Angel Falling (Falling #1)(67)

“Guess he’s never seen a cow, eh?” I looked over at Aspen who was watching the scene play out and smiling wide.

“Nope. We’re city folk, Stud. Cows are not a regular occurrence on the streets of Manhattan.”

“Well I’d never believe it with my own eyes if I wasn’t seein’ it myself! Hank, Hank Jensen is that you?” I knew that voice. I’d heard that voice more times than I could ever forget. I turned around and spotted her. She certainly had aged over the past decade but the purdy girl that stole my heart back in the day was still there and standing right in front of me. Shit!

Before I could stop her she barreled over and had her arms around me squishing her large breasts against my chest. There was a time that it would have had an effect on me. Now was not that time. “Oh my God, Hank. You look … wow. You look real good,” she said and then hugged me even tighter.


A throat clearing from behind me had me yanking back. “Um, uh, Susie this is ah …”

“Aspen Reynolds. You are?”

“Susie Shoemaker.” The only two women I had ever loved shook hands. My own hands quaked as I downed my beer in one huge gulp. This was going to take some maneuvering. “And how do you know each other?” she asked.

I pulled my arm around Aspen. “We’re together,” I said proudly. The smile she had on her small lips faded. She pulled a hand up and twiddled with her blond curls. That was a signal she was uncomfortable. Some things didn’t change.

“I see. That’s great. You’ve got yourself quite a catch here,” Susie said to Aspen.

“That I know,” Aspen responded with a hint of sarcasm. She snuggled into my side. “Hank, looks like you need that beer refreshed. Shall we?”

I nodded dumbly. “Catch ya later, Susie,” I said stupidly as Aspen practically dragged me away from the surprised eyes of my ex.

“So, you dated her then?” she asked as we walked away.

“I did.” I wasn’t planning to offer much else in way of conversation.

“How long ago?” She was trying to sound sly, but I could tell she wasn’t happy. She had this little tic where she’d rub the ring she had on her right finger over and over when she wasn’t happy or was thinking intently. I saw her do it all the time. At this moment I wondered who gave her the damned ring. I wanted her doing that with a ring I gave her. Fuck! Those thoughts could not be pressed right now. I was in a shit storm and I needed to think fast.

“About a decade,” I confirmed. She visibly relaxed. Her shoulders sagged and her breath left her lungs in an audible whoosh. “How long were you together?”

“Long time, Angel. ‘Bout seven years, but that was in the past. She’s been married since then,” I added hoping that would help her mood.

Her gaze searched mine, but I looked away. I couldn’t handle an inquisition right now. Just seeing Susie brought up some serious shit I had locked away. The last time I saw her she was in a heap of tears, crying, begging me not to leave her. But I couldn’t stay, not after what she did.

“Hank.” Her hand came up to cup my cheek, a soft thumb skimmed across my cheekbone and I leaned in to her touch.

“Leave it, Darlin’. Let’s just enjoy the party, okay?” I grabbed her hand and physically hauled her toward Oliver and the cattle. He’d take her mind, and hopefully mine, off meeting my ex. We reached Oliver, who was happily feeding the few goats that had pushed their way through to get to the food he was dishing out. Aspen started to help and I turned around to take in the group, but my eyes scanned the yard and settled on Susie. Our eyes met from across the span of yard and I knew that we had unfinished business. I wasn’t going to sleep right until I’d closed that door forever.

“Darlin’, I’m going to check on Old Man Henry.” I kissed her cheek and she tilted toward me.

This was the kind of woman I wanted. One who crooned for my touch, the one I couldn’t do without. I turned her head and clamped my lips over hers. She let out a surprised little yelp, but jumped right in tangling her tongue with mine. The spritzer made her tongue cool and fruity. I ate her up, dipping my tongue in repeatedly for more tastes of heaven. She pulled away, wrenching her lips from mine. Breaking the contact was almost painful.

“Jesus, Hank. Keep it PG. There are kids here for crying out loud.” She pecked my lips and then pushed me away. “I’ve got some goats to feed. This is so cool!” Oh, no. It looked like she was caught by the Oliver bug. The two of them together were a sight. Dean came over and put his arms around Oliver. He leaned back into the large man.

“Having fun, are we?” He kissed the side of Oliver’s temple and tugged on Aspen’s hair. He’d watch my Angel. Even though he constantly joked that Aspen took him away from Oliver, I knew he loved her. I could tell when a man loved my woman, and he did. The same way I loved my brother’s wife Jess. I’d protect her from harm, make sure that everyone around knew that she wasn’t to be crossed. Basically, we were men who would protect our families. I knew that Aspen was as much Dean’s family as I was Jess’s. He was good people and I trusted him.

“Dean, these are real goats!” Oliver said in wonder. I had to get the little fella to the ranch more often. I made a pact with myself that when I moved to New York, we’d visit half a dozen times a year and we’d bring the little fella with us. He needed some roughin’ up.