Indulgence (31 page)

“Well, my father is William Reynolds. My mother is Vivian
Bright-Reynolds.”

“Why would she hyphenate her name?”

“Because she comes from a very well-to-do family. It’s
customary in our circles. My name is hyphenated, too. Technically, I’m Aspen
Isabel Bright-Reynolds. My mother insisted on all of her children having her
maiden name included on their birth certificates.”

“Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Will you
change it when you get married or will you have five names?” Seemed ridiculous
to have so many names.

“I don’t know. Depends on the marriage.” She tapped her
fingers on my chest. “Then I have my baby sister, London, who’s an interior
designer and my older brother, Rio, who’s huge in real estate.”

“Aspen, London, and Rio?”

She smiled and nodded. “My parents named us each after the
place they were vacationing at when they found out they were pregnant. It’s
actually the only sweet story I know about their love. They’ve never been the
happiest couple.” She seemed to burrow in closer when she spoke of her family.

I tightened my grip on her small form. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been very fortunate. Never wanted for
anything growing up. Went to the best schools. I used my trust fund to start my
company, and now I’m bigger in business than they ever dreamed.”

I cupped her shoulder and squeezed her tighter. Being with
her like this was comfortable. Easy. It had been a long time since I felt such
ease holding a woman. She sighed and nuzzled her nose into my chest. The
movement sent tingles rushing through my body and the deep wall around my heart
started to crack and shake, small starbursts of light peeked through the
crumbling foundation. “They must be very proud of you.”

“Not really.”

“Why not? Your company is doing well. You’ve made a name for
yourself. And you’re drop-dead gorgeous.” I patted then squeezed her fanny for
emphasis.

“Hank!” She laughed but didn’t remove my hand. “No, it’s
just--they didn’t want me to be as successful as I am. They wanted me to marry
someone successful, have perfect little high society brats, and attend charity
functions with Mother.”

I cringed and my lips twisted into a snarl.

“Exactly!”

“Our parents always have one idea or another for us but we
rarely go that route. Take me for example. Old Man Henry wanted both his boys
to take over the business. Technically, I own fifty percent of it, but instead,
I opened up Jensen Construction. I’d rather spend my time building new things
than herding and selling cattle.”

“So what did your dad say?”

“He was honest, Darlin’. Told me he was disappointed, but
respected my decision to go after my dream, not his.”

“Sounds like a great guy, your dad.”

“The best.” My dad was the best around. He worked hard for
his family and rightly deserved the retirement he now enjoyed. A little old-fashioned
but so was any good Southern man at his age and station in life.

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” she smiled coyly. Her hand
rubbed along my bare chest, “there’s only one guy sitting on a pedestal for me
right now.” She planted a kiss against my peck. She flicked her tongue against
the nipple and bit down on the tender nub. The pleasure-pain went straight to
my shaft. I groaned loud.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help myself. You’re so … so, I don’t
know. I just, I want you.” First time I’d ever heard her struggle to speak and
it was music to my ears. Knowing that she was just as affected by my presence
as I was with hers, made me ache to have her.

“The feelin’ is mutual, Angel. There’s nothin’ I want more
than to hear you scream out my name when you come, but this is not the place.
Once I have you naked, there’ll be no turning back and I’ll need a bed and a
full night to do it right.” I lifted her chin with one finger and planted a
quick kiss on her lips. “Now you need to go home and get some rest. You have a
man moving in tomorrow.” I winked and her corresponding smile melted my heart.

“Wake up, Princess.” Oliver’s sing-song voice broke through
the haze of sleep. “We have to go save your prince from the evils of public
healthcare and bring him back to the castle. I’ll be in your closet picking out
your clothes. You have ten minutes!”

I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. Oliver had
always been a morning person. I wasn’t. On top of that, the combination of lack
of sleep and sexual frustration had taken its toll. I’d never been swept away
with lust before. Did I like sex? Yes. Who didn’t? Did I need it? On occasion,
sure. With Hank, my skin was literally leaping off my body to be next to the
man. It seemed as if the only thing that would take the edge off was having his
big body pressing me into the closest mattress. Preferably soon.

Needing someone for anything was new to me. I’d worked my
ass off to make sure the only person I needed was the face in the mirror.
Oliver and my sister were the only real human ties I had or cared about. I
valued the people I worked with and the individuals I employed but never let
them get too close. People who claimed to be my friends came and went. Hell,
even my own mother and brother I could do without, most days. Sounded harsh,
but my mother saw me as a disappointment and my brother saw me as a challenge.

Even with all my success I’d never been able to fit into my
parents perfect high society mold. I played the part well enough. Went to the
functions, knew which fork went with what food, dressed appropriately. Yet, I
still never fit in. The only place I’d ever been comfortable was at the head of
a conference room table, planning, organizing and delegating. Being in control
of my life and my company was top priority.

And therein lay the problem with Hank. He made me feel
things I’d never felt. Want to do things I wouldn’t normally do. He brought out
a reckless side that was unfamiliar, somewhat dangerous. For the first time in
my life I was nervous, uncertain about my footing. Walking into uncharted
territory willingly.

“Up and at ‘em!” Oliver cooed. He ripped the blanket off my
body and tossed it to the floor leaving me bare-assed naked. Before I had the
chance to complain he had me up and out of bed and into the bathroom. “Now make
yourself pretty for our cowboy.” His grin was loaded with excitement. He
practically hopped from foot to foot.

“Our cowboy? I wonder how Hank would feel about a gay man
sizing him up?”

“Don’t know, don’t care. He’s as much mine as he is yours.”
He grabbed a towel from the linen closet. “What’s yours is mine and what’s mine
is mine, too!” He was in a saucy mood this morning.

Butch, Hank’s dog entered the bathroom and walked over to
the toilet. I’d forgotten he was here until he leaned over the bowl and
proceeded to take messy slurps. Water sloshed all over the lid. Oliver and I
watched the dog with matching horrified expressions. After two days of being
around Butch, nothing surprised me about the animal. He’d already pissed off
Gustav by digging in the trash and spreading it through the kitchen. Gustav
asked me to board the dog or he’d quit. I gave him a raise and told him to deal
with the mutt.

“You know, I read an article somewhere that dogs don’t
understand why their owners won’t let them drink out of the toilet because to
them it’s like a big margarita bowl!” He tipped his head to the side as he
watched the dog drink his cocktail.

“That’s just sick. Now get out and tell Gustav that I’d like
a cappuccino to go for me and one for Hank. I’d also like half a bagel with
cream cheese, please. Oh, and make sure he feeds Butch.”

“Yes, Princess. Your wish is my command.” He headed toward
the door as I stepped into the shower.

“No, my wish is your job. One you get paid damn well for!” I
yelled over the water cascading down my back. “And take the dog with you!” The
hot water soothed my aching muscles. I heard Oliver fighting with Butch just
outside the room. He didn’t care for Oliver. Though he seemed to be fine with
me as long as I gave him a good petting before bed and again when I got home.
I’d actually started to take a liking to the mangy animal. He was sweet in a
slobbery and hairy way.

I finished my shower and threw on the matching black lace
bra, underwear and stockings Oliver had left on the bed. Glancing in the
freestanding mirror I inspected my form. I worked hard to stay in shape. My
legs, arms and abs were all toned, belly flat. I was proud of the defined
indent in my biceps. Nothing too bulky, but strong and feminine at the same
time. My breasts were large but perky for their size.

I turned around to view my backside relishing in the fact
that my bum was tight and firm. It was my sexiest feature and the panties with
the scalloped trimmed edge were doing wonders for my confidence. If Hank did
end up seeing me in this, I think he’d be pleased.

I slipped on a royal blue dress that hugged every curve. It
was plain in the front with a scoop neck and fitted bodice. The back had an
exposed zipper encased in leather running down the entire seam. Oliver called
it the “business in the front, party in the back” dress.

As I put my makeup on, Oliver came in and gestured for me to
sit in the vanity chair. He twisted my hair into a complex system of knots and
swirls, every so often adding a bobby pin to hold a piece in place. The man was
a sheer genius at styling me. He knew exactly what looked good, knew my sizes
to perfection, and was able to create an updo masterpiece.

He put one last bobby pin in place and handed me a mirror.
“There, perfect.”

“Looks great, as usual. You constantly amaze me.”

His return smile was huge spreading across crisp flawless
skin. Oliver was good-looking in a pretty boy way. “Thank you. Now what are we
going to do about the cowboy? I’ve fixed up the spare room, put away all of his
clothes, and set up his toiletries in the bathroom. For a man planning on
staying for two more months, he doesn’t have a lot with him.” His eyes
scrunched up thoughtfully, thin lips pinched together in thought.

“Well, he’s a man.”

“So am I, and I would have traveled with five times as much
as he has. It didn’t even fill the closet or drawers.” His expression was
shocked, bordering on horrified. “I think I’m going to have to get him a few
things. He has one button-up long-sleeved shirt, one tie, and one blazer.
That’s it!”

I smiled and thought about how manly Hank was. He didn’t
worry about clothing or dressing to the nines. Frankly, I couldn’t care less.
The less clothes he wore the better, in my book.

“So buy him more clothing if it makes you feel better. Maybe
take him shopping when he’s up to it.”

Oliver’s eyes lit up like the sun peeking through on a
cloudy day to spread its rays of light in every direction. He clasped his hands
together and spun around on one toe in a perfect circle. “Oh, my very own
personal man doll.” His shoulders squeezed together in excitement.

“Not something you want to say to Hank. He’s liable to punch
you in the face for suggesting you want to play Barbies using him as your
personal Ken doll.” I tried to hide my grin.

His eyes went wide, nostrils flared. “You think he’d punch
me in the face? Seriously?”

“Um, No.” My laugh sounded loud echoing off the bathroom
walls. “Now let’s go. I need to get him settled and then head to AIR for a
meeting this afternoon.”

We made it to the hospital in record time. I tried to ignore
the butterflies in my belly and the jackhammering of my heart. The moment I
opened the door to Hank’s room all the nerves dissipated. He stood at the
hospital mirror combing his dark hair, dressed in a pair of low hanging sweats
that accentuated his lean hips and firm, muscular thighs.

From the back his white t-shirt stretched across a chest
wide enough to be a professional football player’s. The bandaged shoulder and
left arm were held to his chest in a blue sling. Beautiful honeyed green eyes
caught mine in the reflection in the mirror. His face split into a wide grin
showing white, even teeth. He was cleanly shaven and his hair damp as he
slicked the pieces back.

“Mornin’, Angel.”

“Morning, Stud. You ready to break out of here?”

He turned around and smiled. “I reckon’ there’s just one
thing I need before we jet out.”

He didn’t have much with him. I looked around the room for
anything that seemed out of place. In a few strides he stood in front of me
large and looming. He palmed the back of my neck, and dug his fingers into my
hairline. In seconds his lips devoured mine.

My hands went around his form cautiously, mindful of his
wounded side. Slick strands wet my fingers as I gripped his hair, bringing his
face to mine in the process. A growl emanated from his throat as he nipped and
tugged at my lips. Liquid heat boiled at the surface between my thighs.

I heard the door open and close behind us. “Holy shit, down
cowboy!” Oliver chastised.

Hank pulled away and petted my cheek with his thumb. “I like
your dress.” The comment held a gentleness I hadn’t expected from such a
hulking man. He seemed more the caveman type. One who would grip a woman by the
hair, drag her off to his cave, and have his wicked way with her.

The care with which Hank held me close made me feel
cherished, special in a way I wasn’t used to. It was obvious in how he looked
at me as if I was the only woman in the world. The gentle way he caressed my
face proved that he was affected by me. Thank God I wasn’t the only one whose
world was tipping on its axis.

He kissed my lips briefly once more and looked over at
Oliver. He gave Oliver a pointed look. “When a man is kissing his woman, it
would be best if you didn’t interrupt.”

His woman.
Oh boy.

Along the ride to her house, I chastised myself for being so
forward and sticking my foot in my mouth. Calling her my woman could have gone
to the shitter. Real quick like. It was as if I’d forgotten to apply a filter.
I feared I may have played my hand with her too soon. Never a good idea to go
for broke when you’re not sure your opponent is ready to fold.