Secrets of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 3)

by Teresa Greene

  Breathless Dylan asked, “Did you see who went in the house?”

  “No, I couldn’t get a good look at the person. They were concealed by the trees in the front yard?”

  “How about the car, did you get a good look at the vehicle?”

  “It was a black Ford Edge.”

  Dylan whispered, “Tommy?”

  “Which way did he go when he pulled out of the drive?”

  “South.”

  “Do you think you can catch him?” Stan pressed the gas pedal to the floor gunning the engine. The station wagon didn’t have much power so they’d be lucky to catch Tommy since he had a head start. Maybe he would go to his apartment.

  “Did you find anything?”

  “I found everything. Lacy’s cameo, Miss Swift’s emerald ring.” Dylan slipped off his black leather gloves and rubbed his sweaty palms over his jeans. “You’re not going to believe what else.”

  Stan’s face lit up. “What else?”

  “Other jewelry proving they were not his only victims. There are other girls out there that he drugged and raped. Problem is Tommy Ross just drove away with our evidence.”

  “Son of a bitch.”

  As Stan sped away from the Robertson’s home, Dylan’s mind was spinning. Why did Tommy remove the evidence from Robertson’s home? What was his part in Robertson’s crimes?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Lacy heard the rumble of Dylan’s Mustang before it came into view. At least he hadn’t driven the hideous Cadillac. The car reminded her of his dark life. Reminded her of the danger he subjected himself to everyday of his life. After a glance toward the car, she threw the saddle over Midnight’s back and tightened the cinch. She reached for the bridle draped over the gate and placed the bit in Midnight’s mouth. He didn’t hesitate to take the bit because he knew he was going to leave the pasture. He loved to be on the trail. She pushed the leather strap over Midnight’s head and looked into his chocolate eyes. He was a magnificent horse. She took the time to rub his nose while she waited for Dylan. Without saying a word she untied the lead rope holding Pepper and unlatched it from his bridle. She opened the gate and led the horses through.

  Dylan shut the gate and asked, “You’re going riding when you knew I was coming to talk?” His eyes shifted to the house as if looking to see who she was going to go riding with. “Where is everybody?”

  “I told you everyone would be at church and then they have plans for the day.” With a tentative little smile she added, “It’s just you and me, babe.” She offered him Pepper’s reins.

  As his eyes widened, he placed his hands in the air to keep from taking the reins. “What is that?”

  “You’ve already met the horses. I thought we’d take a ride. I have something I want to show you.”

  When she shoved Pepper’s reins into his hand, she had to hold back a giggle because of the look on his face. “Whoa, back up just a minute. I have no idea what to do with a horse.”

  “You’ve just proven you know what the word whoa means. You say that when you want the horse to stop.”

  Sugar and Scout ambled to the gate and threw their heads over hoping for a treat. Heavy and slow with her foal, Breeze moved to the other side of Sugar. The mare had learned to keep her distance from Scout because Sugar was a very protective mother. Earlier she had put Thunder in his stall to keep him from running through the fence. He wasn’t too happy knowing he wasn’t invited on the trail ride. She could hear his loud protests through the stall walls.

  Dylan touched the white star on Sugar’s face with his free hand. “Why can’t I ride the little horse?”

  “Your feet will drag.”

  He swallowed hard. “That’s the reason I would rather ride the little horse. I wouldn’t be that far from the ground.”

  She placed her hand on Pepper’s rump. “He’s a pussycat.”

  Dylan raked his eyes over Pepper’s long, tall body. “He doesn’t look like any pussycat I’ve ever seen.” He cleared his throat. “He has a stripe down his back.”

  She giggled. “That’s a racing stripe. He’s extremely fast.”

  He took a step back. “I’m not getting on that horse.”

  “Pepper is a Dun. All Dun horses have a stripe down their backs. I’m just having a little fun, Dylan. You’re not usually so serious.”

  “I’ve never ridden a horse before and I’m scared.”

  Lacy looked at Dylan’s tennis shoes. “You need to wear boots when you ride. Did you bring any with you?”

  “No, you didn’t tell me I’d be riding a horse today.”

  “Would you have come if I’d told you we were riding horses today?”

  “No, I’d stayed in Raleigh. Too bad I don’t have any boots.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I guess we can’t ride.”

  “You’re not getting out of riding that easy. What size do you wear?”

  Dylan looked at his feet. “Eleven.”

  “You have some big feet.”

  “You know what they say about big feet.”

  Her brows drew together in confusion. “What do they say about big feet?”

  His roar of laughter caused her cheeks to turn pink. “You’re such an innocent.”

  It was obvious he wasn’t going to explain. She stewed for a moment before she got back to the task at hand. “Grant wears eleven and a half.”

  “Of course he does. It’s my lucky day.”

  “I’ll go get a pair of his boots.” Leaving Midnight’s reins dangling, she replied, “I’ll be right back.”

  When Lacy exited the house with Grant’s boots, Dylan was staring at Pepper with a look of fear on his face. The man faced down hardened criminals everyday but feared riding a horse. She handed him the boots at the same time she grabbed Midnight’s reins. “They’ll be a little big, but it’s still better than riding in tennis shoes.”

  “Why can’t I ride in tennis shoes? They’ve got to be more comfortable than boots.”

  “Heaven forbid you get thrown, but if you do you wouldn’t want your foot to get caught in the stirrup. Pepper could get spooked and drag you all the way back to the house.”

  That got her a speculative glare from Dylan. “Why don’t we take the four-wheelers? I’m more inclined to sit astride something with a motor. That’s more my style. I can control the speed and cut it off when I want it to stop.” Lacy watched his jaw firm. “You’re not trying to do bodily harm to me are you?”

  “Trust me. You are going to love riding.” It would be quicker to take the four-wheelers, but Lacy didn’t want to be in a hurry. She wanted to enjoy the day with Dylan without other people around. He wanted to talk and so did she. It would be easier to say what she had to say on her own turf.

  Dylan curled his lips into a sneer. “I had no idea you were so stubborn. Are you sure I can’t convince you to use a different form of transportation?”

  “Sorry, I’ve got my heart set on seeing you astride a horse. Last night after you called, I began imagining you and me racing side by side with the wind in your hair and a smile on your lips.” Her bold words shocked even her. Normally she didn’t say such things. Something about him gave her confidence. She wiggled her finger at him. “Stop procrastinating and let’s go.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to do any racing. I think we should keep it at a slow walk.” He dropped to the ground and slipped out of his tennis shoes. He tugged the boots over his socks and whined, “I hope you feel terrible when I fall off the horse.”

  “His name is Pepper and you’re not going to fall off. I have all the confidence in the world in your abilities.” She dropped Midnight’s reins and threw Pepper’s reins over his head. “Put your foot in the stirrup and swing onto his back.”

  He grabbed the saddle horn then placed his foot into the stirrup as she ordered. It took several awkward attempts before he sat on Pepper’s back gripping the saddle horn as if his very life depended on it for survival. She held back the laugh that bubbled in her throat. She showed him how
much slack to leave on the reins. “He’ll follow Midnight so you have nothing to worry about.” Lacy led Midnight to the barn porch and placed his shoes in the swing.

  She swung into the saddle and maneuvered Midnight next to Pepper. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

  “I am.”

  “You make this look so easy. How long have you been riding?”

  “Since I was a child. For years I participated in jumping competitions.”

  “Yes, I saw the pictures on the living room wall. I’m sure your bedroom shelves are weighed down with trophies.” With a note of exasperation in his voice, he replied, “I’d love to see your bedroom. Why don’t we go see all those trophies?”

  “Not on your life.”

  Ready to get on the trail, Midnight fought the bit. He jerked his head and sidestepped. Lacy stroked her hand over his neck to calm him. “Shhh, Baby.”

  He turned loose of the saddle horn long enough to take her hand. “Are you going to stroke me like that if I fall off my horse?”

  “Fall off and we’ll see.” She loosened her hold on the reins and Midnight tried to bolt. Yearning to run, he spun in a circle stomping his mighty hooves. She held tight to the reins to control the high-strung stallion. With a pat to his glistening neck she could feel his strength. Maybe he hadn’t been the best choice for riding with Dylan. She would have to keep a firm grip on the reins to keep him from leaving Pepper behind. It was the first time she had ridden in months and Midnight was her favorite of all the horses. She loved a horse with spirit.

  Again she showed him how much slack he needed for the reins. “Relax. Pepper will follow Midnight.”

  “Where’s Shadow?”

  “He went to church with my family.”

  He shifted in the saddle trying to get comfortable. “A dog at church?”

  “He’ll wait for them on the front porch of the church until the service is over. They have plans after church.”

  Side by side they rode in silence for five minutes before he asked, “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” She couldn’t wait for him to see the waterfall. Never had she taken anyone to the secluded spot. After what happened to her when she was a child, she had never felt the need to go there with anyone other than family.

  After an hour of riding, Dylan stood up in the stirrups and rubbed his bottom. “I think I have a blister on my ass. How can something that eats hay be so hard?”

  Lacy laughed. He had no idea how sore he was going to be by nightfall. It would take them at least three hours to get to the falls at the slow easy pace. It being his first time on a horse, every muscle in his body would be screaming by tonight. “I didn’t know you were a candy ass.”

  “I’m not a candy ass. You have more meat on your beautiful bottom than I do. An ass like yours is perfect for sitting on a horse.”

  She smiled at his compliment. “I happen to think you have a great ass.”

  “Are you ready to canter?”

  Between clenched teeth, he replied, “Why not. What’s a few more blisters?”

  Lacy loosened the reins and Midnight took off at a slow gallop. He wanted to race with Pepper but she let him know it was going to be a leisurely gallop. Until Dylan was more comfortable on horseback they’d take it slow. Dylan’s hair came loose and the wind whipped and tangled his hair. For ten minutes they continued over the road with the wind tantalizing their faces. She glanced at Dylan and noticed he was smiling. She knew he would enjoy riding. From the first time her father put her on the back of a horse, she had been smitten. Many hours had been spent riding the trails of Twelve Oaks. Some of her most precious memories were spent riding with her family.

  Lacy slowed Midnight and Pepper moved from a canter to a walk. “What do you think? Do you think you might like to go riding again?”

  “Only if it gives me a chance to spend the day with you.” Again he stood in the stirrups and rubbed his bottom. His moan of pain caused her to laugh. “I guess it is worth the pain.”

  It was almost one o’clock by the time they heard the roar of the falls from the narrow road that cut through the forest. “What in the world?”

  “That is my surprise.” The horses emerged from the trees and she watched his face as his gaze stopped on the waterfall. He never said a word, just sat there on the back of Pepper and took it all in. Lacy took in the view of him. He was so handsome and rugged. His long hair was windblown and tangled. He reminded her of a cowboy riding a cattle drive in years past. Never had he been more appealing to her. Her stomach lurched and tightened. He turned and smiled that cocky grin she had grown accustomed to and her heart melted. Everything about him she found captivating.

  Dylan swung his leg over Pepper’s back to dismount. The moment both feet hit the ground his legs almost collapsed. He struggled to stand. “Walk it off, Dylan.”

  With slow deliberate steps he made his way to the pool of water and sat down. That was the worst thing he could do. He needed to keep moving.

  Lacy unsaddled and removed the bridles from the horses before attaching their halters to the ropes they kept at the falls. Immediately they began chomping the rich grass that grew along the banks of the river.

  It was a warm day so she peeled off her boots and socks, rolled up the legs of her jeans and placed her feet in the cold water. It was hard not to laugh when Dylan crawled on his hands and knees to sit beside her. “Every bone in my body hurts.”

  At that moment Hilda appeared at the top of the falls. Lacy swallowed and straightened her spine determined to do everything in her power to ignore her. Maybe it was a mistake to bring Dylan to the falls, but she wanted to share its beauty and tranquility with him. She wanted him to make love to her with the sound of the waterfall in the backdrop. She planned to tell him she loved him.

  The big yellow sun was shining. Two blue dragonflies skimmed over the water, the sun glinting off their wings. Birds flew overhead. She couldn’t hear them over the roar of the falls, but the bright colors added to the allure of the landscape. She could imagine the sounds of their songs in her head. But then it was difficult to enjoy any of the beauty with Hilda standing above them whispering for Lacy to help her.

  Jumping to her feet, she held out her hands. “Here, let me help you with your boots.”

  A loud groan escaped when he lifted his leg to give her access to his foot. She grabbed his boot by the heel and pulled. Then she pulled off his other boot and socks. She dropped them to the ground and sat down beside him. Just like her, he placed his feet in the cold water. He shivered. “Damn, that’s cold.”

  “Next month it will warm enough to swim. Mind you, it will still be cold, but tolerable. The months of July and August the temperature will be perfect for swimming.”

  “Maybe I’ll come back and we can go swimming.”

  An uncomfortable silence fell between them as she peered into his eyes. “Why did you call me?”

  He tilted his head to one side regarding her. “I miss you.”

  “Why did you leave the campus before your week was up?”

  He leaned in close. “Stay away from temptation.”

  “Yet you called me.”

  “The temptation got the better of me.”

  The heat of his breath caused her skin to tingle. Lacy didn’t know how to respond to his admission. Her plan to tell him she loved him evaporated into thin air. Both of them knew the deck was stacked against them. Again she asked, “Why did you call me?”

  Dylan closed his eyes before his lips met hers. A wild surge of hope sprung up inside her when his mouth opened to her setting off explosions. Maybe he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Fire roared in her veins as his tongue slipped inside her mouth. The kiss deepened, became more demanding.

  “Say you missed me.” His soft whisper at her ear caused her whole body to ache with need.

  “I have thought of little else but you.” Her response to him was powerful. Both stumbled to stand. With impatient hands they undressed each
other before they fell together to the soft, green grass a tangle of arms and legs. His hands were everywhere. There was nothing in the world but them as they lay on the ground touching and groping. Everything else ceased to exist, even Hilda.

  He whispered in her ear. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  His words caused her hope to grow. Were they words spoken in passion or did he really care for her? Maybe they had a chance. She so wanted a life with Dylan.

  Rough hands moved to her breasts. She sucked in her breath when his thumbs stroked her nipples. With his hand cupped around her breast, he nibbled and then circled it with his tongue. Lacy whimpered and arched her back when his mouth covered her nipple and he began to suck. Mindless of anything but him, she clutched him to her breast. She tried to banish her worry of their differences and enjoy the moment. His lips were hot and damp bringing so much pleasure. “That feels so good. I’ve missed this.” Her need for Dylan was almost painful.

  He took his time driving her to the point of begging. “Touch me, Dylan.”

  She didn’t have to explain. He knew exactly what she wanted. His fingers stroked over her breast, her stomach, and slowed as it neared the V between her legs. She cried out when his finger slipped inside causing her to climax instantly. Restless, her hips began to rise and fall against his hand. She glanced up at him through her long lashes. His blood pounded when he saw her expression of passion. He lowered his head and kissed her hungrily, demanding complete submission. His lips were firm and strong. Lacy became dizzy with the sensations of pleasure streaking through her as the kiss deepened. “Lacy, your lips are sweet as honey.”

  After the sensations ceased, she pushed Dylan to his back and straddled him. Mimicking what he did to her, she took his tiny nub of a nipple into her mouth and sucked feeling it grow taut in her mouth. One hand twisted in her hair, an act of possession.