Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) (8 page)

The hostess purred, “I hope you enjoy your meal.” Eyes on Grant she never looked Nina’s way.

Grant stood behind her chair until she sat down. When he sat, her eyes circled the room. “What’s got you so nervous?” He placed his napkin in his lap.

She pursed her lips as she peered into his handsome face. The clean, fresh scent of him wafted over to her causing her to feel awkward. Rarely had she gone on a date and she felt out of her element. To make things worse the other diners were not eating. They were watching their every move. “Everyone is staring at us.”

“Could it be because you are the most beautiful woman in the room?” She didn’t miss that appreciative glance he gave her cleavage.

Nina burst out laughing. He reached across the table and took her hand. “You should laugh more often.”

She didn’t have the heart to pull away. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand and tiny tingles shot up her arm. She was a fool to come out with him tonight. She pulled her hand away and picked up the menu. She tried to focus on the entree choices, anywhere but at him. Eyes still on the menu she continued, “I don’t have much to laugh about. My parents’ death changed my life.”

“So you laughed a lot before their deaths?”

She dropped the menu and gave him a direct look. She chewed her bottom lip. Maybe she did take life a little too seriously. Vet school was grueling and she had little time for friends or laughter. “I have had to keep my focus on school. It wasn’t easy getting into vet school. Hundreds apply and less than two hundred get accepted. My every waking moment was spent studying. I have taken a big risk delaying my degree.” She smoothed her napkin. “In six months Beth will take over the farm and then I’ll return to school.”

Grant lifted his glass and took a sip of water. The delicate glass looked so small in his hand. “I can’t imagine Beth doing all you do. Are you sure she can handle the work? Looks a little prissy to me.”

“Don’t let her looks fool you. Beth is as tough as nails. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep the farm. We made the pact the day we buried our parents. The farm meant a lot to our parents and we will not let it go without a fight.” Nina lifted her chin and looked him square in the eye. “Let me rephrase that. We will not lose the farm.”

“I admire your determination.” He wet his lips and she couldn’t take her eyes off his full, sensual lips. All she could think about was how it felt when he had kissed her the other night in the pool. She was in more trouble than she thought.

The waiter appeared and their conversation was put on hold while they ordered. The moment he stepped away, Grant asked, “What are your plans after you get your degree? Are you going to be able to handle the farm and work?”

She let out an agitated breath. The last thing she wanted was to talk about something she hadn’t quite figured out yet. “I plan to hire some help. Veterinarians make a lot of money.” Brows drawn together she replied, “Enough about me. I thought we were talking about you tonight.”

He shook his head, his gaze never leaving her face. “Maybe later, I don’t want to ruin our meal.”

The waiter brought a bottle of wine and filled their crystal glasses. Nina nodded after she took a sip. “I’m impressed.”

He tapped his glass to hers. “Thanks, even though I prefer beer.” Admiration showed on his face. “My mother is a connoisseur of fine wines. I ordered one of her favorites, a white chardonnay.” His eyes held a twinkle. “I send her a case every Christmas.”

It wasn’t the first time he had mentioned his mother. It was evident the two were close. She ran her finger over the tip of her glass. Maria had given her a manicure and painted her nails bright red so her hands looked as if they didn’t belong to her. The calluses remained, wasn’t anything she could do about them, but at least her nails looked feminine.

At the table next to them three, beautiful teenage girls kept staring at Grant. “I think you have some admirers.”

Grant looked at the girls and winked sending them into fits of giggles. Nina had to stifle a laugh when one of them pushed away from the table and made her way toward him. Her much too short dress showed off her long, lean legs. The ruby red dress revealed too much of her breasts. Every finger was adorned with brightly colored rings.

She offered her hand to Grant as her green eyes checked out his left hand to see if he was wearing a wedding ring. “My name is Lisa. Sir, thank you so much for fighting for our country.”

Nina wondered why she packed on so much make-up when she didn’t need it. Even through the thick paint she could tell she had gorgeous skin.

He stood and gave her a dazzling smile. “Please call me Grant.” Lisa placed her hand on the sleeve of his shirt as she flipped her bleached blond hair with the other. “My pleasure, ma’am.”

“I’d be honored to get your address and write.” She fluttered her lashes as her eyes raked over his broad shoulders. “I’m sure you get lonely while in a foreign land.”

Nina rolled her eyes. The girl probably didn’t even know where Iraq was located. All she cared about was getting the attention of a handsome man.

“I’m not sure where I will be deplored next, Lisa. I’m on leave and haven’t gotten my deployment papers yet.” He tucked his arm into hers. “May I escort you back to your table?” He acknowledged each of the young ladies causing them to giggle and gush before leaving them.

He placed his pristine, white napkin back in his lap when he slipped back into his chair. The scene had been awkward for both of them. With a soft chuckle, Nina offered to ease the tension. “It’s amazing what a push up bra can do.”

Rich laughter washed over her. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure you get lots of ladies throwing themselves at you.” Deep down she knew he was a connoisseur of women. He knew how to touch, how to look at a woman and make her feel special. She wondered how many women he had slept with.

Eyes sparkling he asked, “Why would you think that?”

“You are gorgeous, tall, and muscular. And best of all women can’t resist a man in uniform. I’m sure you’re the man every woman in the room wants.”

He reached across the table and took her hand again. “How about you? Can you resist a man in uniform?”

A frisson of excitement shot through her at his touch. Memories of almost having sex with him caused her cheeks to turn pink. Not able to pull her eyes away, she looked at his luscious lips. He knew how to tantalize and tempt with those lips. The other night she lost all control when he kissed her. She pulled her hand away and replied a little breathless, “No, it does nothing for me.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “I like you, Nina. I haven’t felt this relaxed and comfortable in years. Helping you on your farm has healed more than I thought possible.” He lifted his wine glass and took a sip. “I might stay longer. Another week of beauty before I return to the ugly.”

She leaned in and whispered, “If this is about what happened the other night, it won’t happen again. I’ve been a little busy running a farm. I don’t have the time or energy for a relationship.”

“Have you ever relied on another person? You work too hard. You’re much too serious. How often do you play?”

Nervous because of his line of questions, she lifted her glass and took a sip of her wine. “I plan to play. As soon as I get my DVM I will take time for myself.”

“Please. Then you’ll have double trouble. You’ll have to make vet calls and keep up the farm. It will be a never ending cycle.”

“Has it occurred to you that I like tending to the animals?” Even though she tried to convince him, the work did overwhelm her on occasion. When it would be time for Beth to take over, also caused her worry. The stress would take more of a toll on her sister. Just the seclusion would be difficult for Beth because of her outgoing personality. “Why are you so concerned about me? I don’t understand why you should even care.”

He shifted in his chair. “That’s the problem, I do care. I enjoy the animals, the gardening.” He hesitated. “I especially enjoy being with you.”

Perhaps he was expecting her to say she enjoyed working with him also. For a moment she fantasized having him stay. It would be wonderful to have a strong shoulder to lean on, someone to take some of the load off her. Deep down Nina knew better. He would go back to the war. It would break her heart to let herself fall in love with him, to rely on him, and then lose him. A man like Grant Wilson would get restless.

The silence continued until he replied, “Why don’t you cut some of the timber. You could hire someone to run the farm while you returned to school. Hardwood brings a good price. I noticed you have a large amount of oaks.”

Agitated, her voice became louder. “Have you seen what it looks like after timber has been harvested? They strip the land leaving it barren and ugly.” Nina squared her shoulders. “Cutting our timber would be a last resort. We’re standing on our own two feet. The bills are getting paid.” She was too proud to tell him the truth. Soon she would have to go to the bank and take out a loan. That was all she needed was more debt.

Grant smiled causing her temper to cool. It was difficult to remain angry at a man that looked like him. “Sheath your claws tiger. I’m just trying to help.”

“I’ve got this. I don’t need help, or should I say Beth, Lacy, and I don’t need any help.” Sometimes she did feel she was doing everything on her own. Maybe because she was the oldest she felt responsible for Beth and Lacy.

Thankfully, the waiter brought their food and she had a moment to compose herself. She did appreciate all the work he had put in to help her on the farm. The last thing she wanted was to ruin the night arguing with Grant. She took a good look at him. The dark hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders, she could look at him all night.

The waiter filled their glasses with wine before he left them. He raised his glass and tapped it against hers. “I wish you much success. If anyone deserves happiness, it is you.”

Happiness. Would she ever be happy again? Life had been so wonderful when her parents were living. Family dinners, holiday celebrations, God, she missed them. Beth was so busy with law school they hardly ever had a chance to get together. Lacy had a heavy load because of the scholarship she received. Most of Lacy’s weekends were spent doing homework or lab work. Because of her shyness Nina didn’t easily make friends. Maria and Juan had filled a void in her life, but they were as busy as she. The only time they talked was at the family dinner table.

The fantasy of life with him returned. A man like him could make her life happy, complete. But her practical side told her to stop wishing for something that would never happen. Nina got the impression he wasn’t the type to settle down.

Chapter Seven

The house was dark by the time Grant drove into the circle drive. Nina glanced at her watch when he opened the door for her to exit the car. It was eleven o’clock.

Grant leaned close to her ear causing Nina to shiver with excitement. “I’m too wound up to sleep. How about a late night swim?”

Nina blushed to the roots of her hair. “I have to get up early. I think I’ll turn in.” Even though she wasn’t worldly, she knew what a swim would lead to.

“Come on, Nina.” Just the way he said her name so husky and sexy had her senses reeling. “I thought you wanted to hear what happened in Iran.”

For some reason she felt he was using that as an excuse to get her to relent. Deep down she feared he had no intention of telling her what happened in Iran. All he wanted was to have sex with her.

Without waiting for her to consent, he nudged her toward the house. “Go change into your bathing suit.”

As if in a daze, Nina unlocked the front door and walked to her room. She flicked on the light and circled the room, too agitated to sit. The man had too much control over her emotions. In her head she weighed the cons of having sex with Grant. The main reason, he would return to the war and she would never see him again. Every moment she spent with him only added to the allure she felt. But then on the positive side she wanted to make love with him. Not have sex, but make love. People did it every day. They had relations and went on their merry way. Still, it was different for her. She wanted something lifelong and meaningful. She had managed to hang on to her virginity for twenty-five years and didn’t want to lose it to a man who it would mean nothing.

Nina unzipped her dress and let it fall in a puddle around her feet. She bent and picked it up. Placing it to her face, she thought of her mother. She took a deep breath inhaling the scent hoping to get one whiff of her mother’s perfume. It would be wonderful to confide her feelings with her mother. Most of the time she preferred a quiet life, but tonight she felt lonely. The pain of losing her parents was too fresh. Despair clenched at her insides.

A light knock on her door caused her to jump. “Nina, are you okay?” Without waiting for an invitation, Grant pushed the door open. Wearing only his underwear, his huge form filled the space. His dark eyes raked over her standing in the middle of the room wearing only her lacy, jade colored bra and panties. “I hope you’re not having second thoughts about that swim.” His husky voice swept over her causing her heart to pound. The room sizzled with energy. She was afraid she would go up in flames from the heat.

Grant took a step forward but she didn’t retreat. His eyes never left hers as he took that final step that brought him against her. He reached out and touched her hair. “I’ve wanted to feel your hair from the first day I saw you. You have magnificent blond locks. It’s so silky and soft.”

Together they fell back on the bed, lips locked together. A deep kiss Nina felt all the way to her toes as his tongue soothed her fears. Her pulse throbbed as Grant’s hands felt for the clasp of her bra. In one quick flick of his wrist, her back was bare and his hands were doing delicious things to her. His hand moved to her breast and she thought she would die of pleasure. Grant rose above her and his eyes roamed over her body.

“You are perfection.”

Nina wanted to say something to him. To compliment him, but she didn’t know what to say. She was too nervous and inexperienced. She placed her hand on his arm and felt the muscles quiver beneath her fingers. With light kisses he started at her neck and moved down. When his mouth covered her nipple, she let out a little scream of surprise. Never in her life had she imagined sex could be this exciting.

He lifted his head and whispered, “Oh, Nina, you are so sweet.” Then his lips returned to her nipple and she raked her fingers into his hair holding him there. The feel of his mouth on her flesh had her squirming under him. Desire ran over her flesh. He pulled her panties over her legs and then over her feet. His hands exploring her body had her breath quickening but it was the delicious nervousness of discovery. She thought she would scream as his hands grew bolder.

Once while in college she had watched a sex tape with her roommate. She knew what a man and woman did during sex, but never in a million years did she think she would enjoy something so naughty. His lips moved back to her mouth and blood raced in her veins. As his tongue went deeper, her backside came off the bed and pressed against him. Tiny sensations she had never felt in her life shuddered through her. The kiss seemed to go on forever before he spread her legs. Should she tell him she was a virgin?

She locked her legs together denying him entrance. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. God, he had gorgeous eyes. His dark eyes were alight with passionate fire.

“I have something to tell you.”

As if fearing she would not allow him to continue, he began to kiss her neck. “Relax, Nina. Let it happen.” He closed his hands around her hips and massaged them.

She gripped his back and felt tight muscles ripple under her hands. Before she lost her courage she whispered, “I’m a virgin.”

Obviously surprised, he tensed. For a moment she thought he would pull away. His fingers gripped her arms as he peered into her eyes. “Please don’t make me stop. I want you so bad.”

“I don’t want you to stop. I just wanted you to know.”

He cupped his hands to her face. “I’ll always cherish this special gift.” Gone was the intensity and in its place a gentleness. “I will not hurt you.” His hands roamed over her body as his lips returned to hers. Slow and sweet, he twined his tongue with hers. When he spread her legs, she relaxed and opened up to him. The pressure of him entering her was extremely uncomfortable and she fought back the tears.

“Stay with me honey. I promise the pain will pass.”

For a few seconds, he remained perfectly still before he pushed deeper causing Nina to gasp. As she grew accustomed to his ample size, he pushed even deeper. Just when she thought she would tear apart, he began to move slowly until she had taken every inch of his penis. “It hurts.”

He wiped at her tears with his thumbs. “I know baby.” He kissed her deep and passionately, his tongue melding with hers. The pain began to subside and she began to enjoy the fullness of his penis as it stretched her to the limit. He whispered in her ear, “Are you okay?”

In answer, she began to meet his thrusts, slow at first and then with more power. Something inside started to build as they found the perfect rhythm. Moans of pleasure started deep in her throat as the sensations intensified. Little squeals filled the room as her first ever orgasm erupted spreading moisture all over Grant’s penis. She squeezed her legs together and pushed against his crotch.

Grant pulled out and rolled over onto his back bringing Nina with him. He captured a rosy, pert nipple between his teeth. She pushed away from him and sat on his thighs so she could get a better look at the appendage that just gave her so much pleasure. Amazed as it glistened in the light of the room, she touched it with her fingers. She wrapped her hand around his shaft and squeezed.

Grant closed his eyes and sucked in his breath. “Girl, you are driving me crazy. I have wanted to make love to you from the first time I saw you in those cut off jeans and tank shirt.” Gripping her by the arms, he pulled her against him mashing her breasts against his chest.

She brought her lips down on Grant’s and opened her mouth to give him a tantalizing kiss. She spread her legs and his shaft slid in her moistness. She held her breath as he pushed his full length into her. Together they began to move. Nina clenched her legs around Grant and her whole body vibrated with another orgasm. He gripped her thighs and pulled her against him as his climax neared. After several more thrusts, he ground his crotch against hers and clenched his teeth together as if in agony.

Nina fell to the bed beside Grant exhausted. Soreness between her legs caused her to groan. For the second time in her life she felt wicked. The first time was when she watched the sex tape.

“Sorry, Nina. I should have been gentle with you since it was your first time. I hope I didn’t hurt you.” He rolled to his side, propped his head on his elbow, and peered into her face. “I got a little carried away.”

Feeling shy, Nina sat, grabbed the sheet, and pulled it to her neck. “I’m fine.”

He twined a lock of hair around his finger. “How in the hell have you remained a virgin?”

She felt the heat on her cheeks. “I guess I never got the chance to have a romance. College was spent studying night and day. Now the farm takes all my time.” Truth be known, Grant was different than any man she had ever met. Still, she thought it a little early in their relationship to admit her feelings. Perhaps his feelings for her were not as strong.

She curled against him and wished he would stay. Life would be wonderful if she could sleep with him each night, work with him on the farm each day. He was the kind of man she would like to spend her life with.

****

Nina woke to laughter floating through the open window. Tangled in sheets, she kicked until she was free. A loud groan filled the room when she remembered last night. She sat up and winced from the pain. Falling back to the pillow, she covered her face with her hands. Last night she had lost her virginity. Just thinking about the things Grant did to her caused her to get warm all over.

She forced herself to a sitting position and peered around the room. There was no sign that Grant had even been there. She fumbled around under the covers until she found her bra and panties. With slow stiff movements she opened the drawer of her dresser and found her favorite royal blue silk robe. She tied the belt before padding across the floor and down the hall. She opened the sliding door and stepped outside into the bright sunshine in time to see Grant throw Juan into the air. A huge splash sent water onto the tile surrounding the pool. Juan surfaced sputtering and laughing.

Suddenly, Grant peered up at her and waved, a dazzling smile plastered on his face. “Come on in, the water’s perfect.”

The urge to spend the rest of the day frolicking in the pool with Grant and Juan sounded wonderful. The only problem was, she had too much to do. “I have guests coming to stay in the pool house tomorrow. I have to clean and stock it with food.”

“Juan and I’ll help you.” Grant swam to the ladder, climbed out, and dried off with the towel folded in the chaise lounge. Her cheeks turned pink when she saw that he was wearing nothing but his underwear. When she went into town for groceries, she would buy him a suit. The underwear showed a little too much of his attributes.

She didn’t want Juan to know they had been intimate, but by his huge smile he already knew. He watched them with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Grant gathered his uniform which he had folded neatly and left lying in a chair last night and slipped on his pants.

Maria opened the sliding door and announced as Grant was buttoning up his shirt, “Breakfast is ready.”

Juan wasted no time and took the steps, grabbed a towel and began to dry off. “Come and have breakfast with us Grant.”

When he looked at her for consent, Nina smiled and nodded. It would be nice to sit and have a meal as if they were one big happy family. Funny, she was already imagining him staying. Nothing would make her happier. He did say the farm helped him to relax. Maybe he wouldn’t go back to the war.

Juan waited until they walked through the sliding door and closed it behind them. “Maybe tonight after dinner we can take another swim.”

Grant waited until they were all seated at the table before he sat down. “I don’t see why not. I’ll teach you how to do the back stroke.”

Across the table from her, Grant lifted a piece of bacon and took a bite. Nina couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off him. It was the first time she had been in love and the feeling was so exciting. She couldn’t wait to call Beth and tell her.

Juan talked nonstop, but Nina didn’t mind. Grant had taken an interest in the boy, and for that she was grateful. Not having a father or another male in his life, he enjoyed Grant’s attention. “After we finish helping Nina clean the pool house, do you think we can play my new game? I bought it the other day with the money Nina gave me for helping her muck out the stalls.”

Grant ruffled his hair. “I don’t see why not. Bet I’ll wipe the floor with you.”

“No way. I’m king of Zombie Nightmare. I’m already up to the third level.” They listened to Juan relate the story of how he beat thousands of evil Zombies to save the world with a lot of enthusiasm.

Maria spooned some grits into her son’s plate. “Eat something besides bacon, Juan. Grits are good for you.”

Juan made a face before he scooped up a spoonful, tipped his spoon to the side, and let them drip back onto his plate. “Come on, Mom. I don’t really like them. How about I have some more eggs instead?”

“Listen to your mama. If you want to grow up to be my size, you need to eat well balanced meals.” Everyone giggled when Grant flexed his muscles. “How do you think I got all these muscles?” He tweaked Juan’s nose. “By eating lots of whole grains and my vegetables.”

“Yuck.”

Nina pushed away from the table. “I’ve got to get a shower and get moving. Five new guests will be arriving at twelve o’clock tomorrow and I need to get the pool house ready.”

Grant stood, gathered his plate and glass. “I’ll get a shower and help you. I smell like chlorine.” He placed his plate and glass in the sink. His pants were wet from where he had been swimming in his underwear. “Thanks for breakfast, Maria. You cook much better than the cooks on base.”