Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) (20 page)

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine.” Both sisters sat at the kitchen table impatient for an explanation. Beth sent her an arch look as if to say get on with it.

“I would like a Pepsi please.” Nina opened the refrigerator, grabbed a can of Pepsi, and handed it to Lacy. She popped the top and took a swallow. “Why did you call 911?”

Nina wrapped the towel around her waist and sat in the chair between her sisters. They both listened with interest as she conveyed all that had happened after she and Grant returned from the waterfall. “I’m sorry I didn’t call and let you know everything was okay. It turned out to be nothing and I saw no point. If I’d known someone would tell you the sheriff had been out here, I would have let you know it was really nothing.”

Lacy placed her hand over Nina’s. “It’s okay. We’re just glad you’re safe.”

“How’s it going with the hunky Marine?”

Color tinted her cheeks and Nina felt warm all over. “I like him.”

“By the look on your face, I’d say he’s keeping you satisfied.”

“Beth! Don’t say such things in front of Lacy.” Even though her youngest sister was nineteen, she still thought of her as a child. She had always been quiet and shy. Maybe because she and Beth had always protected her the best they could. She worried about her off at college without them to watch over her. The first year at college was always a little scary.

To change the subject, Nina asked Lacy, “How is school going? Are you still homesick?”

“I’m adjusting.”

It was hard to read her expression. Lacy wasn’t much for sharing what was going on in her life. It was like pulling teeth to get her talking and heaven forbid she ask for help. Nina’s heart skipped a beat. It was almost like looking at her mother when she looked at Lacy. She had the same skin coloring, the same bone structure. Even in the simple white cotton shirt and shorts she was gorgeous.

“Don’t change the subject, Nina. Spill the beans. What’s going on with the hunky Marine?” Beth leaned in as if she were about to hear something juicy and shocking. “You haven’t been very forthcoming on the phone. I want details.” Blue eyes twinkled as she peered at her.

“I’m in love.” Nina cupped her hands over her heart. “I’ve never felt so wonderful in my life. I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and it has been nothing more than a dream.”

Beth took her hand and squeezed. “How does he feel about you?”

The color left her face. How did Grant feel about her? She wasn’t sure herself. “I don’t know, but I think he likes me.”

“How’s the sex? It has to be good with a man built like that. God, he is beautiful.”

Lacy giggled. “If you two are going to talk about sex, I’m going to go for a swim. Can I borrow a suit?”

“Sure, Sis, top drawer of my dresser. Take your pick.”

The moment Lacy disappeared through the door, Beth asked, “Well? I’m not leaving until I get an answer.”

The night Nina lost her virginity she had called Beth and told her but that was all the details she gave her. A huge grin split Nina’s face. “It’s mind blowing. If I’d known how exciting sex could be, I would have given up my cherry years ago. I’ve missed so much.”

“Honey, it’s great because you’re doing it with the right guy.” Beth’s mood quickly changed. “I have a confession to make.” She peered over her shoulder to make sure Lacy wasn’t standing at the door. “I have had lots of sex and not once have I had an orgasm.”

Shocked, Nina stared into her eyes to see if she was telling the truth. She had always considered Beth a sexual being. She was a master at flirting and turning men’s heads. The way she walked, the way she moved led her to believe she enjoyed men. But then as she thought about it, she never kept a boyfriend for long. Two weeks at the most and she was moving on to someone else. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Why haven’t you discussed this with me before?”

“And ruin my reputation.” A tear slipped over her cheek. “What if I never have an orgasm? What if there is something wrong with me? Many times I have felt I was close and then nothing.”

Nina took both her hands and brought them to her chest. “No, there is nothing wrong with you. It’s just like you said, you haven’t met the right man. Look at me. I have never had the urge to have sex before. Yes, I’ve been attracted, but never had the urge to rip someone’s clothes off and have crazy, wild sex until I met Grant.” She ran her fingers through Beth’s glorious red hair. “It will happen just like that for you.”

“God, I hope so. I’m getting warm just thinking about a man like Grant.” Beth wiped at another tear. “I’m happy for you, Nina. I’m glad you have found love.” Nina pursed her lips and said nothing for a long moment. “What’s wrong?”

“I fear he will go back to Iraq. He has put in nine years as a Marine. I want him to stay and marry me.” Her stomach churned at the thought of him leaving. She did exactly what she said she wouldn’t. She had fallen madly in love with someone who might not stay in her life.

“Have you told him how you feel?”

Nina placed her fingers on her temples and rubbed. A headache was brewing just behind her eyes. “In a way. I told him I love him, but I haven’t asked him to stay.”

“Ask him to stay. Pour your heart out. The only thing that could get hurt is your pride. Be honest and speak from your heart.”

Maybe Beth had the right idea. Problem was he hadn’t admitted that he loved her. He might not feel strong enough about her to make changes in his life.

****

The next day Nina was playing Monopoly with her sisters when Shadow’s loud barks pulled her to the window. It would be dark soon and she wondered who would come for a visit so late in the evening. A big black car stopped in the driveway and a man in a uniform got out. His hair was cut really short and he placed the hat he had in his hands on his head. He stood by his car and looked the place over with admiration. A sick feeling in her stomach had her taking several deep breaths.              

Grant must have also heard the car pull up because he stepped out of the barn flanked by Josh and Juan. With long strides the man made his way to Grant and shook his hand. From where she stood she could see Grant introduce Josh and Juan to the man. After the introductions, Josh and Juan headed for the house.

“Who is it, Nina?” Beth crossed to the window and peered out.

“Someone to see Grant.” She knew why the man had come. He came to Twelve Oaks Farm to ask Grant to go back to Iraq.

Beth draped her arm over Nina’s and rested her head on her shoulder. “Pray that he’ll stay. Taking Beth’s advice, she closed her eyes and prayed to God that Grant would find happiness with her.

****

When Grant saw his commander, Ted Lancaster, get out of the car his heart beat violently against his chest. He wasn’t ready to have a conversation about his career. He needed more time to sort out his feelings about his life and which direction he would take. He stepped out onto the porch of the barn followed by Josh and Juan.

Grant took the offered hand and steeled his nerves. Men like Lancaster knew how to persuade people to do just what he wanted them to do. After the introductions, Josh and Juan made a beeline for the house. He wished he could go with them.

“You look fit and rested. I guess the time off has been just what you needed.” His eyes roamed over the rolling green pastures and the healthy farm animals that dotted the landscape. “I can see why. This place is spectacular. Next time my wife wants to get away I think we’ll make reservations to stay here.”

“How did you find me?”

“I called your mother. Lovely lady.” Grant didn’t once think to tell his mother not to tell anyone where he was. Lancaster shifted his weight. “I saw a stream on my way in. How’s the fishing?”

God, he hated small talk. Why not get to the point and stop wasting his time. “I wouldn’t know.” Of course he knew he was being rude. The proper thing would be to ask him to come inside and sit down.

A movement from the kitchen window caught his eye. Nina pulled the curtain back and looked out at them. Even in the fading light of the evening he could tell it was her. “Let’s talk inside.” Grant opened the door and waited for his commander to enter and then he closed the door. “Can I get you something? Bottled water, coffee.”

“A cup of coffee sounds grand. It was a long drive out here.” Lancaster took off his hat and placed it on the sofa. He sat down and crossed his legs as if trying to get comfortable. In that moment Grant realized he was just as nervous as he was. When he visited him in the hospital, they didn’t part on the best of terms. He had been too upset, too angry about the needless deaths of his men and he had taken all that pain out on Lancaster, a man that he had great respect for.

Grant handed him his coffee and sat across from him in a chair that matched the huge plush sofa. He gave Lancaster time to sip his coffee before he asked, “What do you want?”

“Here to offer you a higher rank and a pay hike.”

Grant stood and circled the room. “I lost three men. Do you know what that does to a commanding officer?” As soon as the words were out, he thought how stupid. Of course Lancaster knew all too well. Before he became a general he also lost men in battle.

“You’ve lost men before. Why was this mission different?”

Grant stopped pacing and sat back down in the chair. Elbows on his legs, he leaned in close. “They shouldn’t have died. They could have been saved. I asked for help and it didn’t come soon enough. I led them into the trap.” There he had said it. He felt responsible because he didn’t realize the Taliban was waiting for them. Many times his instincts had saved him and his men. On his last mission he was the one that failed and men lost their lives.

Lancaster uncrossed his legs. “We all make sacrifices for the greater good. Grant, you are one of the best soldiers I have trained. You know how to lead. We need you. Your men need you. You have a strong sense of duty. Whatever you want I’m sure we can accommodate. You were born to be a soldier. It’s a great opportunity I’m offering you.”

Pretty words thought Grant. Nothing but pretty words. “I’m not ready to make a decision yet. Give me some time and I’ll call you.” He stood letting his commander know he was through discussing his re-enlistment.

Lancaster stood and took his hand in a firm handshake. “I know you’ll make the right decision. Your future is with the Marine Corps. Your expertise is greatly needed.”

Grant followed him out the door and watched him drive away. Nina sat on the front porch of the house shrouded in darkness. He wasn’t ready to talk to her so he went back inside and slammed the door. He leaned against the door and placed his head in his hands. Misery hot and heavy consumed him.

****

After the house was dark, Grant opened the unlocked backdoor and slipped inside. He tiptoed to Nina’s room and opened the door. He needed to hold her, to forget the turmoil in his life. If he chose to go back to Iraq, their time was quickly coming to an end. He planned to make the best of what time they had left together.

Candles illuminated the room in a romantic glow. Propped against the pillows, Nina closed the magazine she was flipping through and placed it on the side table. Dressed in a lacy, black teddy, she caused his heart to skip a beat.

He began to unbutton his shirt. “Where did you get the teddy?” He dropped his shirt where he stood.

“I bought it when I went into town the other day to get you a swimsuit.” She ran her hands over her breasts. “I thought you would like it.”

He kicked off his shoes, socks, and jeans. Only wearing his underwear, he padded to the edge of the bed. “Yes, I like it very much.”

“Well, hurry up and take it off. It is the most uncomfortable thing I have ever worn.”

Grant threw back his head and laughed. “You look so beautiful. Let me admire you a few minutes before I tear it off your body.”

She placed a finger to his chest. “Don’t you dare damage this tiny piece of cloth. Do you have any idea what it cost? Thirty-five dollars. I almost didn’t buy it when I saw the price tag. I guess my naughty side won out over my frugal side.”

He pulled the straps off her shoulders and kissed her creamy skin. “I like your naughty side.” He cupped his hands to her small but shapely breasts. His thumbs moved over her stiff nipples and she moaned.

He moved away long enough to strip out of his underwear. The moment his shaft was released she took it in her hand and squeezed. Grant closed his eyes and basked in the sensations she could so easily arouse in him. He wrapped his hands in her hair and tugged her tight against him. She left soft kisses across his chest. Her hand slid down to his and they linked fingers.

He rolled her onto her back and fell on top of her. His mouth devoured her soft, moist lips. As their tongues melded together, he thought how she had taken him in the opposite direction he wanted to go. He wasn’t ready for love.

Since he didn’t seem quick enough to remove the uncomfortable teddy, she slipped it over her breasts and wiggled her hips.

“Here, let me help you.” He trailed kisses over her skin as his fingers gently tugged the black lace over her legs. He stopped at her knees and kissed each one causing her to squirm.

“That is so sensual. I never knew a knee could be sensitive. Perhaps it’s your lips that are driving me crazy.” She wrapped her hands in his hair and pulled him back to her mouth. After giving him a kiss that curled his toes, she pushed him to her breasts.