Seduction at Whispering Lakes

Charley Pride was the only other black man China had heard perform in the sultry Country-Western genre. Strumming his guitar like he caressed the softness of a woman, the featured singer had an amazing voice, a distinct CW twang.

A few minutes later China was alone at the table. The family group had rushed onto the dance floor, where they zealously performed the electric slide, CW style. Watching Zaire’s mom and aunts moving to the music like teenagers had China joining in on the clapping and wild cheering. These women apparently lived life to the fullest.

“Enjoying yourself?”

The familiar voice made China’s heart rate go berserk. She didn’t have to look up to see who had spoken. Zaire’s memorable, lazy Texas drawl was distinctively white hot and sexy. “I’m having a blast.” Hoping he’d sit down, she looked up at him.

Zaire leaned against the sturdy table. Watching his family dancing and having a great time made him feel good. It was hard not to think back on the days when the entire family was in emotional disarray. His mother and her three sons had been verbally and physically abused by her husband, their natural father, Macon Kingdom.

“Looks like they’re having a wonderful time,” China said, breaking into Zaire’s dark thoughts. “Everyone seems so happy.”

“You don’t have a clue.” Zaire’s eyes clouded briefly. “Those four sisters are utterly amazing. There’s more energy in their baby fingers than most people have in their entire bodies.” Zaire chuckled. “You haven’t seen the half of it yet. Here they come.”

Zaire greeted his mother and each of his aunts. Cheery hellos and tender hugs were passed around. “What can I get my favorite ladies to drink?”

Each woman told Zaire what she wanted. He then asked China her preference. After mentally jotting down the orders, he left the table.

China didn’t know why she suddenly felt lonely with so many people around her. She knew Zaire was coming back to the table. How much longer would he stay? She hoped he’d stay until she was ready to leave.

Zane kissed Gayle, then stood. “I’m heading to the bar. What about a fresh drink?”

Covering the top of her glass with her hand, Gayle smiled at Zane. “I’m fine for right now, honey.”

“Be right back.” Leaning down, he kissed her again.

For the next few minutes, China closely watched the loving interactions between the Kingdoms. They really seemed into each other. Like his brothers, she wondered if Zaire also had a special someone. He seemed like such an attentive man.

Quietly observing the happenings around her, China sat contentedly.

Morgan and Bernice’s love for each other was transparent. It seemed Zurich and Hailey had long ago gone off the deep end. The couple was obviously madly in love. Each time he reached down and caressed her pregnant stomach, he stroked her with the same kind of loving tenderness China had only experienced from one man—her father.

Zaire returned with a waitress who helped him pass out the drinks. Taking each glass from a metal tray, he set it down in front of the appropriate person. He knew his family like the back of his hand.

Zaire set a can of Diet Coke in front of China then wiped the top with a paper napkin. Seating himself next to her, he quickly popped open the can.

Quite the gentleman, too, she thought. “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”

He gave her a bright smile. “Your sincere thanks paid me in full. And you’re mighty welcome. Let me know if it’s cold enough.”

China poured a small amount of liquid into her glass and took a sip. “Ice cold.”

“Great. Are you hungry? We serve hot wings, chicken strips, nachos, personal pan-size pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers and snack items like chips and pretzels.”

“I love hot wings, but I can’t eat a whole order. Want to share one?”

“My pleasure,” he said, grinning broadly. “I’ll be right back.”

China thought his kindness and thoughtfulness were extraordinary. “I’ll be waiting.” China and Zaire exchanged flirty looks. By the time he looked away, she felt totally breathless.

Zaire had had a hard time tearing his eyes away from China. The way she’d responded, though nonverbal, had him wondering if she was unattached. A woman so beautiful had to have a man in her life. As a nurse, she probably had a group of doctors and other medical professionals vying for her attention. He couldn’t imagine any man not wanting to have her.

Zaire’s policy was to never get romantically involved with a guest. His brothers thought his policy on romantic involvements was a stupid one, especially since he spent the majority of his time on the ranch. Single women who were there for vacation normally came in groups. China was the first one he’d known to come alone.

Zaire reminded himself that he’d had his fill of single women, especially those who were untrustworthy.

Chapter 2

Stopping dead in his tracks, Zaire’s eyes zeroed in on China out on the dance floor with his mother and three aunts. The ladies had her turning and twisting every which way, teaching her one of several CW line dances they loved.

All Zaire could do was stand there and stare. China was mesmerizing. Her gyrating hips held him spellbound. Imagining her dancing in the nude for him was one of the craziest thoughts he’d had in a long time. It was as delicious as it was insane.

Stepping up to his younger brother, Zurich noticed the questioning look on his face. He then removed from Zaire’s hand the tray of food orders. “You were about to drop this. You look like you’ve been struck by lightning. Pretty little filly, isn’t she?”

Acting as if he didn’t know what Zurich was talking about, Zaire shrugged, knowing exactly what his brother meant. China was more than just a pretty face. He didn’t know how he knew, but he felt confident that there was more to her than a fabulous body and a lovely face, more than what the naked eye could see.

Rarely was Zaire solely attracted to looks. Beauty was skin-deep and only in the eyes of the beholder. A woman’s character and spiritual makeup was more important. Somehow, he believed China’s moral fiber was above reproach. As for spiritual makeup, it was like God had steered one of His angels onto Whispering Lakes Ranch.

What was happening to him? Zaire wondered why he was so nervous.

While he had no idea what had taken him over, he thought it may be worth exploring, investigating every aspect of a possible miracle visiting his life. As he sat back down to wait for China’s return, the overwhelming enthusiasm he felt was foreign. In the next instant, he thought he had gone nuts.

Zaire Kingdom didn’t like dwelling on his state of utter loneliness. It didn’t do him any good to constantly think about it, yet he’d often admitted it to himself. Even though Zurich was right there and other family members were always near, Zaire was lonesome for a beautiful woman like China. To distract himself, he made small talk with his brothers.

Seeing the group of females coming toward them, Zurich got to his feet.

“You and Hailey are staying, right?” Zaire asked Zurich.

“Of course. We’ll be back in just a few minutes.” Zurich squeezed Zaire’s shoulder. Nodding at China, the eldest brother went off to meet his wife.

Picking up plastic plates and utensils, Zaire set the disposable dinnerware in front of China. “Mind if I fix your plate?”

Smiling, China nodded. “Please do. It’s not often I get waited on.”

“My pleasure.” He put several hot wings onto her plate. He’d had the chef throw together a small portion of potato salad, which wasn’t on the club’s menu.

“Onion rings or French fries?”

“French fries please.” Picking up a wing, China bit right into it. She started gagging. “Water—” she sputtered “—cold water!”

Zaire laughed inwardly. Having anticipated a reaction to the fire-breathing wings, he reached down beside him and retrieved a bottle of cold water. Twisting off the cap, he handed it over to her. “Here you go, China.”

Showing her gratitude with a smile, she tossed back the water like it was a lifesaver, draining nearly a quarter of the bottle in one huge gulp. Then she turned narrowed eyes on Zaire. “You knew this would happen, didn’t you?”

Zaire threw up his hands. “Guilty as charged. The chicken is hotter than what’s served in most places, so I brought you plenty of cold water. Sorry I didn’t warn you.”

“No, you’re not. Those smirking eyes of yours tell a totally different story. You got one over on me. Just remember I owe you one.”

Recalling a similar experience Zurich had had with Hailey when they’d first met, Zaire laughed. “You got me. But I took care of you, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you did. You might want to tell the chef to lighten up on the spices. I’m pretty sure my tongue is badly scorched.”

“You’ll have to tell Bernice Kingdom her wings are too hot. I’m not going there. If I said something, she’d just say ‘don’t eat them.’”

China grinned. “Okay, so I won’t say anything. They are good, once you get past the burning sensations. I’ll take my time eating the rest.”

It was still dark as China made her way to the main building to meet with other guests who’d signed up for the fishing trip. She had given herself so many reasons to just lie there in bed, especially after the long drive from L.A. She hadn’t come here to sleep. Her desire to experience the joys her father had felt on this ranch outweighed any excuse she could come up with.

China had, stowed away in her tote bag, an urn filled with Brody’s ashes to sprinkle over the lakes. Her father had wanted his remains scattered in several key spots on the ranch. Whispering Lake, the ranch’s namesake, was one place.

Dressed in the type of comfortable clothing and footgear the brochure had recommended, China parked the car and cut the engine. Warm, swirling winds hit her head-on as she stepped out of the car. Instead of setting the car’s overly sensitive alarm, she made sure all doors were locked.

Surprised to see so many people already in the lobby, China found a seat to wait for further instructions. She had wondered how many guests had signed up for such an early morning outdoor activity. Now she had the answer.

“Hello, dear! I’m Marilee Cotton. All ready for the fishing trip?”

China smiled at the elderly woman with fawn-brown eyes, medium-beige complexion and mixed gray hair. “As ready as I can be. I haven’t fished since I was a teenager. I hope this trip will bring back fond memories of when my father took me.”

The lady reached over and gently patted China’s hand. “It will. Fishing is relaxing and fun, even if you don’t catch anything. I’m a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona. What’s your name and where do you live?”

“China Braxton, a native resident of Los Angeles, California.”

“We’re practically neighbors. I fly to L.A. a couple of times a year to lie on the beaches and shop on Rodeo Drive. My husband, Harry, died last year, but I still do everything we did before he fell ill. He wanted me to continue living an active life.”

“Good for you, Ms. Marilee,” China praised. “I’m sorry for your loss. My father passed away a few weeks ago.” She then explained her mission.

Marilee’s eyes glowed with sympathy. “Your profound loss is so new. I’m sorry for you. I have warm, wonderful memories to keep me company. Harry and I were so in love. As world travelers, Paris was our favorite European city. We honeymooned there.”

“Paris is a top spot on my future traveling agenda.” She had a strong urge to hug this dear, sweet lady, but instead she patted her hand in the same comforting way Marilee had touched hers. “How many times have you visited this ranch?”

“Oh, I’ve lost count. We’d come here for a week and then move up to South Padre Island. We did this every year after the ranch first opened, doing whatever our moods dictated. Harry and I were married for forty-plus years. Do you plan to visit South Padre Island? It’s a lovely coastal area on the Gulf of Mexico. Its beaches are beautiful, and the shopping villages are fantastic bargain havens.”

China’s eyes lit up with recollection. “I saw a day trip featured in one of the brochures. I think I’d like to check it out. Are you taking the excursion?”

“Absolutely! The tour is only offered on Fridays. I’m already signed up. It’s another early morning wake-up call, but that’s par for the course around here.”

“I’ll check to see if any seats are left. Perhaps we could sit together,” China suggested, feeling good about this kind lady. If she’d been married over forty years, she was probably in her sixties.

Marilee smiled warmly. “I’d love it. You remind me of my daughter Shannon. You both are pretty as a picture. She and her family travel with me as much as possible, although the grandchildren are grown. Glynnis is a recent college graduate, and Steven is a computer specialist.”

“May I have everyone’s attention?” a deep voice said, quieting all conversation.

The deep, velvety voice caused China’s pulse rate to race. As she looked at Zaire, warmth flooded through her. Corporate cowboy was a befitting moniker for him. His black jeans were creased to perfection. An off-white Western-style shirt showcased his broad shoulders and bulging upper muscles. His thighs appeared powerful. Riding Thunder was probably responsible for the lower portion of his physique. This was the first time China had seen him without a hat, but a Stetson was in his hand. His dark hair was cut low and neatly edged.

“Because we have so many guests signed up for the fishing trip, we’ll be using two guides. My brother Zane will take one group, and I’ll handle the other. We’ll be fishing on two lakes that are side-by-side. The first group of names I call will go with me. The rest of this group can follow Zane.”

Zaire called out several names. China hated that hers wasn’t among them. He then called for Marilee Cotton. Those already there when China had arrived were obviously being called first. She’d actually thought she might be only one of a handful of people up and out this early. She’d been dead wrong.

“That’s it for my list,” Zaire announced. “Zane will take care of the rest of you. The vans are outside. We’ll board fishing boats once we get to the lakes.”

China could literally taste her disappointment. It was bitter.

Marilee got to her feet. Bending down, she gave her new friend a quick hug.

“Sorry we won’t be together. Perhaps we’ll get another opportunity. Maybe we can chat over breakfast or lunch one day. South Padre Island is still a prospect.”

“It certainly is. Have a good time, Ms. Marilee. I’ll see you at the lake.”

China grabbed her tote and headed for the door to meet with Zane’s group. Two vans were lined up at the front entrance. As she walked over to the vehicle, China heard her name called. Turning around, she saw Marilee summoning her.

Smiling broadly, Marilee grabbed China by the hand. “You can ride with me. This nice gentleman, Mr. Wilson Vanderbilt, has agreed to swap vans.”

China wondered if anyone could hear the melody breaking out in her heart. Although she could fantasize about Zaire becoming her lover, she really wanted his friendship. Enchanted by the way he carried himself, she felt sure he was a decent, honorable man. China could easily admit to liking Zaire.

Zaire helped the women maneuver the steps up into the van. Smiling at China, he took hold of her hand. “It seems you’ve made a fast friend in Mrs. Cotton. I overheard her plea for Mr. Vanderbilt to change vans so you two could ride together. I hope the arrangements are agreeable.”

You have no idea how agreeable. China smiled sweetly.

“Mrs. Cotton and I have discovered a few things in common despite our age difference. I’m pleased.”

Zaire grinned. “That’s the kind of stuff we love to hear. We want our guests to be one hundred percent happy and content.”

China nodded. “This guest is both. Thanks for caring enough to ask.”

Smiling, Zaire tipped his hat and moved away.

It didn’t surprise Zaire that China wasn’t the least bit squeamish about baiting her hook with a slimy, wiggly worm. As a nurse, she’d probably seen more than her fair share of gory things. She was good at obeying orders and executing everything he’d instructed her to do—and without question. He liked how eagerly she fully engaged in the activities. China was a woman who seemed to have the same amount of zest for life as the highly active females in his family.

Many of the folks in the boat Zaire commandeered were quiet and still a tad sleepy. Once rods were cast, folks seemed perfectly willing to keep a close eye on their fishing lines. The atmosphere was peaceful as a bright yellow sun ascended.

From the first moment China felt a tug on her line, her excited yelps completely disrupted the quietness. “I’ve got something, Ms. Marilee,” she shouted. Looking at Zaire, she appeared hopeful. “Do you think it’s a fish?”

“Let’s hope so.” Zaire knew the tugging on the line could be a result of several things but had no desire to dampen China’s spirit. Her wide and bright smile was engaging. Seeing her looking so happy did his heart good.

“It’s getting stronger,” she yelled. “Please help me. I don’t want to lose it.”

The lake was kept stocked with a variety of fish. Catfish, a favorite delight in these parts, were abundant. For China’s pleasure, Zaire hoped she had a great catch and not a discarded item, like an old shoe.

China’s struggle with the line increased, growing more intense. Zaire came up behind her. Covering her hands with his, he added the extra strength needed to land the catch. She was suddenly propelled back into him and his lower anatomy responded immediately.

Avoiding China’s hips, Zaire continued to help reel in the catch. Upon revealing her grand prize, a beautiful striped bass, everyone clapped. Cheering and laughter rent the air. No sooner had the day’s first catch been taken off the hook than another fisherman yelped excitedly, telling the others about a strong tugging on the line.

In a helter-skelter manner Zaire moved from one guest to the next, helping each person reel in their prize catch. The experienced fishermen also jumped in to help out folks new to the sport. The large boat rocked but was in no danger of tipping over.

The kids’ reaction to their catches was what Zaire enjoyed most. The encouraging hugs they received from parents, especially dads, caused Zaire to wonder if he’d ever have a child of his own. The girls on the Little League baseball and Pop Warner football teams he had the pleasure of coaching were nothing short of amazing dynamos. Coaching the kids brought the greatest pleasure to the Kingdom brothers, who loved working with children because of their own abusive childhoods.

China was tickled silly to see Ms. Marilee and Mr. Vanderbilt seated on the grass lakeside, sharing a meal from provided box lunches. The lady was smiling brightly, and a lot. The two appeared pretty close in age. Could this be a love connection? Instead of intruding upon what appeared to be a personal discussion, China claimed a patch of grass a few feet away from the elderly couple.

The vans would return to the ranch once lunch was over. At two o’clock China had scheduled a horseback riding lesson. Zaire was the instructor. She feared making a fool of herself since she was intimidated by the big but beautiful beasts. For her, since the death of her father, conquering all her fears was important. She didn’t want to live out life fearful of anything.

Walking over to China, Zaire dropped down on the grassy knoll. Positive she reeked of raw fish, China felt uncomfortable having him in such close proximity. She had used sanitizing wipes to take care of her hands, but she still felt self-conscious.

Zaire grinned. “Congratulations! Not only did you land the largest fish, you caught the most. Five fish is a pretty good haul for someone who hasn’t fished in a long time. Your two rainbow trout are beauties.”

China giggled. “Who would’ve ever thought it? I regret not coming here to the ranch with Dad. He invited me numerous times, but I always had work. So far, it’s been a fun adventure. I’m sorry I missed out on the memories we could’ve made. But I’ve definitely earned bragging rights on the number of fish I caught. I bet your mother and aunts are good at fishing.”

“You got that right! They love to fish. Mom cleans all the catches, freezing what she doesn’t cook up right away. As for your dad, he has a lot to be proud of.”

“Thank you. Speaking of dads, yours seems pretty proud of his three guys. He’s lively, too, with his silky-smooth moves. Your parents dance well together. I guess rhythm and harmony are what happens when you’ve been married a long time.”

Looking right into China’s face, Zaire shrugged. “I guess five years is a long time to be married, especially by today’s standards.”

China appeared totally perplexed. “Five years? I don’t think I understand.”

“Morgan Cobb is our stepfather, a good friend of our own father. At first, we didn’t like him because he knew Dad was abusing his family. None of us understood why he’d hang out with an evil man like Macon if he wasn’t the same kind of man.”

China’s eyes softened. “Birds of a feather don’t always flock together, Zaire.”

Agreeing with her, he nodded. “You’re right. That’s the same thing Hailey told Zurich when he first voiced his negative feelings about Morgan to her.”

Briefly, China touched Zaire’s hand. “God puts people together for all sorts of reasons. I believe He does it so we can learn something we need from them. Everyone who comes into our lives is there for a specific reason, a season or perhaps a lifetime.”

“I believe in that. When we learned Mom planned to marry Cobb, it made us stone crazy. That was a real difficult time for my brothers and me.”

Fighting an urge to reach up and caress his smooth, handsome face, China smiled instead. “It obviously turned out okay. You all seem to get along so well.”

“We do. After Zurich confronted Mom about her desire to marry Morgan, we found out he was nothing like our father. She told my brother that Morgan had kept food on our table and clothes on our backs when our alcoholic father regularly drank up his paycheck. Cobb also paid for our tuition and dorm fees at Buckley Academy.”

China’s starry gaze fell upon Zaire. “Buckley Academy! Now that’s one prep school I’ve heard a lot of great things about.” She thought back on what she’d witnessed with Bernice and Morgan. “They seem extremely good together. Is he accepted now?”

“We love and deeply respect Morgan. We’ve grown close to him. He’s more than a father to us. He’s a friend. The man treats Mom like the queen she is. Who can find fault with that? Speaking of reasons and seasons, what do you hope to learn from your experiences on the ranch? And has your seasonal or lifetime partner arrived yet?”

China’s eyes suddenly grew moist. “My reason for being here is twofold. I came here to scatter my father’s ashes over the land. He was a Texan and he loved this ranch. I’ve been going nonstop since my father died a few weeks ago. I am worn out and desperately need rest and relaxation. As for a lifetime partner, he’s still out there wandering around somewhere.”

“I’m sorry about your father. You have my deepest sympathy. If he loved this ranch, maybe I knew him. I’ve met most, if not all of our guests. What’s his name?”

Sniffling, China wiped her nose with a napkin. “Brody Braxton.”

In racking his brain, Zaire recognized the name but he couldn’t put a face to it. Looking closely at China, he tried to see if she reminded him of anyone. “If it’s not too hard on you, please tell me a little about your dad.”

China’s heart overflowed with sweet memories of her dad. “Brody was a wonderful father. He raised me alone, meeting my every need.”

She cut it off there. No one needed to know her dark, personal despairs.