Indulgence

by Liz Crowe

  Hank shrugged and rolled his eyes. I placed a finger along the shelves and scanned some of the titles. A huge section was devoted to Grisham and Koontz novels but two shelves were filled with books on architecture and design. Hank hooked my elbow with his large hand. “Hey, you can check out my collection later. I want to get your bags settled and show you something.”

  We were led up the stairs. The first room was a guest bathroom decorated in garish flowers. They covered every available surface with wallpaper to match. Oliver and I looked at one another horrified. “Ma designed it. She thought it needed a woman’s touch.” I nodded but didn’t offer an opinion. Oliver kept his thoughts to himself as well. Dean didn’t seem fazed by it at all. The man was gay with an eye for hair and makeup but he definitely was not an effeminate male.

  “This is one of the guest rooms you fellas could stay in … unless you want two?” Hank hedged.

  Oliver looked at Hank like he’d grown horns. “You know we live together, right Cowboy?”

  Dean shoved Oliver in the shoulder. “Hank, thank you. One room will be just fine.” They entered the room.

  I could hear Dean scolding Oliver playfully. “Southern charm. Manners, Oleander. I can’t take you anywhere,” was the last thing I heard Dean say when they shut the door to get settled in.

  Hank and I both grinned at one another. “And this right here is our room.” It was the way he said our room that made me melt into his side. He opened the double doors to a large room. The space was bright with dark chocolate plantation shutters. The room was denim blue with white baseboards and crown molding.

  In the middle of the room sat a wooden mahogany four-poster bed. A polar opposite to my sleigh bed in the Penthouse back in New York. Each spindle of the bed had an ornate carving. The grooves set deep into the wood when I ran my fingers against them.

  “Beautiful bed,” I gasped.

  “My Grandfather made it. One of the last things he made before he passed several years back.” Hank’s tone was tinged with sadness but he smiled as I inspected the etchings more closely.

  “It’s lovely, Hank.”

  “I can’t wait to get you into it,” he smirked and I grinned.

  Off to the side of the room was a bathroom. An old fashioned claw foot tub sat next to an ultra-modern walk-in shower. The shower didn’t have any doors. It only had three tiled walls decorated with tiny little mosaic tiles in varying shades of crème and gold and a rain style shower-head dropped from the ceiling. I liked seeing something so antique as the tub proudly displayed along something so opulent and modern. It reminded me of Hank and me. He was old-fashioned and I was contemporary. And in this circumstance, it fit so well. Could that be possible in life and love too? The answer was still lost on me.

  “You ready to go downstairs? I want to show you something,” he reminded me.

  “Sure.” Though I looked over at the bed with longing, wishing we were going to have a romp then a nap after a long travel day.

  He caught onto what I was staring at. “Oh, Darlin’, I’m going to take you good and hard in that there bed tonight.” His lips descended on mine, his tongue entering my mouth swiftly. I groaned and rolled my tongue against his. We had been right next to one another all day but I still felt as though I missed him, clutching his broad chest to mine. Large hands cupped and massaged my bum, pressing his erection into my groin.

  “Hank …” I warned with a stiff press of my own hips.

  He grunted like an animal. “Alright, alright. Let’s go downstairs. I heard the truck roll up.” I looked at him, mouth pinched in concentration. “Means my brother and his family is here,” he said with excitement.

  Hank clasped my hand and pulled me down the other side of the stairs. You could get to the upstairs through the living room or coming down the backside which opened to the kitchen. The kitchen was a good size, again, not as large as mine but charming. It was a bright yellow with white distressed cabinets and twisted spurs for handles on each cupboard. Very shabby chic. He pulled open a set of French doors that opened onto a huge raised patio. Oh. My. God.

  I stood there with my mouth hanging wide open. I’d never seen anything like it.

  She stood there mouth agape gasping like a fish. I pulled my arms around her from behind and hugged her back against my chest. “So, what do you think?”

  “When can I move in?” she gasped and I laughed.

  “Oh, Angel. I told you, this is your home away from home.”

  “What does that mean to you, Hank?” she whispered as she took in the view of the entire ranch. I held her close and thought about it while looking out into the distance. The view is what sold the ranch for me. Green land spread out as far as the eye could see, dotted with trees and flowers galore. Rolling hills and a creek filled the landscape with texture. My red barn stood way off to one side not polluting or obstructing the view but adding to its beauty. A big “J” was painted in white at the peak of it.

  “Well, that means I want you with me wherever I am. Right now, home is here. When we’re in New York, home is the Penthouse.” It seemed such a simple idea but not knowing how she perceived us, it did dampen things a little. “Angel, don’t you know?”

  She turned to face me. Her blue eyes bouncing off the blue of the sky making them seem endless. “Know what, Hank?”

  “You’re it for me. I lo--” was cut off by my body being propelled forward. I knocked heads with Aspen briefly before I caught hold of the force that was pushing me into her. Two identical heads looked up at me all brown hair and big green eyes. Aspen and I both rubbed the spots on our foreheads where we collided. “You okay, Darlin’”

  She laughed. “Yeah, Stud. I’m fine. Who are these little rascals,” she patted both boys’ heads at the same time.

  “Uncle Hank, Uncle Hank! They both screamed in unison.” Their bright smiles a sight for sore eyes.

  I hefted them both up onto the crook of each arm. My wounded shoulder protested a little but not too much. They weren’t that heavy. “This here is Hunter, and this little guy is Holt,” I gestured to each boy.

  “Wow, you two are surely identical. It’s nice to meet you. Your Uncle Hank has told me all about you!” their eyes widened and without a second thought, they both jumped down to the ground and clasped Aspen’s legs in a hug. She gasped in surprise and then cuddled them against her small body. She looked damn fine with a couple of Jensen boys wrapped around her. Sent my imagination into a tailspin wondering what she’d look like with a couple of our own children clamoring for her attention.

  Holt looked at Hunter and they whispered something. “You’re purdy.” Again they said in unison. Then they turned to me, “Any presents for us?” they started to hop up and down and squeal with delight.

  I had forgotten to get the rug rats a gift. I looked up and bit my lip about to let them down cold. “Of course we have presents for the world’s best little boys,” Aspen chimed in. “And after we are all settled and dinner is served, you will be certain to have them.”

  My eyes sought hers. She winked and smiled. Shit. I was a goner. The woman was damned near perfect.

  “Holt, Hunter, where in God’s name are you!” a booming voice sounded through the open kitchen door.

  “Out here,” I yelled.

  My brother made his way out, tipping the large cowboy hat under the doorframe. He may have been my baby brother but he was taller than me by an inch, add the Stetson and he was a few inches taller. His long arms pulled me in for a hug slapping me on the back. I returned the hug, having missed my brother something awful.

  “Damn near scared the dickens out of Ma,” he scolded. “How’s the shoulder healin’ up anyhow?”

  “Good. Real good. Ain’t nothin’ to worry ‘bout. Sides’ my girl has been takin’ good care of me.”

  “So you’re the purdy little thing Ma’s been going on and on about. Come over here girl!” He yanked Aspen into a hug. Her startled surprise was priceless. My brother was probably the only man I’d
let manhandle my girl into a hug.

  “It’s good to meet you, Heath. Hank has said such nice things about you and your wife.”

  “You pay her to say that?” Heath hooked his thumb at Aspen.

  Jess entered the patio in a flowing skirt and tank top. Long dark hair blowing in the wind. Her tanned athletic body and matching chocolate brown eyes suited her just fine. My brother was a lucky man. Not as lucky as me but she was easy on the eyes. “Angel, this is Jess. Jess, this is Aspen.”

  “Pen, please. Everyone but Hank calls me Pen.”

  Everyone shook hands and then we settled in at the patio table. Ma was already in the kitchen. Before long she brought out fresh lemonade and cheese and crackers.

  “Jess, you’re really beautiful, have you ever thought about modeling?” Aspen asked my brother’s wife.

  “Oh no, no. You’re too kind. I’m just a country girl living the country life. Sides’ helping Heath run the family business is just fine. I get to be with the boys and participate in our livelihood.”

  “Well, if you ever change your mind, you have striking bone structure …” after a little while I started to tune out the conversation. The shit women talked about was dead boring sometimes.

  My dad finally made it over and another round of introductions were made. By this time the men had made it down from their room looking freshly showered and content.

  Aspen looked over at Oliver, a twinkle in her eye. The pipsqueak grinned from ear to ear. I knew what that meant. It meant I’d be burning those sheets in the guest room after they left. Aspen laughed and then pouted and shook her head. Oliver rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. The silent communication between them was much more interesting to watch. It was like they were having an entire conversation without ever having to open their mouths.

  “So Aspen, Ma here tells us that you’re stinkin’ rich,” Old man Henry said.

  My gaze swung over to his. “What the hell, Pops?”

  “Just makin’ conversation is all.” He took a pull from his Coors.

  “It’s okay, Hank.” Her hand patted mine then pulled it into her lap. “You know, I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today and yes, it’s paid off. It’s paid off very well in fact.”

  “I saw your name in a magazine at the local supermarket. Said somethin’ ‘bout you being on some list of real important people in the fashion and entertainment industry,” Jess added, eyes alight with admiration. I always did like that Jess.

  “Probably, true. Oliver could speak better to it since he plans and organizes all of my functions. I do photo shoots a couple of times a month for one magazine or another. Usually it’s talking about an upcoming model, or agent, a new film star that type of thing.” Aspen was answering without conceit or even malice, though I wanted to holler at Old Man Henry for starting such a conversation.

  “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 fuck 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 he
ad, 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.

  “Watch your mouth, son. Now stop manhandling the pretty little thing and get on over here. Your Momma damn near slaved over this meal!” Pops was in true man-of-the-house mode, even though it was my home.

  “You ready, Darlin’?” She nodded and I pulled her along the patio to her seat.

  Before she sat I clutched her to me, dipped her body back, and held her gaze, my intent clear as day. “One more for the road!” I said then kissed the shit out of her, making a big deal out of it in front of my whole family and our friends. She gripped my biceps and dug her nails in. In no time she relaxed into my embrace and kissed me back.

  I hauled her back up and pulled out her chair and physically put her in it. The table was full of smiling faces.

  “Caveman!” she spat, but her voice held nothing but joy. I knew it was the right thing to do. It took the embarrassment away from her and put it onto me.

  Soon everyone was enjoying the pork chops, mashed potatoes, and corn Ma had whipped up. Oliver and Dean both cleared their plates and Aspen did that humming foodgasm thing again. My dick was so hard by the end of the meal that I knew one touch of her pale hand would set me off. After dinner, Aspen followed the women into the kitchen to clean up.

  “She’s mighty fine, bro.” Heath tipped his chin at the window where we could see the three women cleaning up after the meal. “You’re a goner, aren’t cha?”

  I nodded. “Yup. The damn girl but ruined me.” Pops, Oliver, and Dean listened, but didn’t butt in.