the pool’s edge by an inch. My mother jumped to Grant’s aid, but knowing full well the power behind Hank, the man may have a concussion. He’d need a doctor.
“You barbarian!” my mother shouted.
“Jesus, Hank! What the hell were you thinking?” I covered my face in my hands.
Even if Grant deserved it and the nice fat bruised face to go with it, this reaction was completely undignified. The President of the United States was sitting at a table just behind us, body guards off to the side, ready to jump in if the situation worsened. So many of the cities elite were watching the show, all aware that Aspen Reynolds ex, the Senator’s son, was decked by her date.
This night started out so perfectly. Had me believing in the possibility of something more for Hank and me. This spectacle just proved how different we were.
Out of nowhere, my father joined the group. He clasped Hank on the shoulder and I thought for sure he was going to escort him out. Instead, he jerked out his hand and gripped Hank’s in a firm handshake. “Hank, it seems I owe you again. Rumor was that jerk broke my baby girl’s heart some time ago by being unfaithful to her. I think you have honor and know how to treat a lady.”
“I’d never stray from Aspen, sir. You have my word.” Hank’s smile melted my heart a little. “I’m sorry about causing a scene at your party Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. I’d understand if you want me to leave.” God, Hank was such a kind and caring man. He was also possessive, ornery, reactionary and completely untamable. A life with him would include more occurrences like this.
“Are you kidding? I’d been hoping someone would shake up the party! Let’s have a drink together, son.” Son. My dad was falling for Hank’s charm and charisma. It was really hard not to. There was just something so special about him.
Hank turned around to me, his gaze searing mine. There was such sadness and apology in his now bright-green eyes that I physically couldn’t move, caught once again under his cowboy spell. His eyes also held adoration, fear that I was angry, and something else. Something I was not yet ready to even attempt to decipher. I couldn’t help but smile at his beautiful rugged face, a shadow of hair darkening the skin around his jaw.
“Angel?”
“Go, Hank. It’s okay. We’ll talk later.”
He pulled me against his chest and rested his forehead against mine. “Tell me we’re okay?” he whispered against my lips. Tears pooled at my eyes. I’d never had a man care so much, worry about what I was thinking and feeling.
I nodded against him and he kissed me in front of the entire party. It wasn’t a heated kiss at first, but it held so much promise. His hands twined into my hair, gripping me at the nape as he kissed me with more intent. I pulled away first, knowing that if I didn’t, we’d both be lost to the sensation. The two of us pressed together was a heady mixture that intoxicated us both beyond reason.
He stepped out of my arms and gestured to Oliver. “I like the hair down,” he said, with a sexy grit to his voice. I laughed out loud.
“I see that, Macho Man,” Oliver snapped with the slightest hint of mirth in his tone.
I looked over at my father, who had the biggest grin on his face I’d ever seen. He looked utterly thrilled. My mother looked like she’d eaten something raunchy. My inner bitch was hooting and hollering in the background, lifting a trophy above her head proudly.