Angel Falling (Falling #1)(52)

His home, his ranch, his beautiful family were in Texas. Mine were here. Would he give it up to be with me in an undefined relationship? Could I for him? We hadn’t even shared how we felt about one another. How was I supposed to wrap my mind around my feelings for him when all I could think about now was that we only had a few short weeks left?

Instead of continuing to listen, I took a deep breath and entered the living room.

“Hey, Darlin’. Did you get a good nap in?” Hank clasped my hand and pulled me into his lap, not the seat on the couch next to him. I squealed like a little girl and tried to keep my dress from showing my lady bits. His skin was warm when he snuggled into my neck. I could feel the small prickly hairs that had grown on his chin as it abraded my skin. It didn’t hurt, quite the opposite actually.

“I did, thank you. Sorry I was out for so long.”

“You were tired,” his corresponding grin spoke volumes. He whispered in my ear, “Oh, Angel, the things I plan to do to you tonight ... ” he trailed off then placed a wet smack against my ear.

“Gross!” I cringed and wiped at the wet spot.

Hank and his mother both laughed at my expense.

“Get used to it, pretty girl. The Jensen men are notorious pranksters.”

“Duly noted.”

Hank hugged me to him. “We’re not that bad.”

“I’m going to leave you two for a bit and get supper started,” Julia said.

“Oh, no you don’t have to cook. Even though Gustav’s not here, we can go out or call in.”

“Now that the pesky fella isn’t here, I’m dyin’ to get into that kitchen. That see-through fridge alone is something right out of the movies! And a six-burner stove! Punky, can you imagine the meals I could’ve cooked with something like that when you boys were young?”

“Just leave her. This is fun for her. She’s a really great cook and I could use a home-cooked meal,” Hank said.

“What do you mean? You have one every night.” I made certain we spent more meals in than out because I knew how much Hank liked to eat in.

“Darlin’, you can’t really call that gourmet stuff Gusto cooks a home-cooked meal, could ya?”

“Yes, I could and I do. What do you call it?”

“It tastes like food you get at a restaurant. You’ll see after you’ve had Ma’s cooking.”

“Ma,” Hank screamed. “Whatcha’ cookin’?”

They continued to talk through the walls. The sound was deafening. Screaming at one another through walls did not happen in the Bright-Reynolds home. As in, ever.

“Your favorite!” Julia hollered back.

“Oh, my. You are in for a real treat, Angel. She’s ‘bout to blow your mind with her famous fried chicken and cornbread.” Hank was by far the most excited I’d seen him. Well, aside from when I was naked and splayed out for his enjoyment. It was funny to see that same excitement about a meal. As long as he was happy, my world seemed good.

***

“Oh God, oh … holy, mmmm,” Aspen moaned around a bite of fried chicken. Every bite she took she seemed to have a small orgasm. It was making me hard as steel and having trouble paying attention to anything else. All I wanted to do was throw her on top of the table and have my wicked way with her. If she kept up the foodgasms I just might, Ma be damned.


“Good, Angel?”

She smiled around a mouthful of food. She was shoveling it in like it was her last meal. I loved watching my Angel eat … really eat. She was always so finicky about how much she ate, what the calories, carbs and fat intake were. Then she would spend hours in the house gym if she felt she over did it. Couldn’t complain though, her body was right out of Sports Illustrated and I enjoyed every inch of it.

“Oh man, Julia. This is … I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like it. It’s literally the best chicken I’ve ever had. I’m not sure I’ve ever had fried chicken. You have to share this recipe with Gustav!” She plopped in a bite of cornbread.

“Nuh-uh! Nope. Ain’t gonna happen, pretty girl. You want my chicken you have to come to Texas to get it. Of course, you could move there and I’d promise to make it for you and Hank every week.”

Aspen’s eyes closed and she patted her mouth with her napkin. “Julia, I don’t think that’s a possibility at this time. My work … ” she sighed and it hurt to see my girl struggling. “My work is important. I employ tens of thousands of people and if I didn’t keep the company running the way it is, a lot of people would be out of work.”

“Holy smokes. You employ that many people? Hell, Hank, that’s a lot of families that could be hurt if our pretty girl picked up and left. I had no idea. Wow … ” Ma trailed off.

Aspen no longer looked interested in her food, just pushed the potatoes around her plate.

“No one’s asking you to leave, Angel.” Aspen’s gaze jumped up to meet mine. Hurt and pain swirled in those shimmery blue depths. “I mean, uh, shit … ” I didn’t know how to finish telling her. The situation seemed impossible.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she stood. “Thank you so much, Julia, for a lovely meal. The best I’ve ever had. I have some work to do in my study. Just leave the dishes. The maid will take care of it.” And then she was gone without a look back, a peck on the cheek, nothing. She was hurt and I had no idea how to fix it.