“What about your girlfriends? Do they spoil him, too?” Unable to believe she’d asked him that, she bit down on her tongue as a punishment for her rudeness.
“Girlfriends! That’s a nice thought to wrap my head around, but I don’t have any. Nor do I have a girlfriend. It’s hard to get to know women when you’re a workaholic. My father was an alcoholic, and this son of his is obsessed with working hard.”
“I’m sorry, Zaire. I shouldn’t have stuck my nose in your private business.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Zaire laughed inwardly.
Zaire was surprised he was opening up to China in such a personal way. It wasn’t like him to share his deepest feelings, especially the painful ones. His real troubles with women started when he moved to the ranch. Most women didn’t share his enthusiasm for his cowboy lifestyle, though a few pretended to.
If only she knew how much I’ve let her in. Why is she so easy for me to spill my guts to? Look at her pretty face and those liquid chocolate eyes. Now, pal, ask yourself the same question again.
Zaire sighed. Opening up to China was easy because she had listened closely to him and seemed to care about what he had to say. He liked talking to her.
Admit it, man. You’re lonely as hell, and she turns you on. She’s also the only woman who has even come close to sparking your interest.
Now that China seemed comfortable straddling Thunder, Zaire guided the horse out of the corral and onto the open range. Maybe once she felt the wind at her face and breathed in the clean air, she’d come to love it here as much as he did. Not even his brothers knew every square inch of the ranch like he did. There were so many exciting wonders to see.
Thinking about the big oak tree he loved to sit under during his downtime, Zaire steered Thunder in its direction. Never had he shared his private haunts with a woman, but he wanted China to see and feel every special spot there was.
Zaire knew she’d be gone from his life all too soon. If he didn’t make the most of the time China was within his reach, she’d never know why he loved the ranch so much. It was a dangerously high hope, but maybe, just maybe, she’d also fall in love with Whispering Lakes Ranch.
Perhaps China can fall in love with me, too.
After helping China dismount, Zaire removed a bedroll and a couple of bottles of water from twin saddlebags. One bag was insulated for hot and cold. Unfurling the bedroll, he spread it out under the tree. Time was short. He thought of calling the ranch to have Zane take over his roping event, but he immediately thought better of it. The fear of losing his mind over a woman who’d soon leave the ranch held him back.
Sipping on an ice-cold bottle of water, China carefully studied the sturdy oak. “It’s a beautiful tree and looks like a very old one.”
“It is old. Go ahead and stretch out and relax. It’ll welcome your presence.”
“I think I will. It looks inviting.” China looked into his eyes. “By the way, I loved the ride out here. It was much smoother than I anticipated. You stole my fear right out from under me.”
Zaire nodded. “That’s all well and good, but you still have to learn to ride solo. Only then will you rid yourself of the phobia permanently.”
China sat down and instantly took off her footwear, wiggling her toes to celebrate the freedom. “I like how tranquil my spirit feels.”
The pillow Zaire had placed on the bedroll drew China’s head down to it like a magnet to metal. She looked up at the tree. “The branches are so full that they’re completely sheltering me from the sun’s blazing heat.” Within a matter of seconds, China’s eyes involuntarily drooped.
Sitting down on a navy wool blanket he’d laid out next to the bedroll, Zaire had a desire to run his fingers through China’s hair. Thoughts of kissing her juicy lips came next.
Quickly, he decided it was a bad move on his part. China would have to offer him her sweet mouth. He wasn’t into taking anything not given freely.
By the time Zaire thought of the walkie-talkie he always carried, an hour and a half had passed. It was near time to leave. He hated to awaken China, who looked so peaceful. Indulging in the unthinkable, the very thing he’d decided against a short while ago, he got up and retrieved the walkie-talkie.
Punching in a three digit code, Zaire waited for a response. “Zane, I need a favor.” He went on to tell his brother why he was calling.
“Not a problem, bro. I got your back.”
Fortunately the Kingdom family worked as a harmonious unit. Zane hadn’t hesitated in agreeing to take over the event. Knowing his scheduled roping class was in capable hands, Zaire returned to his seat. Removing his cowboy boots, he laid his head close to China’s, keeping enough distance not to accidentally disturb her.
Minutes later, Zaire joined China in a late-afternoon nap.
Chapter 3
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