Seduction at Whispering Lakes
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Linda Hudson-Smith
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Chapter 1
Pride filled Zaire Kingdom as he sat atop powerful Thunder, one of the most beautiful palominos out of his stable of numerous horses. His golden brown eyes stared down at the magnificent ranch below, as the orange sun slowly descended. The vast acreage where hilly land masses and skies appeared to meet was a sight to behold. The view from the highest ridge on the Brownsville, Texas, property was breathtaking. This was his home.
Several of the nine beautiful lakes on Whispering Lakes Ranch offered great fishing experiences, one of Zaire’s favorite pastimes. The entire place was a relaxation haven for the successful corporate cowboy and his host of family members.
Zaire’s eyes suddenly zeroed in on a car pulled off to the side of the road leading up to the main building where guests registered to check into the log cabin–style guest cottages. Spotting a slender figure standing next to the auto, it appeared to be a woman, but he was too far away to be certain. Why the driver had pulled over was his main concern. Guests didn’t normally check in this late in the day. He wondered if the car or possibly the driver was in distress. Either way, help was on the way.
Pulling gently on the reins, turning Thunder around, Zaire headed in the direction of the automobile. With the horse’s hoofs flying across the familiar terrain, Zaire felt totally relaxed in the saddle, loving the feel of the wind. Out of the many entertainment venues offered at the ranch, he loved riding his horses and teaching his guests how to ride.
Stopping Thunder a couple of feet away from the car, Zaire dismounted. Tethering the reins to a nearby fence, he walked over to where a young woman leaned against the driver’s door of a late-model Toyota convertible. An expression of total bewilderment was etched on her pretty face. “Is everything okay, Ma’am?”
Embarrassment flashing in her sparkling chocolate brown eyes, China Braxton looked up at Zaire. “Would you believe I’m lost?”
“That’s not so hard to believe.” Zaire chuckled. “Where you headed?”
“Whispering Lakes Ranch. I have reservations there. Think you can point a lost city girl in the right direction?”
Zaire grinned. “You’re already on the ranch.” He pointed ahead. “Another mile or so up the road is the registration building. I’ll lead the way on horseback.”
China sighed with relief. “That’s so kind. Are you a guest, too?”
“You could say that.” He was a permanent guest, but she’d find it out in due time.
“My dad told me a lot about this place. I hope it lives up to all his hype. By the way, I’m China Braxton.” Looking over at the horse, she wished she had the nerve to stroke it. Being intimidated by such a powerful, beautiful animal made her feel silly.
“I’m Zaire Kingdom, Ma’am.” He gave her a warm smile. “Ready?”
“Lead the way.”
Waiting until China was buckled up, Zaire mounted Thunder. Settling into a moderately paced gallop, he rode toward the main building. The area would be well lit in another couple of yards. She would’ve seen the huge neon sign welcoming guests to the property had she continued on. He gave thought to adding an additional mile or two of lights to the route, yet no previous problems with lighting had been reported.
Even though Thunder wouldn’t stray far from its owner, Zaire tethered his horse. Bred, born and raised on this land, Thunder knew every square inch of the entire ranch.
China looked toward the massive A-frame structure. Turning around, she faced Zaire. “Impressive piece of architecture! Wish I’d gotten here a long time ago. I stopped in town ’cause I can’t resist browsing quaint little gift shops. Billboard advertisings are posted everywhere. Do you think someone’s inside to check me in?”
He gave an assuring smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll be checked in. Come with me.”
China lifted an eyebrow. “You seem to know the ropes around here.”
“You could say that,” he answered.
China followed Zaire into the cozy, comfortably furnished lobby. A beautiful pregnant woman with flawless burnished brown skin stood behind the counter. As she looked up, her striking, dark amber eyes showed compassion. Flowing like a curtain of silk, thick auburn hair fell softly below the stunning woman’s slender shoulders.
“China Braxton, this is Hailey Hamilton-Kingdom. She’ll get you checked in and assigned to a cabin.”
Acknowledging each other with slight nods, the women smiled warmly.
“I’ll wait around and escort you to the cabin,” Zaire said. “The property is well lit, but I’m sure you can use help with your luggage.”
“Thank you.” China was a bit amazed by this good-looking man. He reminded her of her father, a loving, caring gentleman from head to toe. Brody Braxton had always been ready and willing to help anyone in need.
“I’ll be right outside when you finish up. Take your time, China,” Zaire said.
China’s eyes followed Zaire to the door. Knowing she’d see him again made her smile. As of late, she hadn’t met many kindhearted men. His left ring finger was bare, she’d noted, but Hailey’s last name was also Kingdom. Was she his wife?
Hailey pushed a lengthy form in front of China. “Please read the rental agreement and sign at the bottom. We’re thrilled to have you as a guest. Welcome!”
“I’m excited to be here. My father loved this place.” At the thought of Brody Braxton, her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “He requested I bring him back here to scatter his ashes. A native Texan, Dad chose Whispering Lakes Ranch as his final resting place.”
Hailey felt instant sympathy for China, but she didn’t think now was the time to address the obvious grief.
“Do you work here full-time?” China asked Hailey, shaking off her grief.
“I help out whenever and wherever. I’m on maternity leave from the Air Force. Not sure yet if I’ll return to active duty after the baby comes. We’ll see.”
“Is Zaire an employee? He seems so knowledgeable about the place.” Talking about Zaire would be a good distraction from her father.
Hailey laughed softly. “Along with his brothers, Zurich and Zane, the three Kingdom brothers own this fantastic resort. Zaire gave up his corporate job to live his dream. He’s made the ranch a favorite vacation spot for folks from all over the world.”
China smiled softly. “Three Z’s, huh!”
“Their mom loved the names. My mother-in-law, Bernice, is a sweetheart. So is my father-in-law, Morgan.”
“Wow, you sound like a woman who actually likes her in-laws! Which brother are you married to?” Hoping she wasn’t married to Zaire, China sucked in a deep breath, holding it tightly.
“Zurich. He’s retired from the Air Force. He’s employed at a local Brownsville television station. We’re both meteorologists.” Hailey grinned. “I need to make a slight correction to your comment. I love my in-laws. They’re wonderful.”
China was pleased at Hailey’s answer. “Do your in-laws visit the ranch often?”
“They own a house on the land and a huge motor home. The entire family has custom-built homes on Whispering Lakes Ranch. Our residences are a good distance apart, but we’re as close as a phone call. Our family participates in most of the guest activities. The brothers and their father pull many of the instructor and guide duties.”
China signed the registration form and handed it back to Hailey along with her American Express card. “Do you need any ID?”
“Just your driver’s license. The other important information was supplied on the application you filled out online.”
Amazed by the wealth of information Hailey had imparted on the Kingdom family, China had an urge to ask her if Zaire was married. She refrained. Instead, she picked up a brochure describing the ranch, though she had glanced over one at home.
The dude-style ranch was advertised as a lively playground for family vacationers and couples or singles looking for a fun getaway. Horseback/trail riding, hiking, calf roping, swimming, fishing, tossing horseshoes, Country-Western dancing and having fun barbecues were a big part of the ranch’s entertainment package. Inside a barnlike structure, the indoor-activities clubhouse included a bar, dance floor, pool tables and mechanical bull. Karaoke was offered two nights a week. Weekends featured live bands.
Whispering Lakes Ranch was touted as the perfect place for the outdoorsman or the sports-minded woman, as well as for the man or woman who blossomed outdoors in the wide-open spaces. China was glad she’d get to experience firsthand the place that had kept her father intrigued enough to return there year after year. Working long hours and continuing education classes had kept her from vacationing with Brody.
Chewing on a toothpick, Zaire looked out over the horizon. He never got enough of this idyllic place. His love of the land and the peace it brought was why he’d left his corporate job. He’d leave the hustle and bustle of city life every weekend and on holidays to ride the range, survey and explore the extensive Kingdom-owned acreage.
The more Zaire had thought about what he could possibly do with all this prime land he and his brothers owned, the more elaborate plans began forming in his mind. After several months of serious soul-searching and researching, he’d shared his ideas with his brothers. Sold on Zaire’s brilliant vision, they’d agreed to act upon it. Zurich and Zane hadn’t initially planned to live on the land like Zaire had. The brothers later realized it was the best solution for making the place a huge success.
In perfect harmony with the land, Zaire was never more content in his life. From sunup to sundown, he lived and breathed Whispering Lakes Ranch. This was his safe haven, a place that never let him down. He had no desire to live anywhere else.
Hearing the door open and shut, Zaire turned around and saw China. “I’ll drive my SUV back to the cottages. You can follow me. What cabin did Hailey assign you?”
China looked at the key in her hand. “Cabin nine.”
Zaire nodded to show he approved. “The full kitchen and separate rooms make it one of our premier cottages. I think you’ll love it. Wait here until I pull around the SUV.”
As Zaire strode toward the side of the building, China took in an eyeful. Watching him walk was electrifying. The man was over six feet tall, deliciously dark and handsome. She loved his sexy, confident swagger. The cowboy boots appeared to be cut from the finest leather. The off-white Stetson with a thin black leather band further enhanced his hot, rancher-cowboy aura. If she lit a match right now, his white-hot sex appeal would no doubt spark a blazing fire.
Zaire wasn’t a bit surprised by the amount of luggage China had. He hadn’t helped out many women who hadn’t brought along every single creature comfort, those least needed on the open range. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, hiking boots, swimwear and a few dresses for special events would suffice.
As Zaire stored the luggage in the roomy walk-in closet, the audible gasps from China weren’t lost on him. This was one of the best cabins at the resort. He couldn’t hold back his laughter, as she dared to bounce up and down on the queen-size bed like a child. The bed was beautifully dressed in a box-stitched white comforter, white sheets and pillowcases and frilly pillow shams. A variety of brightly colored pillows breathed life into the snowy white linens.
China pointed at the windows. “I really like the wood shutters, and the off-white rocker-recliner looks pretty comfy. Does the fireplace burn wood or gas?”
“It’s electric. With a flick of the switch it can produce heat and display colorful mock flames. Most guests only use heat in winter months, but almost everyone uses it for atmosphere. Can I get you anything before I leave?”
Frowning, she palmed her forehead. “I forgot to get a couple of Diet Cokes from the vending machine. I can do without until tomorrow. No big deal.”
Zaire steered her back to the kitchen and opened the full-size refrigerator door. “All sorts of soft drinks are in here.” He picked up a form. “Whatever you use, check it off on here. You’ll be billed at checkout. Soft drinks are much cheaper here than those in other hotel vending machines.”
He then showed her the cupboard where microwavable cups of soup, popcorn, chips, single-serving-size cereals, packaged pastries, candy bars and a variety of other food items and treats were stored. The kitchen was equipped with modern appliances.
“How often are perishable items changed out?”
“Most food items have expiration dates. Our employees check the refrigerator and pantry often. Small cartons of milk are changed out daily.”
China laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything sinister. I’m terribly curious by nature. I’m a nurse so I always concern myself with health-and-safety issues.”
“A nurse, huh? Well, the closest medical facility is twenty miles away. We’ve thought of hiring a full-time RN, but we haven’t had enough incidents of illness or injury to warrant it. As well as staff members, our lifeguards are certified in CPR and first aid. We also supply transportation to and from the medical facility.”
The expression on China’s face showed amazement. “You Kingdom brothers got it going on. I’m looking forward to my stay.”
“We’re happy to have you. If you’re not interested in cooking, breakfast is served in the dining room of the main building from five-thirty to ten-thirty. Look at the activity schedule for whatever you’re interested in. There’s plenty to do out here.”
“I recall reading an endless list of activities. I want to go fishing and learn to ride a horse, but I’m a bit intimidated by their size. Your horse is one big boy.”
“Thunder is gigantic but gentle as a lamb. Let me know when you’re ready to get acquainted with him. Fishing excursions begin at five o’clock.”
A gasp was followed by a loud groan from China. “Why so early?”
“The fish are hungry and biting.” He moved toward the door. “I’d better get going. See you around. Have a great evening, China.”
“You, too, Zaire. Thanks for everything, especially for rescuing me.”
He grinned. “Glad I could be of service.” Backing out of the exit, he closed the door behind him. Turning around again, he rapped hard on her door.
China appeared immediately. “Did you forget something?”
“Not really. Wanted to tell you since it is Friday, there’s a great band playing tonight in the pavilion, which also serves as a clubhouse, bandstand and dance hall.” He looked down at his watch and whistled. “The band starts in a couple of hours.”
“I think I will check out the band. I probably won’t get there at starting time, though. A shower and short nap will help rejuvenate me. Will you be there?”
“The entire Kingdom family will be there. We pretty much check in on everything happening around the place. I rarely stay until the last set, but I’ll definitely drop in.”
Resisting a strong urge to flirt with Zaire, China smiled. “Good. Hope to see you there.” China wished her lifelong best friend, Brooke Clay, had come to keep her in line.
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.
