Angel Falling (Falling #1)(44)
Even though I didn’t approve of Hank’s approach, Grant did have it coming. The things he’d said were vile. I’d only wished Hank was able to control himself at a social event. If we were going to consider being an official couple, he’d be attending countless charity events and galas. It was just part of my world.
Even as we spoke there were photographers quietly snapping pictures from a distance, their giant camera lenses pointed at Grant’s sprawled form. Hank didn’t understand what this would amount to. I’m certain that the second Grant came to, he’d contact his lawyers.
“Ollie, call Legal.”
He flipped out his phone and snapped some pictures of Grant lying on the ground. He then typed quickly into the keyboard and started talking. He’d take care of the repercussions, though it was going to cost me a pretty penny. There was no doubt Grant would want to make me pay.
“Jeez, Pen, if I knew you’d be this much fun at parties I’d have invited you to more of mine,” London laughed. Tripp gave her a dirty look but silently agreed with her by way of nodding.
Dean came over to me and pulled me into a hug. He spoke softly into my ear, “He means well, you know that right? He wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t been provoked and your honor at stake.” I closed my eyes and breathed in Dean’s sweet-smelling cologne. It matched Oliver’s. “Don’t break his heart, Pen. He’s more fragile than he looks.”
I pulled back and Dean’s eyes held no accusation, nothing in those pearly blues but concern. “You think I’m going to hurt him?”
“You’re easy to love. My Oliver is hopelessly in love with you.” I opened my mouth to object. “He is in love with you. He’d do anything for you, as would I by extension of his love. You’re just lucky I’m willing to share.” I nodded, realizing that this was by far the most honest Dean had ever been with his emotions and affections in all the years he’d been with Oliver.
“You know it’s not physical?” I started to assure him.
He tipped his head back and laughed, still holding me close. “Of course I know that. But love is love and I take Oliver’s love very seriously, and I know you do, too. So I’m warning you: That big lug is smitten. You better figure out soon what it is you want out of your time with him, or you may miss the boat.” My best friend’s boyfriend was giving me a love lecture. There was something oddly dysfunctional about that.
“I’m falling, too.” The words left my mouth so swiftly that I wasn’t sure I’d even said them.
“I know. Oh, honey, I know. You look at Hank the way I look at Oliver. It’s unmistakable. Only the two of you are blind to it.” He smiled and I hugged him tightly.
“Hey now! You trying to steal my girl?” Hank said from behind us. My father must have moved on to another group. Probably telling everyone at the party about how his daughter’s boyfriend decked a congressman’s son.
“Sharing is caring, Hank.” Dean’s mouth twitched but his face stayed serious.
“The hell it is. Didn’t you get a gander at the other fella that talked about my Angel? Want to join him?” He hooked a thumb behind his back for emphasis.
Dean couldn’t hold it in any longer. They both started to crack up. Hank brought over a beer for the man and a new glass of wine for me. It was startling how quickly these two men had bonded.
Just a moment ago I was getting the “watch out for Hank’s heart” lecture from my friend, a man Hank met only a few hours ago! I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. Nothing in my perfectly calculated and planned out world continued to add up. Everything was spinning out of control, specifically circling around a man well over six feet tall who controlled me and my lady parts with just the sound of his breath against the open skin of my neck.
My mother had Grant’s passed out body taken to one of the guest rooms. I was certain she’d have one of the many doctors in attendance look him over. The group settled back into an easy commentary after the spectacle though I didn’t participate.
So much of my life was out of whack. Ever since Hank entered, things have been off balance and messy. Though the last three weeks had most certainly not been predictable, I’d still never been happier.
It dawned on me that maybe I was trying too hard to keep every facet of my life the same. Trying to fit Hank into my everyday life was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Yes, Hank would have to adapt to my obligations with work and up his social grace, but it didn’t mean I wanted to change who he was. I adored him.
I looked over at Hank, a huge smile was plastered across his face. A five o’clock shadow just grazed the surface of his chin, making him look more rugged and handsome by the second. His green-brown eyes darted between my friends. I realized while watching him how perfectly he fit in with the only people in the world who actually mattered. He even was getting along more easily with Oliver, and it warmed my heart to see them joking with one another. Could I see myself with him in the long run? I didn’t know. We needed more time. Three weeks was hardly enough to determine what the future would hold.
Hank leaned back in his chair and laughed at the story London was telling about how her current clients wanted a stripper pole in their master bedroom. She was completely against it but had one put in because the wife was adamant. The first time the female client tried to use the pole she fell off and broke her wrist.