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.
Chapter 2
Stopping dead in his tracks, Zaire’s eyes zeroed in on China out on the dance floor with his mother and three aunts. The ladies had her turning and twisting every which way, teaching her one of several CW line dances they loved.
All Zaire could do was stand there and stare. China was mesmerizing. Her gyrating hips held him spellbound. Imagining her dancing in the nude for him was one of the craziest thoughts he’d had in a long time. It was as delicious as it was insane.
Stepping up to his younger brother, Zurich noticed the questioning look on his face. He then removed from Zaire’s hand the tray of food orders. “You were about to drop this. You look like you’ve been struck by lightning. Pretty little filly, isn’t she?”
Acting as if he didn’t know what Zurich was talking about, Zaire shrugged, knowing exactly what his brother meant. China was more than just a pretty face. He didn’t know how he knew, but he felt confident that there was more to her than a fabulous body and a lovely face, more than what the naked eye could see.
Rarely was Zaire solely attracted to looks. Beauty was skin-deep and only in the eyes of the beholder. A woman’s character and spiritual makeup was more important. Somehow, he believed China’s moral fiber was above reproach. As for spiritual makeup, it was like God had steered one of His angels onto Whispering Lakes Ranch.
What was happening to him? Zaire wondered why he was so nervous.
While he had no idea what had taken him over, he thought it may be worth exploring, investigating every aspect of a possible miracle visiting his life. As he sat back down to wait for China’s return, the overwhelming enthusiasm he felt was foreign. In the next instant, he thought he had gone nuts.
Zaire Kingdom didn’t like dwelling on his state of utter loneliness. It didn’t do him any good to constantly think about it, yet he’d often admitted it to himself. Even though Zurich was right there and other family members were always near, Zaire was lonesome for a beautiful woman like China. To distract himself, he made small talk with his brothers.
Seeing the group of females coming toward