Angel Falling (Falling #1)(59)
The past two weeks with Hank had been right out of a fairytale. He was attentive emotionally and physically. We shared a living space as if we’d always lived together. It was relatively easy. Even Butch and his sloppy morning wakeup kisses were becoming the norm, something I now attributed to the comfort of being home.
Thinking about Hank and being at home with him was very dangerous territory—eventually he would go back to Texas. Pushing the thoughts from my mind, I filled my suitcase full of a few of the items Ollie had purchased and a few more things that were more my taste.
Oliver cringed as I placed dress slacks into the suitcase. “Seriously, Pen? When are you going to wear those?”
“I have no idea, but I want to be prepared just in case. I didn’t get to where I am today by second-guessing myself. Now please, grab a silk blouse and a blazer to go with the trousers.”
“Fine,” he huffed.
Together we knocked out my packing in record time, which was a good thing since we’d waited until the last minute to get started.
Hank rushed into the bedroom, his mother hot on his heels. “You ready, Angel?” He smiled when he saw my suitcase zipped up tight and ready to be hauled off. He pulled me against him and laid a wet kiss on my lips. “I can’t wait to get you home.” His accompanying smile was beautiful, but added to the pit that was building in my stomach. Home for Hank was his ranch, not the penthouse.
I sucked in a deep breath, locking my fears away. “Me, too.” It was only a small lie but Hank’s eyes searched mine. The man could read me too well. “Really, let’s go.“
Hank’s gaze held mine for a moment then he grabbed my luggage with his good arm and we were off. Julia about had a heart attack when she realized we were taking a private jet. She hopped from foot to foot with excitement as the plane sat on the tarmac.
“Oh, Punky, isn’t this great!” Her hands were clasped together in front of her chest. Excitement buzzed in the air around her as she stared at my jet. AIR Bright Enterprises firmly emblazoned on the tail of the plane.
Hank and I both smiled. The stewards secured all of our bags from the limo and we loaded the plane.
“Welcome aboard Ms. Reynolds. It’s lovely to see you again.” The captain kissed my cheek. Hank’s arm came around my waist and he tugged me to his side. Caveman.
“Hank, this is Captain Kirk.”
Hank’s eyes widened and he started laughing and slapped at his knee. “Captain Kirk? For real?”
“What’s the matter with you? Yes, this is our Captain.”
The Captain just stood there, a knowing smile on his thin lips. He had graying hair but was all together nice enough to look at. Had to be in his early forties. Hank slowly calmed down enough to shake the man’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Partner, but I wasn’t expecting that.”
“I don’t get it? What’s so funny?” I looked between the two men. Captain Kirk just shook his head. Hank tried to control his sniggering.
“Oh Darlin’, don’t tell me you’ve never seen Star Trek?”
“Uh, no. Is this a movie or something?”
“It’s a very popular TV show then later there were movies. Anyhoo, it’s good to meet ya Captain. Sorry about that.”
“It’s quite alright, Hank. It happens a lot.” Mr. Kirk was being gracious and kind. I on the other hand was still a little peeved at Hank’s lack of consideration.
Several hours and a catnap later, we landed in Texas. We all hustled into the limo for the two hour drive to Hank’s ranch. As the limo sped down the freeway the view turned from concrete and cinderblock to serene rolling green landscapes. The road changed from pristine asphalt to chunky unattended roads with potholes, right down to pure dirt and gravel. Hank refused to leave Butch with Gustav. Was convinced he’d be too lonely so we brought him with.
Butch happily enjoyed biting at the wind, head stuck completely out the window, jowls flapping. Eventually the limo turned off the dirt road and made its way through a tree lined smaller path. At the end was a circular gravel driveway with a large, two story house. It was painted white with horizontal wooden slats across its face. Dark blue shutters hugged each window’s side. There was an enticing wraparound porch that faced a wide expanse of luscious green land.
Butch practically jumped out the window in his haste to leave the car. Once we opened the door he shot off like an arrow, his target a gaggle of geese in the distance. Hank laughed as we exited. The air around us smelled fresh with a hint of spring flowers. I heard a babbling brook or creek not far in the distance. It was incredible and I stared in wonder at the large ranch home.
“Hank … this is, wow. It’s stunning.”
He pulled his hands around my waist from behind and snuggled his chin into the crook of my neck. “Welcome to your home away from home, Angel. Come. I want to show you around.”
He led me up the wooden stairs that creaked upon receiving our weight. Everyone followed us up the steps and into the home. The inside was dark and Hank’s Mother rushed over to open the curtains letting in the light.
“I asked that boy to come over and open them windows to let some air run through. Must’ve forgot.” Julia shook her head and pulled open the windows letting the summer breeze snake through the room.
It was a large living room with old furniture and throw blankets everywhere. One wall was packed floor to ceiling with bookcases. I was surprised to see so many books gracing the shelves. I knew Hank liked to read by the amount of paperbacks he had stacked on dresser in the spare room back home. This though was half a room filled with different colored spines of books that looked to be well-loved. Julia followed where I was looking. “My Hank here loves to read. Used to want to be a writer. He wrote the best detective novels as a youngster.”