by Deb Julienne
A crimson bloom covered Hazel’s cheeks. She covered her mouth to hide a tittering of laughter. “I’m afraid to ask, but what did she do for George?” Hazel pointed at Angel as she eyed her head to toe.
“It wasn’t what she did as much as how she did it.” Mitzi removed her coat and draped it across the counter then set her purse on top. “I told her some of the issues me and George had and she suggested products and things to do together. George is so much happier now that we have a sex life again. The old coot had convinced himself death was right around the corner. He’d planted his butt in his easy chair and wait for Ol’ Saint Pete to come get him. Once we started to enjoy ourselves again, he forgot about death and started living.”
“And you should see my Jasper. He’s not a crotchety old geezer anymore. He and George started playing Ping-Pong again and now they’re even cracking dirty jokes. It’s so nice to have my husband back.” Vera beamed with pride.
The grins on Mitzi and Vera’s faces more than made up for the minor effort she had gone through to help the women.
“I still don’t see how she helped.” Hazel frowned, still eyeing her escape route.
Hands on her hips, Mitzi said with a slightly exasperated tone, “Did you or did you not say that Richard was acting depressed and you were concerned?”
“Yes.” Hazel pulled her cardigan tighter.
“Well, so were our husbands. We sold our house and moved to the home claiming it was better for us, less yard work, less stress. We were lying to ourselves. Our kids ignored us. We never got to visit with the grandkids. George aged overnight. Hurt and angry, he’d lost his spark.” Mitzi’s eyes shimmered as they filled with unshed tears. She reached into her purse and took out a lace handkerchief. She dabbed her eyes, blew her nose then slipped it into the sleeve of her sweater.
Travis came back and stood near the women, head cocked, observing them.
“Jasper was the same way. He sat in front of the boob tube ready to die, damn his hide.” Vera bared her teeth. Her cheeks reddened. “I was so angry that our kids didn’t get it. I was mad at Jasper for giving up so easily. It was ruining our lives.
Mitzi blinked. “Angel’s the one who made us admit our husbands didn’t feel useful and manly, turning so cantankerous we didn’t want to be around them. And we were just as bad.” Mitzi hugged Angel. “She suggested we offer to share a bath, give a back rub, and in my case offer to play poker with the boys. I used to be pretty good.” Mitzi winked. “Instead, I challenged George to a private game of strip poker and the rest is history. George never could pass up a good challenge. What a sucker.” Laughing, she smacked Travis’s arm.
“Strip poker is out,” Hazel said. “I’m no good at cards, but a bath together sounds rather nice.” Hazel blushed and her hands twitched, but she stood a little taller.
Vera said, “Angel, show Hazel those bath salts you gave me the first time.”
As Angel made her way to the aisle with the bath salts, she felt Travis’s eyes on her. Why hadn’t he left? She’d seen the way he’d scanned the shop when he’d entered. Rather than staying by the door as she’d moved down the aisle to the bath salts, he’d moved closer still, listening attentively.
Angel selected the Tropical Getaway bath salts. “Give this a try, Hazel. It has a very nice fragrance, not overpowering. Fill your tub and once you’re in and covered with bubbles, call Richard into the bathroom. Believe me, when he gets close and smells the gardenia and Hawaiian ginger scent he’ll be putty in your hands. Ask him to join you. Offer to scrub his back. You won’t need any other help, I promise.” Angel patted Hazel’s hand and winked.
“Oh. I don’t know if I could.” Hazel batted her eyes coquettishly.
“What have you got to lose?” Mitzi said. “Do you want him moping around, complaining about his arthritis or bellyaching because he has no energy to do anything?”
Vera put her arm around Hazel. “We wouldn’t steer you wrong, Hazel. Why do you think we encouraged you to come today? You’re hurting every bit as much as we were. Richard is, too. If it weren’t for Angel’s suggestions, I’d probably be in an exclusive relationship with my vibrator. And believe me, Jasper is more fun than any old vibrator.”
Travis sucked in a breath and began coughing.
“Easy there, big boy,” Mitzi said. She reached over and slapped Travis on the back.
If it wasn’t for the irony of the entire situation, Angel would have laughed out loud. Seeing the oh-so-calm-and-reserved Travis gasping for air and totally uncomfortable did her good. Now maybe he’d leave.
But he didn’t.
“Okay, sonny-boy, we need a man’s point of view,” Mitzi said. “Help us convince Hazel here that sometimes a woman has to outthink her man.”
“Really, ladies, he’s leaving,” she said.
“Phooey. If he was leaving he’d have left long ago. Since he didn’t escape while he had the chance, he’s ours.” Mitzi ribbed Vera.
“Yeah, sucks to be him.” Vera laughed with a bluster befitting a great dirty joke.
“Uh…I…I don’t see how I can help you ladies.” Travis tucked a finger into his collar.
“Well, for starters, tell us what you think of Angel’s store.”
Angel was all ears. She needed to hear his answer.
He straightened, eyeballed the room then strolled through the store. A slow smile grew. He lingered over several products, nodded then moved to the clothes.
Not what she’d expected. Quite honestly, she’d figured him to run as fast as she had.
He fingered some of the lingerie and beamed. “Nice.”
“That’s all you have to say?” Mitzi asked.
“Come on, think about it. This ain’t no porno palace. It’s just plain smart. Angel has classy stuff. Are you going to tell me you’re not imagining our Angel in any one of those slinky numbers?” Vera added.
“The intimate apparel is very nice, no argument. But I prefer to think of Angel in something a bit…ah…sweeter,” he said with a lecherous smile and a wink at her.
How dare he? Yet the intensity in his eyes, the smoldering glances roaming up and down her body left no question about it. He was remembering how she’d covered him in hot fudge and whipped cream.
He licked his lips then let out a gust of air.
She licked her lips, hoping for a lingering taste of him on her tongue again.
“I-I think we walked in on something, ladies. Time to leave.” Mitzi tapped Vera on the arm and gave her a wink.
“Don’t you dare.” Angel put her arms out to stop them. “If anyone is going to leave, it’s Travis.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Not yet.” He leaned against the counter, and his gaze drifted down her chest.
Her nipples pulsed at the memory of his mouth on her. She crossed her arms to cover any telltale signs.
Travis’s grin grew.
She looked down. She’d only made the results more prominent.
Turning away she said, “Hazel, does Richard have any health issues we should be concerned about?”
“No, he’s healthy as a horse—just very sad.” Hazel twisted her wedding rings.
“As men age, some can’t handle that their body doesn’t work the way it used to. It’s usually due to depleted testosterone, health issues, lack of physical activity, and poor diet, which can wreak havoc on their libido.” Angel spoke, attempting to keep her tone easygoing and confident to encourage Hazel.
“Really?” Hazel was captivated.
“Much of it is personal neglect. Some of it is a natural part of aging. Either way, many men simply don’t know how to deal with it. Most are bashful and won’t even ask their physicians for help. I find it’s the woman who suffers most, ultimately feeling they’re no long wanted or desired, sometimes even feeling rejected. It affects women mentally as much as it does men physically.” Angel leaned against the counter, hands clasped in front of her.
“That’s how I felt.” Mitzi nodded.
�
��Me, too.” Vera grasped Hazel’s arm.
“How do you know so much about the topic?” Hazel stepped closer.
Hazel’s question encouraged her. “I have an acquaintance that just happens to be a sex therapist. She helped me design the image I wanted for the shop. I didn’t start out looking to create a sex shop, but rather to help people understand their own ability to take control about all aspects of their lives. I’ve taken a number of human sexuality classes at the university, anatomy classes, and even a few psychology classes.”
“I’m impressed.” Travis leaned against the end of the aisle where the vibrators were, his left arm stretched out until he touched Big Ben then jerked away, knocking Ben to the floor. He crossed his arms, casual and too damned sexy for his own good. Damn him.
Vera, Mitzi, and even Hazel chuckled when Travis bent over and put Ben back on the shelf.
“Hush.” Angel pointed a finger at him. “This isn’t about trying to impress you. It’s about human nature. Nobody has a perfect life.” Angel gave Travis her back before she continued. She didn’t want him to read into her next words. “We all have our problems and insecurities and have to find a way to not only survive them, but to flourish as well. On our own, we don’t stand a chance, but sometimes all it takes is a helping hand from someone with knowledge and the belief everyone has the right to live life to the fullest. Think about that, Mr. Hotshot.” She whirled on him and hoped her sarcasm touched home.
“Uh-oh, Angel’s mad,” Mitzi took a step back, her arms out to her sides, pushing Vera and Hazel back with her.
Angel advanced on Travis, poking a finger at his chest, ready to put him on the spot. “Think about the worst day of your life.” She knew what it was and how he felt, but she needed to push him for her own sake. “If it weren’t for the help of others, where would you be now? You weren’t able to fix things on your own. You needed help and you didn’t even know the starting point. Only when you received support did you stand a chance for survival.” Angel stood, hand on one hip, the other pointing a finger at his heart.
“Are you done?” He rocked on his heels and gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing.
“I haven’t even gotten started.” She was ready to press on, but the girls took over.
“You best listen to her, handsome.” Vera took up a defensive stance in front of Angel.
Travis looked down at Vera and replied, “Oh I am.”
“She speaks the truth. If it weren’t for Angel, I’d still be miserable.” Mitzi sidled up next to Angel.
Angel considered herself blessed for having these women in her life.
“I’m beginning to think you girls are right. Okay. Angel, load me up. What do I need?” Hazel lost the look of fear in her eyes. She relaxed, shrugging out of her sweater and hanging it over her arm.
Angel walked away. Letting off steam was freeing. It was better to push him away now before she got in too deep with him. It was only a matter of time anyway before he’d dump her for sleeping with him so quickly. Besides, he probably just considered her as another easy piece of ass. She wasn’t about to lower her dignity to his misogynistic attitude.
She gathered a bottle of bath salts and a bottle of unscented bubble bath, pushed her way through the curtain into the storeroom, and grabbed a handful of sample perfume packets. She put them in a decorative bag and returned to the main shop hoping Travis would finally be gone.
No such luck.
He raised a brow. “Are you done hiding because I’m not going anywhere?”
“Are we interrupting?” Mitzi smirked with a bemused snort.
“No. I’m sorry, ladies. It was rude of me to interrupt. I do have a few things to discuss with Angel when you’re through.” Travis stood to his full height, as if he meant business.
“Hazel, this is for you. One capful of salts, a capful of bubble bath, and you’re set. Be sure to use one of the perfume samples and tell me which one gets the best reaction.”
“How much do I owe you?” Hazel stepped up to the counter and pulled her wallet from her purse.
Angel rang her up, dropping the receipt into the bag. “I gave you a twenty percent discount for being a first-time customer. Come see me again when you need more or have questions.”
“Thank you. I will.” Hazel positively gushed with excitement.
“Be sure to mention the store.”
“Gladly.” Hazel’s face had a rosy glow.
“What about the lotion you told me about, Angel, did it come in?” Mitzi asked.
“Sure did. Let me get the bottles for you.”
“What about the massage oil—did you find the brand you were telling me about?” asked Vera.
“Yup, it came in on the same shipment. Sit tight and I’ll get it from the back.”
Once again, in the storeroom she leaned against her worktable and dragged in several deep breaths. What was wrong with him? Why didn’t he leave? She couldn’t do this much longer. She’d been ready to crawl out of her skin ever since he’d said the word “sweet,” reminding her of their night of passion. She wanted to have him again, wanted him naked beneath her. Wanted him so bad and yet she had to stop this insanity and get him to leave once and for all.
She hated how she couldn’t get her mind off Travis. Hated that she hated herself for sleeping with him, and she hated most of all that she felt she didn’t deserve a chance for happiness with him.
At the sound of the tinkling bell, she cringed. Just what she needed, more people around.
She found the lotion and oil and returned to the front of the store.
Casually ringing up the purchases, she scanned the room only to realize Travis was gone.
“Sorry, honey. Your beau left. Said he had an appointment but that he’d be back later.”
“Oh good. He’s finally gone.” Her shoulders drooped as she rang up the charges so the women wouldn’t see the tears that prickled her eyes. She sniffed and handed Mitzi and Vera their bags.
“Don’t worry—he’s smitten. He’ll be back.” Hazel touched her arm.
“I’m not worried. I wanted him to leave.” Her heart ached, literally in pain. Isn’t that what she wanted? Why then did she feel so bad?
“Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Mitzi cackled.
“You know sweetie, you’re a smart lady when it comes to other folks. You obviously helped Mitzi, Vera, and even me. What about you?” Hazel squeezed her arm. “I saw the looks you two exchanged. The room positively crackled with electricity from the current between you.” Hazel cupped Angel’s chin and forced her to look deep into her eyes. “Why would you throw away something that special? I find it ironic that for as well educated as you are, with such a vast amount of knowledge, you have no clue that you’re just as in need of help as we are.”
“There’s more to it.” But Hazel was right, one hundred percent.
“There always is.” Vera shook her head. “Face it, Angel. He has your number.”
“Finding true love isn’t easy, and neither is keeping it. The point is to acknowledge it when you’re blessed enough to find it. Then cherish it and never let it go.” Hazel’s tone was gentle with concern.
“Travis and I only just met. I’ve known him a little over two weeks.” Angel was tired of her internal drama, past and present. Why couldn’t she just let it out?
“Then what are you so afraid of? There’s fear in your eyes, as well as passion,” Hazel admonished her.
When had Hazel’s fears suddenly disappeared? Out of nowhere she’d suddenly become the brave maternal woman, just what she didn’t need. “Thanks for the advice, Hazel. Come again soon.”
“Whoooeee, we’ve been dismissed, ladies. Time to go.” Mitzi spun around, heading for the door.
“Yeah, we know when we’re not wanted.” Vera winked.
“You’re always wanted. I’m just a little frazzled. Please forgive me for being curt.” Angel was frustrated because everything was out of control.
“Mark my words, sweetie�
��that man isn’t going to take no for an answer,” Hazel said.
“He’ll have to.”
“It’s time to take your own advice. Everyone needs a little help now and again. Maybe it’s your turn to ask for help,” Mitzi said, waving as she opened the door. “See you next week.”
“Ladies, really, come back. It’s not like that.” Her arms dropped to her side, guilty for making them feel unwanted.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be back. You know what they say about bad pennies.” Vera cackled.
“But—”
“See you next week, Angel.” Mitzi held the door open for the others.
“Ladies—”
“Can’t wait to try that oil on Jasper.” Vera followed Mitzi out the door.
“Come back—”
The ladies walked out of the store, ignoring her pleas
Even Hazel, who’d suddenly developed her voice, left excitedly.
“I can’t wait to see if I get a reaction from Richard. If I do, we may not wait until next week to come back. Bye Angel, it was very nice to meet you.” Hazel wore the mother of all smiles lighting up her face.
The tinkling bell emphasized how alone she was.
First, she’d chased off Travis. Now, she was driving away her customers.
What would she do for an encore?
Chapter 7
Hightailing it to the magazine office, Travis wove in and out of traffic.
When he stepped into the bullpen he was immediately mistaken for Trent. He nodded but didn’t correct anyone as he escaped into Trent’s office and closed the door. He’d barely taken a seat when the door opened.
Sabrina stalked into the room, slammed the door, and advanced toward him.“What the hell did you do to Angel?”
He wasn’t sure if he should cover his head or his crotch. Something was about to be damaged. That much he knew. “Nothing.”
Sabrina on a tear was a grim reminder of the last time she’d let him have it, shortly after she’d landed in jail for the sake of an article and discovered Trent had been lying to her all along. The whole thing fell apart at the arraignment, when Travis showed up after hearing her voice mail intended for Trent. She’d been devastated to discover Trent had lied to her. The following Monday morning she’d shown up at the office, submitted her resignation, and all hell broke loose. Luckily, it had only been her first step in retaliation against Trent.
