“This isn’t getting the packing done,” he said after about half an hour.
“No, but I’ve enjoyed hearing you play. Did you ever think about doing this professionally?”
“Yeah, but that makes it too much like work. I use my music to relax and mellow out. Some folks drink, others do drugs, I play guitar.”
“I approve. I suppose we should get a little more packing done before going back to Mom and Dad’s.”
“Yes, we should. I can’t keep taking you to bed.”
“It’s a fun way to spend our time, but we do have a job to do.”
“Then let’s go do some packing and earn our recreation time.”
Hana laughed at this suggestion. “Did your mom ever tell you to eat your meal so you could have dessert?”
“Oh, all the time! When I spent my first night in my own place, I made myself a peanut butter sandwich and a huge banana split. I gobbled up the sandwich and nearly made myself sick on the banana split. Actually, I had two.”
“Mom wouldn’t approve.”
“Nope. But once in awhile, a man’s got to indulge an addiction. And I love eating banana splits.” He nuzzled her neck. “There’s something else I like eating…. Reckon I need to earn it, though.”
Hana sighed, loving the feel of his lips on her skin. “Yes….”
Jasper chuckled. “Yes, we need to earn it? Or yes….”
Her lips on his answered that question. They didn’t bother going downstairs, but made love on the thick pile carpet in the attic. They did get more packing done, but spent more time in bed afterward, enjoying their new relationship to the fullest.
Their time in Texas was spent between Aunt Enid’s home and Hana’s parents’ house. They took a few days trips with her siblings and cousins. Jasper got his game of golf in with Wayne David and Tick. He and David took on Wayne and Tick, beating them soundly.
The girls, along with Joan, went for a spa day. They had a good time together, despite the fact that Hana’s sisters were snobs.
For fun, Hana invited her mother out for a day of shopping. They found pretty things to decorate the house in New Mexico. These went into the boxes that they were shipping. Once those were all done up, Hana called the service and sent the whole lot to New Mexico.
Hana woke one morning and realized that nearly a month had passed since she and Jasper had flown to Texas. She’d spoken with Aunt Enid every day, loving the fact that she sounded stronger each time, but she heard the longing in the older lady’s voice. It was then that she and Jasper decided to head back home and get settled.
David decided to join them on their return trip. Hana’s father drove them to the airport, with her mother riding shotgun.
“You’ll call when you get to Dallas?”
“Yes, Mom,” David assured her.
“And when you get to Albuquerque?”
“Yes, Mom,” Hana added.
“And I’ll make sure they call when we get to the ranch,” Jasper said before she could ask.
With hugs all around, they gathered their belongings and headed to the check in. Hana looked around and noticed that a lot of people, particularly women, were staring at them. Somewhat taken aback, she tried to hide between the men, making herself small.
One group of women were clustered around one lady, pointing to something in her hands, before pointing to Hana and Jasper. They straggled over, smiling. Jasper moved Hana behind him protectively, stepping forward.
“May I help you ladies?”
“You’re Tack Mosely!” the one in front said, holding out a book. “And Miss Maisey!”
Jasper took the book from her, staring at the cover. There, in full color, was a picture of the two of them. It was the final pose, with his face practically in her cleavage. Despite being in profile, there was no mistaking Jasper’s strongly chiseled features. Hana was a little more difficult to pick out, but seeing them together would certainly clue the ladies in.
“You are, right? That’s you on the cover?”
Jasper stood up straighter, grinning. “Yes, ma’am. You got a good eye. Did you like the book?”
“Oh, yes! It was very steamy! You didn’t write it, did you?” the same woman asked.
“No, ma’am, we’re just on the cover.”
“Would you sign it for me?”
Jasper glanced at Hana. “Sure, ma’am. Got a pen?”
She did. She handed it over as Jasper opened the cover.
“What would you like?”
“All my Lovin’, Tack Mosley.”
“And from Miss Maisey?”
“I give it all to you, Miss Maisey.”
©2022 Dellani Oakes
Dellani Oakes 