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Zaire grinned. “You probably will. Get settled in. Later, China.”
Hearing the door close, she crossed her arms, rubbing them up and down. Zaire unsettled her in the strangest way. Her wild attraction to him was crazy. Walking around the cabin, familiarizing herself with the surroundings, she was pleased with everything.
Along with washcloths and hand linens, large, thirsty white bath towels were stacked on a rack above the bathroom sink. A hair dryer was mounted on a wall. Complimentary toiletry items, nestled in a decorative gold wire basket, were set out on the ceramic tile counter. A shower cap, shoe shine and a mini sewing kit were included.
The Jacuzzi caused her to change her mind about showering. Relaxing in a tub was more appealing. Turning on the faucets, she fiddled with the dials until the water temperature was right. After filling the tub to where it was safe to turn on the jets, she rushed back to her unpacked suitcases. Opening the smaller case that held aromatherapy products, she quickly chose lavender oil and hurried back to the bathroom, eager to enjoy this soak.
Wrapped up cozily in a thick white velour robe, China lay in the center of the bed, her head propped up on several pillows. Though she felt drowsy, she wanted to read through the ranch brochures before taking a brief nap. Next to the numerous offerings of supervised activities, the instructors’ names were listed. Zaire’s name appeared on the schedule quite a bit. The man was busy as a swarm of worker bees.
The Kingdom brothers had thought of everything when they’d planned out the ranch. A house of worship was built next to the main building. A retired clergyman, Pastor Royal Clark, came from nearby Brownsville to minister to family and guests.
Checking off each interesting activity, China made sure to schedule it on Zaire’s watch. She liked the thought of having him as her instructor. The idea of getting to know him on a personal level appealed to her.
Wearing sexy, formfitting white jeans and a chic designer mint-green scooped-neck linen top, China looked like a fresh spring day. Sucking in a deep breath, she stepped into the cavernous barnlike pavilion. Blaring full-blast from numerous speakers, DJ-spun music greeted her. Figuring the band was probably on break, she covered her ears briefly. Spotting Hailey near the bar, China strolled in her direction.
As if they were old friends, the two women exchanged warm pleasantries.
“Glad you came out to join the fun tonight. Zaire told us you might show up. I’d like you to meet other family members and a few employees. Okay with you?”
China nodded. “My pleasure. I’d love to meet everyone.”
Hailey took China by the hand. “Come on. We’ve got a great table where we can see everything that goes on. It’s reserved for family and special guests.”
Did Hailey consider her a special guest? At any rate, it was a nice thought. China felt nervous as Hailey introduced her to tall, dark and gorgeous Zurich. Family resemblances were striking. Hailey then introduced the family matriarch, her mother-in-law, Bernice Kingdom.
Bernice smiled sweetly. “Welcome to Whispering Lakes Ranch, China. I hope your stay with us is memorable.” Bernice turned. “This is my husband, Morgan.”
The tall man with a dark brown complexion was good-looking. As she pointed to another male, China could easily see he was another brother. “My son Zane and his girlfriend, Gayle McCray, are high school teachers. They work with the family on weekends during the school year and full-time in the summer. Gayle helps out with arts-and-crafts and fills in wherever else she’s needed. She has God-gifted hands.”
China shook hands with everyone, flashing a radiant smile.
It hadn’t taken China long to notice how stylishly Bernice was dressed. Appearing much younger than her fifty-plus years, she had layered medium-length mixed-gray hair. Sparkling pecan-brown eyes were as pretty as her caramel-brown face.
Three lovely older women joined them. Bernice warmly hugged the ladies, introducing them to China. “Up until I married, my sisters and I lived together.”
China greeted the animated ladies, who were as stylish as their sister. She turned to Bernice. “What a wonderful family you have. It’s nice to meet each of you.”
China’s thoughts went to her mother, who had run off with another man when China was a little girl, leaving her father to raise her alone. She still felt that she’d missed out on something wonderful by the absence of a solid family. Having no mother or siblings around had been hard, and, now that her father rested in peace, China felt totally alone in the world.
Sensing China’s sadness, Bernice slid her arm around her shoulders, hugging her in a motherly way. “We’d love for you to join us at our table. But let me warn you. We’re a lively bunch, a very vocal one. Our guys can get a bit racy with the jokes.”
China laughed. “It sounds exciting. Thank you, Ms. Bernice, for the kind offer. I’d be honored to share the family table.”
Painfully aware of Zaire’s absence, China recalled him saying he’d drop in at the club later. Would he be okay with her, a total stranger, joining his family?
No matter what Zaire thought about the invite, China was glad to have people to share the time with. The Kingdom family seemed to know just how to have fun.
As the band strode onstage to reclaim their places, lights flickered on and off. Patrons enthusiastically applauded their return, thrilled the break was over. Music was immediately cued. Starting out the set with a Country-Western flavor, the band began playing. Dressed in moderately flashy Western attire, a fabulous gray Stetson atop his head, the attractive vocalist stepped to the microphone. Seconds after he sang a few lyrics to the song, China felt the overpowering spirit of his sexy, melodic voice.
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.”
