Free Angel Falling by Audrey Carlan Page B

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