Читать книгу Seduction at Whispering Lakes - Linda Hudson-Smith - Страница 8

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.

Zaire’s eyes then connected with his mother’s hopeful gaze. The look he gave her back let her know he was entertaining optimism, surprisingly so.

Smiling, he extended his arm to China. “Our table’s ready for us, Miss Lady.”

China giggled, hating her immature response. She’d noticed the interesting look he’d given his mother. Bernice had lifted her eyebrows over what she’d interpreted the glance to mean. China couldn’t help wondering what each expression meant.

A single yellow rose nesting in a crystal bud vase put a lovely smile on China’s lips. Looking around with practiced discretion, she saw that the other centerpieces were pillar candles inside glass holders. The rose was specifically intended for her.

Lifting the vase, China inhaled the delicate scent of the rose. “Mm, I love most flowers, but roses are my favorite. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” He pulled out her chair. “Ready to taste the fish you caught?”

“I can hardly wait.” China sat down and placed the linen napkin on her lap. “I enjoyed touring the fabulous kitchen. It’s a very busy place.”

“Newly remodeled and busy nearly twenty-four hours a day. If you ever come back, you’ll notice more wear and tear. Mom is magical at cleaning, but the shine does go away.”

“I would think so. Are your aunts coming in for dinner?”

Glancing at his watch, Zaire laughed. “They’re probably at bingo already. Our favorite ladies play bingo in town every Saturday evening. They want to make it a part of our activities schedule, but I don’t want to incorporate gambling here. It doesn’t work for me. Zurich and Zane side with me on the issue.”

China raised an eyebrow. “Do you really consider bingo gambling?”

“If money is involved, it’s gambling. We have to think about the kids. If our aunts wanted to conduct bingo games using prizes instead of money, I’d be okay with it.”

Appearing suddenly at the table, Gayle interrupted the couple’s conversation, greeting China with a melodic hello and a sweet smile. She then kissed the top of Zaire’s head. “I’m only filling in for a half hour or so. One of the waitresses is sick. What do you two want for sides? We have coleslaw, potato and macaroni salads, French fries and onion rings.”

China smiled. “I’d like macaroni salad.”

“Come on now, Gayle. You’ve been around our family enough to know I like potato salad with fish,” Zaire playfully scolded.

Gayle laughed. “You could’ve had a change in taste. Macaroni and potato salad are coming right up.”

“There you go,” he teased, laughing.

Gayle pulled a face. “I’ll be back with your meals.”

“Of the two salads, which is your favorite?” China asked Zaire.

“I love them both, but I always eat potato salad with fish. If Mom fixes deviled eggs while you’re here, line up in a hurry.”

“Deviled eggs are spring and summer treats at our house. Dad was a superb chef. I was allowed to choose my foods and saw it as a blessing, since all parents aren’t able to give their children choices. Never did I have to eat anything I didn’t like, but I was encouraged to at least taste a variety of foods.”

“You haven’t mentioned your mom yet. Did she cook for you, too?”

China sucked in a calming breath. “I don’t know my mother. Let me rephrase that. I didn’t grow up with my mother, but I knew her as much as any four-year-old is capable of. Memories fade.”

“I won’t pry,” Zaire said with understanding. “If you ever want to talk about your mother, I’m a great listener.”

China shuddered. “Let me get it out and over with. Suffering from clinical depression, Mom believed having a baby would solve her problems. It only ended up making matters worse. To hopefully make a new start, Mom left.”

Zaire’s curiosity was heightened. “Are you two in contact now?”

“She sends me birthday and Christmas cards every year. Camille Braxton lives in Atlanta. I haven’t seen her since the day she left, a day I don’t even remember. She’s still using Dad’s surname so I’m assuming she didn’t remarry.”

“Would you welcome her back into your life if she reappeared?”

“I’d love to see her and sit down for a chat. Believe it or not, I have no desire to make her pay for anything. My father believes she’s been harder on herself than anyone.

Dad forgave her and I’ve come to terms with it. I still miss having my family around, even though I’ve dealt with my lonely childhood.”

Gayle was back, and it was perfect timing, in Zaire’s opinion. The conversation had gotten pretty weighty. China had held up well, but he didn’t want her to relive what probably hurt her more than she’d admit. He knew the cross she bore was heavy.

Zaire’s life had also been severely damaged at the hands of a parent. It had taken the Kingdom brothers a long time to forgive Macon, who had come back into Bernice’s life when he was ill and dying. Despite loudly voiced opposition from her sons and sisters, Bernice had taken Macon into her home, where she’d nursed her estranged husband’s fragile body until the day of his demise.

A half hour later, China and Zaire pushed back from the table. The bass and catfish were delicious, light and flaky. For dessert China had chosen only one scoop of lime sherbet, since her stomach was nearly full.

“You want anything else, China?”

China caressed her stomach. “Nothing more will fit in here. No, thanks. I’m full and satisfied.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed your meal.”

Gayle came back to the table. Pausing for a moment, she looked from Zaire to China. “Tomorrow is Sunday. Guests have lots of leisure time. We’re having an evening baby shower for Hailey. We’d love for you to join us, China. You’ll have a good time.”

Zaire was willing to bet that inviting China to the shower was his mother’s idea. Single women just didn’t come to the ranch alone, and Bernice had mentioned to her family she planned to include China in their activities. After learning China was Mr. B.’s daughter, Bernice felt even stronger about looking after her. She had always wanted a daughter.

“Thank you. I’ll come, but I need a gift.”

Gayle smiled. “I can pick up something for you. I’m going into town early in the morning. Let me know your price range.”

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll go back and get some cash before the band starts so you won’t have to spend your money.”

“Not necessary. We’ll square it at some point. See you guys at the club. The band playing tonight is hot. Southern Fever has an amazing female vocalist.”

“I love the name.” China used her hand to fan herself in a playful way. “The band sounds hot.”

China thought the band was living up to their name. The five guys and one woman indulged their audience in a variety of music genres. From R&B to Country-Western, they’d performed each sound like true professionals. Zaire loved the blues and earlier confessed to China that he also had it bad for Country-Western.

“Would you like to dance, China?”

“Since I haven’t been able to keep still, I think it’s a good idea.”

Zaire chuckled. “I noticed.”

Zaire extended his hand to China. Walking toward the dance floor, his arm fell loosely about her waist.

Zaire’s tender hand on her waist had China’s body heating up from within. His touch was innocent yet it produced fiery sensations. She had a hard time keeping her mind from wandering into dangerous territory. Images of his hands hotly roving intimate places on her body danced in her head.

Concentrating on the music helped China take her mind off Zaire seducing her. While dancing, she noticed how light he was on his feet. The sexy gyrations of his hips sent her mind wandering once again.

A slow song came on, and Zaire brought China closer to him in one fluid motion.

Looking up at him, China smiled. “The band is fantastic. Love their style.”

“Our other guests love their brand of entertainment. They’re here at least one weekend a month. I’d bring them in more often if it was up to me. But they’re in high demand around these parts. They play clubs all over Brownsville and at posh resorts on South Padre Island. They are touted as the very best.”

While making their way back to the table, China spotted Gayle and Zane headed toward them. “There’s your brother and Gayle.”

He looked at his watch. “It’s nearly ten. My aunts will appear any minute. Bingo was over at nine. They love Southern Fever more than any band that’s played here.”

China nodded. “I bet they do.” Laughing, she reclaimed her chair. “Do your aunts go out on dates?”

Zaire’s eyes widened. “Do they ever? My aunts have been widowed for years. They’re the center of attention for many elderly gentlemen around here. My aunts started a senior center on the property. Female members outnumber the males, but everyone has a great time together. They’re like one big happy family. I don’t think a week goes by that one of my aunts doesn’t receive a marriage proposal.”

China was amused. “I see why. They’re a healthy, lively crew.”

Taking seats on the other side of the table, Gayle and Zane greeted Zaire and China. The couples began conversing, raising their voices to be heard over the band.