Seduction at Whispering Lakes

China roared with laughter. “I can actually imagine them riding the bull. They’re a feisty bunch of women.”

“Getting back to your dad, I believe I may’ve met him. Do you have a picture of him?”

China dug into her tote and pulled out her wallet. Flipping to the picture compartment, she came up with her favorite one of Brody by himself. “This is Dad,” she said, handing the billfold to Zaire. “Does he look familiar?”

Zaire’s eyes flared with instant recognition. “We’ve had a lot of interaction over the years. My brothers and I simply referred to him as Mr. B. He was an amazing storyteller, weaving some of the best yarns we’ve ever heard.”

China was thrilled to know Zaire clearly remembered Brody.

“I remember Mr. B. so well. He loved to help out around here. You’re right about his love for this place. He even talked about moving back to Texas after retirement to build a house on the several acres he owned. Are you selling his land?”

“I’ve thought of it but haven’t made a final decision. I don’t know what else I can do. I’m a city-loving girl from L.A. I can’t begin to imagine Texas as my home.”

“Life around here is a far cry from city living. I worked in the city for years but was constantly drawn back to my roots. I retired soon after I came up with a viable business plan to build on the vast acreage we own. I like peace and quiet. Our starry nights are unrivaled.”

“I can see why you’d feel that way. Serenity is a perk of being way out here. I’ve never felt this kind of peace. What kind of work did you do before retiring?”

“Architectural engineering. I still do consulting work.

My education paid off when we drew up the plans to turn this place into an enormous entertainment venue. My work is my passion. I can barely wait to wake up to get my day started. At nightfall you can either find me around a campfire, involved in some activity with the guests or on my back patio stargazing. I easily lose myself to these surroundings.”

China imagined Zaire seated in front of a campfire or relaxing on a patio. He obviously appreciated and preferred the simpler things in life. Ranching was his admitted passion. What else was he ardent about?

It was hard for China to picture him a loner. A sexy woman on his arm was an easier image to conjure up. He was masculine, steeped in virility. She had missed an opportunity to inquire about his possible partner when he’d boldly asked about hers. It wasn’t like her to let too many things get by, but Zaire kept her in a tizzy.

The urge to reach over and squeeze one of Zaire’s rock-hard thighs had China edgy. She wanted to stay with him—and she also wanted to run away from his strong presence, all at the same time. China needed to will her mind to blankness. Zaire occupied way too much room inside her head.

Zaire looked at his watch. “It’s time to get back. I have a riding lesson.”

“I know. I signed up for the riding session to conquer my fear of horses. Getting on one is the only way I can do it,” China confessed.

Zaire’s eyes filled with admiration. “When something scares us, finding a way to deal with it is smart. I promise to make your first riding experience a good one.”

China grinned. “Thank you. And I promise to hold you to your promise.”

Getting China up on a horse wouldn’t be anywhere as easy as Zaire had initially thought. Each time she backed away from Ebony Dancer, she put more and more space between her and the jet-black filly. The other students had already mounted—and she was holding up the class.

Zaire took China aside. “In the interest of time, I have to start the class. There’s an hour and a half break between this riding session and my calf-roping event. Let me work with the others, then give you a private lesson. Okay?”

Though relieved by his gracious suggestion, China looked embarrassed. “I’ll stay and watch. Maybe it’ll help get my nerve up.”

He pointed at the white fence. “Stand on the other side or sit on it. Just be careful. Don’t want you to fall off and get hurt.”

Giving Zaire a thumbs-up, China scurried from the corralling ring and propped herself comfortably on the pristine fence posts. Watching the lesson was better than tackling it, especially while fear still ran rampant through her.

Several minutes into the lesson, China recognized Zaire as a master at his work. The first thing he’d accomplished was gaining the riders’ trust in his abilities to instruct. Thoroughly explaining each step he’d take them through, his tone was steady, calming.

Children didn’t look the least bit scared, making China feel rather silly. She looked forward to the private lesson and hoped Zaire didn’t think it was a contrived plan to get him alone. As she thought more about it, she easily concluded being alone with him wasn’t such a bad idea.

Walking over to the fence, Zaire helped China down. “Now you can have my undivided attention. Here’s what we’re going to do. I think you should ride with me before you attempt to get on a horse alone. We’ll move along at a slow pace.”

Picturing herself on the same horse with Zaire, China’s heart leapt. “I love your idea.” Then her smile turned to a frown. “But I’m still scared.”

“Wait here. Be right back. It’ll be okay,” he said, his tone soothing, promising. He and two ranch hands led the horses inside a gray metal barn right behind the corral.

Seated atop Thunder, galloping at a steady pace, Zaire rode back to China and rapidly dismounted. “I need you to trust me, China. Can you do that?”

Literally shaking in her boots, China nodded. “I’ll try.”

Taking her by the hand, he led her over to Thunder. “Stay, boy,” he commanded calmly. Taking a minute to think about whether to put her on the horse or get on first and help her up afterward, he decided on the latter. Remounting, he reached down a hand to her. Fear still written in her eyes, she reluctantly joined her hand with his.

In the next instant, Zaire had China seated in front of him. Putting her on the back of the horse couldn’t guarantee her safety, so he thought it best to guide from the rear. She was a little thing. Her size left him plenty of room to maneuver.

China felt exhilarated with Zaire seated right behind her. It was hot and muggy, but being on fire for him had her even hotter. Without thinking of consequences, she laid her head back against his chest. The wind tousled her hair from behind and above. China didn’t care what she looked like, not while she felt such peace.

This was not the China Braxton she was used to. Usually every strand of her hair had to be in place, and her clothes had to be immaculate and wrinkle-free or she’d feel disheveled and frumpy. She already understood why her father had loved the ranch. Out here in the open spaces, she felt her mountain of burdens rapidly rolling away.

Trotting Thunder slowly around the ring, talking to China at the same time, Zaire actually felt her beginning to relax. He snapped the reins, causing Thunder to pick up speed. “Lean forward and whisper near his ear. Gently stroke his neck and mane,” he instructed. “Thunder loves to be stroked, especially by a beautiful woman.”

Zaire’s pointed statement had China cringing, though she knew it shouldn’t.

Why had he made a point to say that beautiful women stroked Thunder?

So, maybe she had her answer. Zaire as a loner had been a half-baked thought.

Friendship was probably all they could ever have.

“Mom and my aunts have spoiled Thunder rotten. Every time they come to the stables, they visit his stall and bring him apples and carrots. He gets plenty of pampering from those beautiful ladies and from some of our female guests.”

“What about your girlfriends? Do they spoil him, too?” Unable to believe she’d asked him that, she bit down on her tongue as a punishment for her rudeness.

“Girlfriends! That’s a nice thought to wrap my head around, but I don’t have any. Nor do I have a girlfriend. It’s hard to get to know women when you’re a workaholic. My father was an alcoholic, and this son of his is obsessed with working hard.”

“I’m sorry, Zaire. I shouldn’t have stuck my nose in your private business.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Zaire laughed inwardly.

Zaire was surprised he was opening up to China in such a personal way. It wasn’t like him to share his deepest feelings, especially the painful ones. His real troubles with women started when he moved to the ranch. Most women didn’t share his enthusiasm for his cowboy lifestyle, though a few pretended to.

If only she knew how much I’ve let her in. Why is she so easy for me to spill my guts to? Look at her pretty face and those liquid chocolate eyes. Now, pal, ask yourself the same question again.

Zaire sighed. Opening up to China was easy because she had listened closely to him and seemed to care about what he had to say. He liked talking to her.

Admit it, man. You’re lonely as hell, and she turns you on. She’s also the only woman who has even come close to sparking your interest.

Now that China seemed comfortable straddling Thunder, Zaire guided the horse out of the corral and onto the open range. Maybe once she felt the wind at her face and breathed in the clean air, she’d come to love it here as much as he did. Not even his brothers knew every square inch of the ranch like he did. There were so many exciting wonders to see.

Thinking about the big oak tree he loved to sit under during his downtime, Zaire steered Thunder in its direction. Never had he shared his private haunts with a woman, but he wanted China to see and feel every special spot there was.

Zaire knew she’d be gone from his life all too soon. If he didn’t make the most of the time China was within his reach, she’d never know why he loved the ranch so much. It was a dangerously high hope, but maybe, just maybe, she’d also fall in love with Whispering Lakes Ranch.

Perhaps China can fall in love with me, too.

After helping China dismount, Zaire removed a bedroll and a couple of bottles of water from twin saddlebags. One bag was insulated for hot and cold. Unfurling the bedroll, he spread it out under the tree. Time was short. He thought of calling the ranch to have Zane take over his roping event, but he immediately thought better of it. The fear of losing his mind over a woman who’d soon leave the ranch held him back.

Sipping on an ice-cold bottle of water, China carefully studied the sturdy oak. “It’s a beautiful tree and looks like a very old one.”

“It is old. Go ahead and stretch out and relax. It’ll welcome your presence.”

“I think I will. It looks inviting.” China looked into his eyes. “By the way, I loved the ride out here. It was much smoother than I anticipated. You stole my fear right out from under me.”

Zaire nodded. “That’s all well and good, but you still have to learn to ride solo. Only then will you rid yourself of the phobia permanently.”

China sat down and instantly took off her footwear, wiggling her toes to celebrate the freedom. “I like how tranquil my spirit feels.”

The pillow Zaire had placed on the bedroll drew China’s head down to it like a magnet to metal. She looked up at the tree. “The branches are so full that they’re completely sheltering me from the sun’s blazing heat.” Within a matter of seconds, China’s eyes involuntarily drooped.

Sitting down on a navy wool blanket he’d laid out next to the bedroll, Zaire had a desire to run his fingers through China’s hair. Thoughts of kissing her juicy lips came next.

Quickly, he decided it was a bad move on his part. China would have to offer him her sweet mouth. He wasn’t into taking anything not given freely.

By the time Zaire thought of the walkie-talkie he always carried, an hour and a half had passed. It was near time to leave. He hated to awaken China, who looked so peaceful. Indulging in the unthinkable, the very thing he’d decided against a short while ago, he got up and retrieved the walkie-talkie.

Punching in a three digit code, Zaire waited for a response. “Zane, I need a favor.” He went on to tell his brother why he was calling.

“Not a problem, bro. I got your back.”

Fortunately the Kingdom family worked as a harmonious unit. Zane hadn’t hesitated in agreeing to take over the event. Knowing his scheduled roping class was in capable hands, Zaire returned to his seat. Removing his cowboy boots, he laid his head close to China’s, keeping enough distance not to accidentally disturb her.

Minutes later, Zaire joined China in a late-afternoon nap.

Chapter 3

Several hours later, China awakened to find Zaire asleep. Her heart grew full at the sight of such a gorgeous man. She’d love to watch him slumber like a newborn for hours, but she was concerned over his next class.

Shaking him ever so gently, China whispered softly, “Zaire, Zaire, wake up.”

Peering up at China, a charming smile formed on Zaire’s luscious lips. “Looks like we both fell asleep. You okay, China Doll?”

China Doll! She smiled.

“I’m fine. But I woke you ‘cause of your next event. I’ve got a sinking feeling you’ve missed it.” She pulled on her boots. “We’ve been here awhile.”

No one had ever called her China Doll. It was too sweet for mere words. However, the expression in her eyes probably revealed to him the joy she felt.

Zaire smiled, reading her expression perfectly. “I knew I missed it.”

“You knew?” China appeared genuinely surprised.

Zaire sat upright. Following China’s lead, he put his boots back on. “It’s covered. I didn’t want to wake you so I called Zane to take over for me. I’m sure the family is in shock. That is, if Zane has already told them. Knowing him, I’m sure he did … in his usual melodramatic way.”

China frowned. “Why would it shock them?”

“Unless something extremely important comes up, I rarely ask anyone to take over a duty for me. I never outright shirk duties or responsibilities. I’m sure they’re all dying to know the reason why I didn’t make it back in time. My family can be a pretty gossipy circle.”

Did it have anything to do with her? China wondered. Smiling broadly, she sure hoped so. “Sorry if I caused trouble for you, Zaire.”

“You didn’t. It was my decision to stay. I wanted to be here. You were sleeping peacefully and I was tired so I decided to lie down and regroup. Zane, Zurich and Morgan can cover all events and classes. Trust me, no harm was done.”

“I’m glad.” Picking up her tote, China reached in and removed her hairbrush.

“Fixing your hair will be for nothing. The wind blows up a storm this time of day.” Picking up his Stetson, he settled it onto her head. “This should help some. To make you an official cowgirl, we’ll have to get you your own. The ones in our gift shop are top quality.”

Slipping down over China’s eyes, the hat nearly swallowed up her head. It was way too big, but she wouldn’t think of taking it off. That he’d given it up to her made her feel special.

Wishing she could preserve the blissful serenity encircling her, China stretched her arms up high.

As the couple walked toward Thunder, tethered to a sturdy tree branch and eating grass and leaves, Zaire wished he could take hold of China’s hand. He wanted to somehow convey his interest in getting better acquainted with her, but he was new at making his feelings known. He hadn’t had a date in ages, shying away from females by design. China made him feel differently, but he was still leery.

Zaire settled down Thunder and walked China to her car. Her ride with him had built some confidence and made her less intimidated by horses.

Zaire stopped in front of her car. “Well, it looks like this is it for now. Think you’ll make it to the club this evening? A different band is featured tonight.”

China nodded. “I’d already decided to drop in. I also plan to eat dinner in the main dining room. I hear you all cook up the fish caught on the trip. I can’t wait to taste the fruits of my labor.” She laughed. “And your labor, too, of course. I couldn’t have landed those beauties if you hadn’t helped.”

While trying to decide if he should let a perfect opportunity like this pass him by, Zaire’s heart hammered away. A desire to share a table with her over dinner was strong. “I’d like us to have dinner together. That is, if you don’t have other plans.”

China’s smile was effervescent. “What’s so wonderful about this moment was my desire to ask you the same thing. Is seven-thirty good?”

Glad he’d taken the risk, Zaire felt relieved. “The time is fine. I’ll reserve us a table. Mom and Morgan do the cooking.

Rest assured you’ll be served a fish dinner from the babies you nabbed.”

“How can anyone know what fish belongs to whom?” China inquired.

“We give out colored clips to guests before the trip. I didn’t give you any because it looked as if you’d be with Zane’s group. I had a few extra ones in my pocket so I used them on yours after we hauled them aboard. I later told Mom you had orange. We try to make sure everyone gets some of what they reeled in, but it’s not always possible. Lots of folks don’t catch a thing, but there’s always enough fish to go around.”

“That is really special.” Standing on tiptoes, China kissed Zaire on the cheek. “Thanks for a beautiful day! I enjoyed it. See you at dinner.”

Zaire started to offer to pick up China at her cabin, but then thought it might be too much. One step at a time, he told himself. Slow and easy beats fast and hard.

While stepping out of the shower, China suddenly felt light-headed. Slowly she made her way to the bed. Pulling back the comforter, she climbed in, propping her feet on two pillows. Reaching over to retrieve the nightstand clock, she set the alarm, giving herself plenty of time to dress and make it to the dining room.

After tossing and turning for nearly a half hour, China feared sleep would elude her. It hadn’t been too long ago that she and Zaire had awakened under the oak tree. With her thoughts turning to the man who caused her heart to flip-flop, dance, sing and turn somersaults, she smiled.

China’s age-old fears about love quickly gripped her heart.

Her previous romantic relationships hadn’t worked because she hadn’t been able to stop comparing herself to her mother. Thoughts of one day running off and leaving her family behind haunted her constantly. The possibility of repeating such a destructive offense made her cringe every time she dared to think about her mother leaving her dad.

Brody had tried to tell China she wasn’t her mother and that she had to stop believing she’d do the same type of things. Desertion wasn’t hereditary. Brody didn’t blame Camille for leaving them. He actually thought it took a lot of guts to take responsibility for one’s own happiness. According to his wife, she hadn’t been happy for years.

The letter her mother had left behind said it hadn’t taken her long to learn she wasn’t cut out to be a wife or mother, citing selfishness for the reason she’d left her family. Brody wasn’t to blame for anything Camille had felt or had written in the letter. Camille suffered from clinical depression. He’d gone to his death never knowing that, at 16, his daughter had read the letter Camille had written to her husband.

Camille had loved both her husband and daughter. She had simply yearned for freedom.

China had only recently stopped blaming her mother for her painful childhood. Brody had constantly instilled in her that she was solely responsible for her own happiness. It would’ve broken his heart to know his only child had learned that her birth had made her mother’s life even more unbearable.

The yearly birthday and Christmas cards China received from Camille were as close as she’d ever been to her mother since her departure. China had often wished Camille would one day drop back into her life but refused to set herself up for another major letdown.

China had learned to accept things for what they were. She wasn’t bitter or angry anymore. She truly loved her mother, regardless of why she’d left. The last thing she wanted was to have her mother go away like Brody had. His departure was final.

Stepping into the dimly lit dining room, China looked around for Zaire. She’d hoped he would’ve been waiting outside for her. Standing at the front entry for several minutes proved futile. Appearing cool and collected, she wore a cute capped-sleeve sheath in bright red, perfectly paired with fashionable red-and-white sandals.

Coming up behind China, Bernice gently tapped her on the shoulder.

A bright smile already in place, China turned. “Hi, Ms. Bernice, how are you?”

“I’m well, young lady. How has your day been?”

China sensed an underlying meaning in Bernice’s remark by the way she’d voiced it. “I loved every moment of it. Zaire is a perfect instructor and tour guide.”

Bernice beamed with pride. “That boy of mine is wonderful. He called me to tell you he’s running a little late.” She pointed at a cozy corner spot. “That’s the table he reserved. Want to come into the kitchen with me before you get settled?”

“I’d like that.” China smiled brightly. “How was frying up all that fish?”

“Cooking is second nature to me, child. Some of our guests like fish broiled or mesquite grilled so we do our best to prepare it to order. Most folks enjoy it fried. You had quite a catch. More fish than I’ve seen one person catch in a while.”

Heading toward the double doors in the rear, China walked alongside Bernice. “I’m proud of my haul. Zaire helped out big-time. My dad would’ve been thrilled.”

“Zaire mentioned your dad to me. Our family is very familiar with Mr. B. He was a special man. He and Morgan loved to play poker. Both men had an insatiable desire to master our mechanical bull.” Bernice laughed. “Morgan and Brody called it Mr. Red. Let’s just say they had fun being thrown off and then scrambling to get right back on.”

“I’ve heard so much about the bull from Dad. He talked about Mr. Red a lot.”

“Think you’ll try riding old Red, China?”

China nodded. “With Dad looking down on me, I know he’d be disappointed if I didn’t give it a whirl. Is Mr. Red really so tough to ride?”

“For some folks he is.” Opening the double doors by hitting a metal button, Bernice let China precede her. “It depends a lot on the bull’s settings. Most men try riding it on the highest one. It’s a macho thing. Many guys fail for that reason alone.”

China chuckled. “I hear you and your sisters are pretty good at riding it.”

“Practice makes perfect in some instances, but we’re far from it. We’ve earned quite a bit of envy around here. After mastering each setting, we keep breaking our own timing records. Josephine is the best. She stays on longer than anyone.”

China cracked up. “I can’t wait to try it out. You make it sound exciting.”

“It is exciting, but the kitchen is my favorite hangout. We purchased all brand-new appliances for this one last year.” Bernice spread her arms wide. “I love stainless steel. It’s easy to clean.” Bernice enjoyed showing China around her favorite haunt, obviously proud of the state-of-the-art cooking gallery. She introduced China to their chefs and other kitchen staff, something she rarely did. Bernice felt really good about China.

Bernice peered at the large clock. “I’d better get you to your table. If Zaire hasn’t made it yet, he’ll be here any minute. There’s no way he’d miss out on this evening. He’s looking forward to it.”

China wanted to probe further into Bernice’s comments, but she didn’t dare.

Was Zaire really looking forward to spending more time with her?

Zaire entered the kitchen at the same time Bernice and China exited. Wasting no time, he pulled his mother into his arms. Turning to face China, his eyes danced with pleasure as he checked her out from head to toe. That she looked well-rested pleased him. The withered look she’d worn earlier had worried him.