Indulgence

by Liz Crowe

  I knew what he was doing. For the past decade, it had always been us against the world. He needed me and couldn’t leave. Yesterday he was faced with the fear that he may have lost me.

  It was the first real brush with death either of us had experienced. We’d dealt with jealous and jilted lovers before, and the occasional death threat from companies I’d taken over in the past, but nothing so acute or specifically life-threatening as this. Had Hank not jumped in front me, that metal pipe would have gone straight through my heart.

  I traced the circular bruise just above my left breast. The purple and black area spread across my chest, covering about a three-to four-inch area. I was lucky the end of the pipe that pierced through Hank only left me with the bruise from a much smaller impact.

  “Does it hurt?” He broke the silence first. His eyes scanned my entire body, probably making sure there weren’t any other marks marring me. If it was anyone else, I’d have covered up. Ollie had seen me naked more times than my mother had. I stopped caring about modesty with him back in college when he started to dress me, then completely when we lived together until he’d gotten with Dean.

  “Yes. Not as much as it could have.” I took a healthy sip of wine, the berry and plum flavors rushed over my tongue and warmed my belly.

  “God, Aspen. I could have lost you.” Tears filled his big brown doe eyes.

  “But you didn’t. And you won’t.” I reached out a wet hand and clasped his. “We’re best friends. We’re in it for the long haul. It’s always been you and me, Ollie.” I smiled to reassure him.

  “It won’t always be that way. One day you’re going to meet a man, fall in love and have babies, and I’ll be a long-forgotten friend.” He was having a pity party for one and there wasn’t a lot I could do about it.

  “You’re right. One day I hope to find a man I can share my life and bed with.” My pointed look wasn’t lost on him.

  Had he not been gay, I still wouldn’t have been attracted to him. I liked tall, large men who were sure of themselves. Ollie was more like a female than a male, though I’d never tell him that. There wasn’t another man I could hold a platonic conversation with while lying completely exposed in a bathtub. My body wasn’t perfect but I worked hard to stay in shape. I’d been told I had a beautiful body by several men in the past. I spent countless hours in my home gym to ensure a fit form. Overall, my self-image was not one of my insecurities.

  “Just because I want to have a man in my life doesn’t mean I’m going to get rid of the one I already have. You’re my best friend, my only true friend. You know everything about me and love me anyway. No one could take your place.” I tipped my head over to force him to look at me. “Besides, who’s going to pick out my clothes and do my hair?”

  We both laughed and a bright smile broke across his face. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you.” Ah, so now we get to the real problem. He wanted to be my one and only savior.

  “I’m not, because that would mean that I could have lost you. That, I wouldn’t have survived.” Tears welled up but I tried not to let them fall. It had been a really emotional couple days. “I love you and all your pieces.”

  “Me too. All your pieces.” He stood up and clinked his glass with mine. Then he downed the wine in a couple gulps. I smiled. Waste not, want not. “I’m going to head home and cuddle up with Dean tonight. You okay?” He leaned down on one knee and brought his forehead to mine. He rubbed our foreheads together.

  “I am. Now go, Dean already hates me. Go home to him.”

  He nodded and headed to the door. “Oh, and Aspen?”

  “Yes?” I sighed and leaned my head back, forcing myself to relax and enjoy the water slipping around tense muscles.

  His gaze scanned my body from head to toe. “Your body has never looked better. Hank’s going to enjoy the hell out of it.”

  My jaw dropped open, eyes wide.

  He chuckled and called over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Princess!” And he was gone.

  Oliver was always full of surprises. As I sunk further into the heated depths, my thoughts ran back to Hank. My daytime hero. He was incredibly attractive. His rugged looks and hard body had me aching to touch him. Even though I’d only seen him naked from the waist up, my eyes took in the hard lines of his thighs under that thin blanket.

  Long legs had him well over six feet. Instead of a runners build like all the men I’d dated in the past, Hank was huge … everywhere. He had the power in his form to take me against a wall, and I’d gladly welcome it.

  Of course, this was all fantasy. Hank and I would never have sex. No, we were too different — worlds apart, in fact. Our lifestyles could never commingle harmoniously and having sex would complicate things. I’d never understand why I’d chosen to move him into my home to heal. It would definitely be an interesting experience.

  I left the bath to find Hank’s dog lying on the floor at the foot of my bed. I stared him down but he just smacked his chops and rested his head against his paws, eyes closing, readying for sleep. At least he was comfortable with the arrangement. I’d never had a dog, nor understood the need for one. Pulling the covers back, I fell into bed without bothering to put on pajamas or dry my hair. Mind, body, and soul were spent. Butch’s soft snoring lulled me to sleep.

  Chapter Three

  An annoying light flickered on and pulled me from the deep recess of an unmemorable dream. Even with my eyes closed something pierced through the inky blackness. One eyelid was forced up and the blinding light took out my vision like the flash of a camera lens. The offender proceeded to do the same to its twin.

  “Good morning, Mr. Jensen,” a gravelly voice greeted.

  My eyes adjusted to the room. A man in a white coat stood before me. Glasses perched on the tip of a bulbous nose. His bald head had wisps of hair protruding in different directions. His thick fingers poked and prodded at my wound, the bloody bandage lying on my stomach.

  The sight of the dried blood and sticky goo coated my mouth with a sourness that could easily have me puking my guts up. He pressed on a particularly painful spot and I couldn’t hold back the cry that tore from my lungs. At that exact moment my angel appeared through the door and ran to my side. Her cool hands grasped mine tightly, the vanilla goodness of her perfume swirled in the air as her sweet face screwed into worry lines.

  “Hank, I’m here, you’re alright.” The calm timbre of her voice held a twinge of irritation. I couldn’t focus on her as much as I’d like because the doctor before me dug into my wound like he was searching for gold. The pressure on the gaping hole resulted in bursts of stars fluttering through my vision.

  “Doctor, what’s going on? Why is he in so much pain?” My angel was feisty today. Kicking ass. I liked it.

  On autopilot, my hand reached to her side and settled on the swell of her tight ass. I gave it a little pat and her eyes flicked to mine; fire swirled in those smoky depths.

  “Angel, I’m fine. Just a tender spot. Ain’t nothin’ I can’t handle. Right, Doc?” It hurt but I wasn’t a wuss, and the last thing I wanted was for her to think I was.

  The doctor pushed his glasses back up his nose. “Yes, well he’d take it better if he would stop declining the pain medication.”

  Her left brow arched into a triangle and her lips turned down. “Hank? Why aren’t you taking the medication? You’re in pain. You just had major surgery two days ago.”

  Like I didn’t already know that.

  “Look, Darlin’, I’m good. Real good, now that I’m looking at your pretty face.” Yup, I was feeling mighty good today and to prove my point, I cupped the underside of her butt cheek and squeezed. Nice and tight. Just as I suspected. She started to moan then clamped her mouth shut. Just the solid weight of her presence gave me energy.

  Her reaction to my touch was more receptive than I expected. Yeah, I couldn’t wait to tap that ass. She was ripe, and I looked forward to riding this filly all night long. I’d tip her ass just right so I could see my coc
k slide in and out of her from behind. Pull her hair just enough so she’d know who was in charge. I just needed to get the hell out of Dodge and on more comfortable turf. I wanted to be alone with her. Aside from pinning her to the nearest bed, of which I wasn’t capable with this bum shoulder, I looked forward to getting to know her.

  Her hand gripped mine and forcibly pulled it off her ass. Her breath was labored and her face a rosy red, either from excitement or embarrassment since the doctor was right there.

  I didn’t care. The pain was manageable and nothing was going to stop me from touching her. “Soon, Angel,” I said.

  She gasped and her eyes closed and opened then locked onto mine. It was obvious that she was reading me, feeling out my intent. I wasn’t hiding it. I wanted her and she knew it. As I searched those crystal depths there was no denying she felt it, too. The desire was written across her face as if it were a big red X marking off the days of the week on a calendar. Even though I’d only technically known the woman for a couple days, I’d been dreaming about having her for weeks on end. Now that she was here, so close I could smell and touch her, I planned on making good on it.

  “So, Doc. When do I get to break out of this chicken coop?” I clasped my hand with Aspen’s and she looked away, a fresh rosy blush spread across her cheeks. She was going to be a challenge, but I liked challenges. She may even be someone I could very easily get used to seeing on a more personal basis.

  Christ, this woman had me tied in knots with desire. Now that my mind was clear of the drugs and I was on the mend, all I could think about was bending her over and having my way with her.

  The doctor applied some type of salve over the wound, completely oblivious to the tug and pull between Aspen and me. I gritted my teeth at the sting. It smelled like horse manure on a hot day.

  “Why the hell does it smell so rank?” I asked. Even the pretty girl standing next me had her nose scrunched up trying to avoid the smell.

  “It’s the salve. Don’t worry. The body is doing its job, ensuring no infection. Everything looks good in front. Lean forward.”

  Letting go of Aspen’s hand I adjusted and groaned in agony as the doctor worked on the exit wound. Okay, so pressure and quick movements still hurt like hell. Gripping the blankets in a tight fist, the pain shot through my chest in every direction. “Shit!” I growled though clenched teeth.

  Aspen’s hands smoothed over my other shoulder, caressing my bare skin. It acted like a balm, diminishing the agony considerably. I looked into her eyes. We quietly stared at one another, our faces so close I could feel her breath against my cheeks. She held me while the doctor finished the bandage change on the back of my shoulder. Her eyes were a vision. The blue and gray mingled together to create the most unusual color. This beautiful woman was going to be trouble with a capital T.

  The doctor moved to the end of the bed and wrote in my file.

  My angel took that opportunity to lean forward and place a baby soft kiss against my cheek. Adoration forced my eyes to close and enjoy the chaste sensation. Before she could pull away, I grabbed her around the nape with my good arm and pressed my lips to hers. She squeaked in surprise but didn’t pull away. Just the slightest pressure of her mouth on mine sent tingles running in all directions making me feel bold and needy for more. She gasped but I held the kiss for a moment longer, enjoying the feel of just that small bit of flesh melded to mine.

  As I pulled away her mouth chased mine, keeping us connected. I wanted to be connected to her forever.

  Everything ceased to exist in that moment. The beeping of machines controlling my meds, the doctor scribbling something on his clipboard, it was just me and my angel. I gripped the back of her neck and rubbed my lips against hers with more pressure than before, cementing her to me. As I opened my eyes she pulled away and sucked in a deep breath. Her fingers immediately flew to her face covering the proof of my kiss.

  “Thank you. That helped with the pain.” I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows to lighten the intensity of the moment.

  She blinked a couple times as if she didn’t know where she was, reminding me of a horse with blinders on. The feelin’ was mutual for sure. She straightened her suit, transitioning business Aspen back into place. Made me wonder if she’d ever truly relaxed.

  “Yes, uh, okay. So, you’re better then?” I nodded and she backed away from the bed. “Doctor, when can I take him home?”

  She backed into the chair and almost toppled over. Even in those stilt-like shoes she was able to right herself and still look in charge. She smiled as her cheeks pinked. If a bit more than a peck on the lips caused that reaction, I could only imagine what a full blown Hank Special kiss would do. She might even lose some of that professional resolve. I was looking forward to finding out.

  The doctor wrote a few things on the clipboard he held. “Tomorrow morning, as long as everything looks good. I’ll need him to come back Monday morning to make sure there’s still no infection. I’m prescribing some lighter pain medications you can take orally, Mr. Jensen. They won’t make you feel loopy but will take the edge off. You need to allow your body to heal naturally and you can’t do that if you’re fighting pain the entire time.” His voice was stern, unforgiving.

  “I understand. Thanks, Doc.”

  “I’m also going to prescribe a circulating cold therapy system. It will reduce the swelling and pain naturally. You’ll take the unit home with you and refill the ice as needed. Do thirty minutes on and a couple hours off, and then repeat the process. It will speed the healing time.”

  “Sounds good enough.”

  “I’ll make sure he gets one. If you could have a member of your team write down the make and model of the best on the market, I’ll have it delivered,” Aspen interrupted, phone in hand. “Wait.” Her voice was clipped, directed at the caller.

  The doctor’s eyes went to hers and smiled. I was about to decline her offer when she jutted out a flat hand in front of my face, stopping me in my tracks. It was surprisingly as effective on me as it had been on her assistant but for entirely different reasons. Her take-charge voice and demeanor had me and my dick paying attention. She was going to be such fun to break.

  “Doctor, anything — and I mean anything — that will help speed his recovery will be provided by me. The cost is of no consequence. Whatever you say he needs, we’ll take care of it.” She handed him her business card then barked orders into her phone. “Oliver, make sure you order whatever Hank’s doctor prescribes.” A few seconds ticked by as she waited. “Yes, any expense,” she said with finality then pressed a button and tossed the phone into her pocket.

  “Aspen Reynolds. You own AIR Bright Enterprises?” The doctor’s tone held reverence, his face set into a huge grin.

  “Yes, I’m the owner and CEO.” She moved over to her bag and pulled the long strap over her shoulder. Holy hell, she owned the skyscraper my company was adding onto. Did that mean she was my boss? Technically, I guess it must have. It never dawned on me that she had that kind of money. I had figured she was rich, but in order to own a company of that size, she had to be worth a lot of dough. As in billions. Wow. And she seemed so young, too.

  “You’re famous!” The doctor continued his adoration.

  “Hardly.”

  I watched the exchange, fascinated as she held her head high, back straight as an arrow. Professional Aspen was sexy, but I was sad to see my sweet angel had all but left the building. She’d be back. Her softer side intrigued me and seemed to pop up whenever she was touching me. I’d bet good money on the fact that not many were privy to that side of her. Made me a king among men knowing she let me in, at least a little. At some point, I’d have her in every way possible. Over the next eight weeks I planned on familiarizing myself with every facet of Aspen Reynolds.

  She headed to the door, bag held firm to her side. The woman was even prettier than a perfect sunset back at my ranch, and I’d been known to let a good hot dinner lose its heat just to see one of those glistening horizo
ns. She was wearing one of her usual black skirts, the ones that hugged every inch of her hips, thighs, and ass. What I wouldn’t give to run my hands up and down that skirt, scrunch it up to her waist, and take her right here. Damn, I had to get my mind out of the gutter or get this woman between the sheets. I couldn’t think straight when she was around.

  She turned and thanked the doctor. Her white blouse pulled at the corner, exposing a healthy view of the upper swell of her breast. A purplish black shadow appeared against her creamy skin.

  “Aspen, come here.” I squinted my eyes and tried to see more of the purple stain against her flesh.

  She adjusted her shirt self-consciously and walked over to the side of the bed as the doctor exited.

  “Put the bag down for a second.”

  She did. “What’s this about?” Her brows drew together.

  I pulled her closer and placed my hand around the fragile, softer-than-silk column of her neck.

  She took a deep breath but didn’t move my hand.

  Trailing the back of my knuckles down between the small pearly buttons of her shirt I could see the edges of the discolored skin that caught my attention moments ago. With my right hand, I skillfully unbuttoned the top button of her shirt.

  A deep inhale shook her small form and her body trembled under my fingertips. Her gaze held mine as my fingers traced the lacey edge of her undershirt and pulled the white satin aside to expose a huge, angry looking bruise. It was about four or five inches in diameter, larger than a softball.

  “Jesus Christ, Angel. You did get hurt.”

  “No, Hank. I’m fine. You … you’re the one who got hurt. This is nothing. Don’t you see … ”