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

by Teresa Greene

  He opened the oven and pulled out a plate loaded with bacon, eggs, and grits. “Mmm, it smells good.” He sat at the table and began to devour the food. He was starving.

  “Where’s Juan?”

  “He’s cleaning the pool. The guests staying in the pool house had another night of partying. They made quite a mess.”

  Funny Grant didn’t hear anything last night. Probably because he slept so hard after Nina finished draining him of all his strength. “At least they’ll be leaving today.”

  “I’ll be glad to see them go. After Nina described their behavior at the waterfall, I don’t think I much like them.”

  “No, I don’t either.” He polished off the last of his meal and stood. “I think I’ll go in search of Nina. She’ll probably fire me for lounging in bed too long.”

  Grant found Nina and Josh brushing down the horses. “Please tell me we are taking the four-wheelers and not the horses to the waterfall. My ass is still sore from the last time I rode Midnight.”

  Nina’s smile caused his heart to beat faster. “Good morning sleepy head.” She must have thought of last night because her cheeks turned pink. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a bear.” If his brother wasn’t standing there with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he would kiss her. He propped his arms on the back of Sugar and continued to stare at him with a huge grin on his face. Turning away from his brother’s amused look, he asked Nina, “How did you sleep?”

  “Great.”

  Josh spoke up, “I slept great also.”

  “I’m real happy for you, brother.” Nina giggled. Grant tried to get a handle on his emotions. He was acting like a teenage boy that just got to first base for the first time.

  “Did Nina tell you we have a picnic planned for today?”

  “Yes, she did. I can’t wait to see the waterfall. She said it was breathtaking.” He stroked the curry comb over Sugar’s dark back. He raised a dark eyebrow and looked at Nina. “Are you two sure you wouldn’t rather be alone?”

  Again her cheeks reddened. “I’m sure. You just arrived and I’m sure you would like to spend some time with Grant.”

  Her smile broadened as she peered at him with love in her eyes. “And yes, we’ll take the four-wheelers. Maria is a little intimidated by the horses and prefers a safer mode of transportation. I’ve never been able talk her into riding one of the horses, not even Sugar who is gentle as a kitten.”

  Grant kissed the tip of her nose. “Glad to hear we’ll have motorized transportation.”

  “I also bought you a swim suit while I was in town. I don’t think I want Maria ogling you in your skivvies.” As an afterthought she looked at Josh. “How about you? Do you have a bathing suit or are you like your brother and prefer to swim in your underwear?”

  “I have a pair of shorts that will suffice.”

  “Wonderful.” She handed Grant her curry comb. “I’ll help Maria pack our lunch if you’ll help Josh finish brushing down the horses. The goats need to be fed.” She leaned against his side and whispered in his ear, “I can’t wait to have my love slave do my bidding.”

  The sway of her hips had him enthralled as he watched her walk toward the house. His cock hardened and refused to go down. He tried to will his desire down, but was having no luck.

  “I like her.”

  “I do too. She’s a special lady.” Grant waited several seconds before he turned and faced his brother. “Have you seen the guys staying in the pool house this morning?”

  “No, but I saw them last night. In fact I joined them by the pool and could have had sex with the petite brunette.”

  “That would be Mel.” So she also liked his brother. Maybe Collins didn’t send her to tempt him. Could be she enjoyed sex with any man. “She’s a hot little number, isn’t she?”

  “Yep, but I didn’t care to have sex with everyone watching. I asked her back to your room, but she wouldn’t leave the others.” His voice became serious. “I did sneak away and plant the three bugs though. I put one in each bedroom and one in the kitchen area. Perhaps Uncle Tate will find out something. Oh, I almost forgot. Uncle Tate wants you to call him.”

  As Grant jogged to his room, he worried what Uncle Tate wanted. Hopefully, he had found something they could use against Matthew Collins. After two rings his uncle answered. “What’s up?”

  “I put a tail on Pablo Mendez. He left his house this morning with three men from his organization. They went to a secluded location about three miles back in the woods approximately fifty miles from Collins’ operation. We think it might be where his men were killed. First thing in the morning we are going to check it out. I thought you might want to go with us.”

  “Sure thing. Give me the directions.” Grant jotted down the directions. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Maybe there would be enough evidence to place Collins at the scene. He hoped so. The longer the man remained free, the more he worried about Nina.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Clay woke to the sound of his phone ringing. He reached over Mel’s nude body to grab his cell phone off the nightstand. He put it to his ear and said, “Hello,” as he checked the time on his watch.

  “Are you still in bed?” Randle’s angry voice brought him out of his stupor. “It’s ten damn o’clock!”

  He sat up and prayed that Mel would not wake and reveal she was in his bed. “I stayed up late last night and kept an eye on Grant and Nina. You’re right, they’re screwing.”

  Randle shouted into the phone, “Don’t use that word. Have you forgotten that Nina is my woman?”

  Clay cringed. Most of the time he liked his cousin, but not when Nina was concerned. The man was obsessed with her. From the first time he saw her, he had convinced himself she was meant for him. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why is the man still alive? Maybe I was unclear when I said kill Wilson and get the hell back to the marijuana crop! I told you to take care of the problem!”

  Mel groaned and rolled over onto her back. Clay placed his hand over the phone when she whispered, “What time is it?”

  He pressed his finger to his lips. “Shhh.” The brunette pushed her hair out of her face, stumbled out of bed, and disappeared into the bathroom. Attention back on his phone conversation with Randle, he explained, “How the hell can I kill him when he is always with Nina. You said to make it look like an accident. I know how I’m going to do it but the right opportunity has not presented itself. I haven’t been able to get him alone, and now his brother has showed up out of the blue. Maybe we need to stay a couple more days.”

  “Spare me your excuses! Now you listen to me! I realize it’s a difficult task, but I gave you a job to do and expect it to be completed. Time’s up. What purpose does it serve me to let you lounge around doing nothing? Find a reason to get him alone and take care of it. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, boss, I understand.”

  “There is an extra $10,000 added to the price if you take care of it today. I expect you back with the marijuana crop tomorrow.” The call ended when Randal hung up on him.

  Clay threw his phone on the nightstand and ran his fingers through his hair. The vacation was over. He had prolonged his stay in paradise as long as he could. He had enjoyed the sex and female companionship. Shame it had to end. Thoughts of returning to the solitude of the marijuana camp didn’t sit well with him. Nothing to do but play cards and drink. Looks like he had no other choice. He would have to kill Grant Wilson today. It was all planned out in his mind. He would lure him to Midnight’s stable, hit him over the head with a shovel, and make it look like the high strung horse kicked him in the head. No one would suspect him of killing Grant Wilson because there was no direct link between them. Everyone would believe it was a horrible accident.

  The door to the bathroom opened and a naked Mel padded across the floor. One more good screw wouldn’t hurt. She climbed back into bed and pulled the covers over her face. Clay threw the covers to the side and dived on top of her curvy body.<
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  She tried to push him away. “I’m not in the mood.”

  He held her hands over her head. “I don’t care what you’re in the mood for. I hired you to be my whore for the duration of this trip and that is what you are.” She gasped in pain as his brutal hands gripped her breasts. “Don’t worry, honey. You can go back to whoring tomorrow.”

  She snapped, “What do you call this?”

  “Business, honey. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. You have to admit you’ve enjoyed your stay.” He wrapped his hands around her neck and squeezed until her face turned red. A tiny whimper escaped her lips when he released his hold. He rolled to his back. “Now show me what you can do with those amazing hands of yours.”

  ****

  It only took an hour to get to the waterfall on the four-wheelers. Grant watched his brother’s face when he saw the water cascading over the cliff to the pool of water below. “It‘s magnificent.”

  “I knew you’d like it here.” The rise of the rocks, the water flowing to the pool, Grant could stay there forever and listen to the peaceful sounds.

  Nina swung off the four-wheeler and removed the quilt from the inside compartment. Grant took the picnic basket off the back of the four-wheeler and placed it under the shade of a big oak. Nina spread the quilt on the soft grass.

  He took her hands and replied, “Let’s take a swim before we eat.”

  “Okay.” She pulled her tee shirt over her head and then wiggled out of her cut off jean shorts. Wearing a black one piece bathing suit, she tugged at the top. Even though it showed less of her body than the bikini she usually wore, she still looked spectacular. A round, firm derriere, taut thighs, Grant thought she should be on the cover of a Sports Illustrated Calendar.

  Maria spread a towel on the rocks so she could watch Juan and Josh who were already in the pool. The moment his brother saw Nina in the bathing suit, his eyes locked on her with interest. Josh had a fondness for women. Didn’t really have a preference, blond or brunette. Just had to be pretty.

  Suddenly, Juan took a running leap and then jumped on Josh’s back sending him under the water. He came up sputtering. “So you want to play rough do you?” He grabbed Juan by the head and ducked him.

  Nina lowered herself into the water from the rocks slowly so she could become accustomed to the cool water. She peered up at Maria sitting on the rocks. “Come on in, Maria. I promise it’s not over your head if you stay close to the rocks.”

  She visibly shuddered and shook her head in the negative. “No, thank you. I’m happy sitting here watching.”

  Grant jumped into the pool of water and gasped as it stole his breath. He gritted his teeth to keep them from chattering for a few seconds. He swam to Nina and whispered, “Why doesn’t Maria want to swim?”

  Leaning in so only he could hear, she answered, “She’s afraid of the water.”

  Grant sloshed through the water and stopped at the rock where Maria was stretched out soaking up the sun. He held out his hand. “I’ll hold you. I won’t let you go under.”

  Seconds passed as she stared at his hand. She bit her lip as she took the offered hand and let him help her into the water. He felt her tremble as she wrapped her arms around his neck. A little scream escaped when the water came up to her neck. Her legs gripped his waist and he could feel her heart pounding against his chest.

  “I’ve got you, Maria. It’s okay.”

  With quick breaths, she pleaded, “Please don’t let me go.”

  “I won’t.” He walked around giving her time to get over her fear of the water lapping against her body. “Put your feet down.”

  Nina moved to the other side of Maria and coaxed her arm from around his neck. “We won’t let you go under.” She sounded as if she were talking to a small child as she spoke. “It’s okay.”

  Maria unwrapped her legs from Grant’s waist, and slowly placed her feet on the bottom of the pool. She emitted a nervous giggle.

  Juan swam to his mother’s side. He placed a hand on each side of his mother’s face. “You’re in the water, Mama. Look at you.”

  Again she let out a nervous giggle. Every nerve in her body was taut. “I know, I know.” He kissed her cheek. She gripped his arms until her knuckles turned white.

  Both Grant and Nina released their hold on Maria and let Juan lead her around in the pool until she seemed to get over the worst of her fear.

  “Why is she so afraid of the water?”

  Nina placed her hand on Grant’s shoulder. “She almost drowned when she was a child. When she was ten years old, she had gone fishing with her parents and fell into the pond. By the time her parents managed to pull her out, she had swallowed a lot of water. This is the first time she has gone swimming since then.”

  She shifted her gaze from Maria and Juan to him. “She trusts you. I can’t believe just how much she does. Juan and I have tried many times to help her over her terror of water and she refused our help. Could be because you are so big and strong.” She rubbed her hands over his muscled chest.

  “Maybe she knew I planned to throw her in if she didn’t comply.”

  Nina punched him on the arm. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  Grant picked her up by the legs and threw her sending water splashing onto everyone. She came up sputtering. He swam to her and took her in his arms. He studied her magnificent face. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips. “You are the one that’s beautiful. If you were a woman, I’d be jealous.”

  It was a good thing they were in the water. He was hard as a rock as she pressed against him. Even the coolness of the water could not stop his desire. He whispered in her ear, “I’ll race you to the waterfall.” Nina dived under and swam for the waterfall. Giving her a head start, Grant kicked off the bottom and followed. They climbed up on the rocks and let the cool water cascade over their bodies. A cold shower was just what he needed to cool his yearning for Nina.

  They swam back to the others. Nina ran to the quilt and got the ball she brought so they could play volleyball.

  Josh replied, “Juan and I’ll play you two. Whoever loses has to prepare dinner tonight.”

  Maria yelled from the rocks, “You mean I get a night off?”

  Josh took the ball and slapped it toward Nina. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sure Nina and Grant won’t mind cooking.”

  “Very funny. You probably think I can’t play because I’m a girl. I’ll have you know I played on the girls’ volleyball team when I was in high school.” She sent the ball high in the air. “Prepare to get dishpan hands because the loser also has to clean the kitchen.”

  Josh looked at Grant when he announced, “I love a woman with confidence.” That was his way of saying he approved of Nina.

  Juan slapped the ball back across and yelled, “In your face.”

  After thirty minutes Josh and Juan were ahead by one point. Juan slapped the ball to Nina, she set it up for Grant. Not wanting to take the win from Juan, Grant hit the ball out of bounds.

  Juan crowed like a rooster. “Now who is going to have dishpan hands? I hope you have a thick steak because that is what winners eat.”

  Josh engulfed Juan in his muscular arms and scuffed his head with his fist. “We make a good team.” His arm still around his shoulder, he said, “I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”

  By the time they dried off, Maria had already placed the food on the quilt. Grant dropped down on the quilt beside Nina, and grabbed a ham and cheese sandwich. He had not been this content in years. On the other side of the quilt sat his brother near Juan both still gloating about their win. It was like old times before the war. He and Josh had some great times together before he left for Iraq.

  “Nina, I guess we’ll have to go into town and buy some steaks.”

  She popped a potato chip in her mouth and replied, “How about we go by the bakery and buy a chocolate cake for dessert. It won’t be as good as Maria’s, but it will suffice.” />
  “Sounds good to me.” Grant took her hand and held it while he ate with the other. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off her. It felt wonderful leaving all his worries and problems for another day. Today was a day for pleasure. He could pretend the world was a peaceful place. Pretend the war did not exist.

  Josh placed the plastic containers back in the picnic basket. “We’d better head back to the farm.” He ruffled Juan’s hair. “I promised Nina that you and I would feed the animals.”

  Juan looked at Grant and Nina. “Aren’t you two coming back with us?”

  Nina’s cheeks turned pink. “No, we are going to take a hike in the woods. I thought I’d show Grant the petro glyphs at High Rock.”

  “But you didn’t bring your hiking boots.”

  Maria swung an arm over Juan’s shoulder and pulled him toward the four-wheelers. “Come on, son. We need to be getting back.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I get it. You two want to be alone. I guess you want to do some kissing and stuff.” Grant began to laugh. Poor Nina, her cheeks couldn’t get any redder.

  “You should have just said so. You didn’t have to make up a story.” Juan rolled his eyes. “I’m not a little kid anymore. I know what goes on.”

  Now Maria was embarrassed. “That’s enough, Juan.”

  Josh offered his hand and pulled Maria to her feet. “We’ll go to town and get the steaks and chocolate cake. Anything else we need?”

  “A six-pack. I’d like a beer with my steak.”

  “You’ve got it, big brother.”

  Juan climbed on one of the four-wheelers, his mother crawled on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist. Josh started his four-wheeler and saluted Grant before he drove off.

  The moment they drove out of sight, Grant replied, “I didn’t think they would ever leave.”

  “Stop being silly. I know you had a wonderful time.”

  “I have to admit it has been a day I’ll never forget. It’s etched in my memory as one of the best. And the day is not over. The best is yet to come.” He lowered his head in a submissive gesture. “Now what does my master wish of me?”