Angel Falling (Falling #1)(62)

“So then, what’s your thoughts on having a family and bein’ a wife if you work so much?” My Pops was going to get a punch to the gut. Of course I’d pay dearly for it because he had a mean right hook and my mother alone would kill me for striking Dad, but the man was off his rocker.

Aspen was finally affected. I saw her jaw clench and back stiffen. She let go of my hand, took a sip of her lemonade and then I heard her suck in a steadying breath. Either she was going to let him have it or I was. “I haven’t been in the position to really think about it, Henry. I’d never been in a relationship with a man that wanted such things,” she looked up at me her teeth biting down on her lip.

“Until now,” I confirmed and looped my arm over her shoulders to sidle her in next to me.

She smiled. “Until now, yes.” She relaxed a little and I rubbed the back of her neck the way she liked. I could hear a subtle hum at the back of her throat. The sound made my wranglers a bit too tight exciting other parts of my body.

“I see. Well, then you better get to thinkin’ 'bout it then, 'cause I’m expecting some more grandbabies out of this lug,” Henry laughed. It eased the tension throughout the table but not in my girl. She was still stiff as a board. She’d been here only a couple hours and was already asked about her money, her career, and whether or not she was ready to settle down and be my wife and give my parents grandbabies.

The fact that she was still here was a testament to her strength and courage. Any other woman in her position would have hightailed it outta here already.

Jess and Ma brought out some cold beers for the guys and some type of fruity wine concoction for the women.

“What’s this?” Aspen asked.

“Spritzers,” Jess confirmed.

Aspen took a small sip and then nodded with a smile. Oliver grabbed her glass and took a sip. “Mmm, I want the bitch drink,” Oliver said and both Ma and Jess laughed.

Oliver set his beer in front of Dean. Dean’s arm came around Oliver then he nuzzled the side of his head and kissed his temple while listening to Heath go on and on about the cattle ranch.

“What the hell?” Pops said his intent clear on Dean and Oliver. The man was about to blow his top. His face was red and his chest puffed out to an intimidating degree.

I stood up quick, grabbed Old Man Henry’s arm. “Pops, I need a word. Now!”

“Boy, this better be good.” His tone a clear warning.

I took Old Man Henry to another room and explained that Dean and Oliver were in a committed relationship. He was shocked. He’d never met “the gays” before. He didn’t understand it. Wasn’t happy about it, neither, but finally agreed to keep his mouth shut. These were friends of mine and Aspen’s and guests in this house. He was to treat them with respect. I added the fact that Oliver had been making sure my recovery was top notch and that Dean enjoyed the NFL. At the table I’d bring up that Dean was a fireman. Pop would like that. Men’s work and all that shit.

It surprised me how quick I was to defend Oliver and Dean. The men had become true friends and I enjoyed their company and their place in my life. Of course, it was obvious that Aspen loved Oliver in a brotherly way and would never accept a man who didn’t accept him. So it didn’t matter. If I wanted the girl, I had to take the man, too. They were a package deal—as long as he didn’t hurt or try to f*ck my Angel, we were just fine.

Back at the patio, I found Aspen leaning on the ledge, looking out into the darkening sky. Lightening bugs flicked around in the distance, making a halo of light sparkle around her form. I was drawn to her. My body physically ached to be near her. I put my hands on her tiny waist and kissed the baby soft skin at the juncture of her neck.

“You wreck me with your beauty, Angel.” I bit at her neck then soothed it with my tongue.

She pushed into me and twined her fingers with mine around her waist. “I love it here, Hank.”

“I love you being here.”

I could feel her tense up and sigh. Something was eating at her, but she wasn’t sharing. I’d get it out of her when we were alone.

“Okay, you two, come on back. Dinner’s ready!” Ma hollered.

I swung her around and pinned her to the railing. My hands cupped each side of her face and tipped her chin up so I could gaze into her pretty blues. She smiled the instant our eyes met. I couldn’t help but lean down and kiss her. She was too much. Everything about her sucked me in and swallowed me whole. The tip of my tongue traced the seam of her lips and she gasped, allowing me entrance. I took it, sliding my tongue along hers. She tasted of cherries and wine. My new favorite flavor.


Our tongues tangled, lips pressed, and teeth nibbled until we both forgot where we were. I slid my hands down her sides to cup her heart-shaped fanny. She moaned and tipped her head to the side to delve deeper. Contentment spread through my veins as I kissed an angel.

Just as I was about to haul her legs up and around my waist, a voice broke through my lust-filled haze.

“Guys, you have an audience.” Dean spoke from behind my back.

I pulled away and looked over my shoulder. Aspen tucked her head into my chest and shook her head, clearly embarrassed. The entire table was silent, watching our lack of decency. I shrugged my shoulders.

“What can I say,” I laughed. “She’s frickin’ hot!” The entire table roared with laughter.