Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2)

by Teresa Greene

  He grabbed her hips and pushed deeper. “I have to move.” The marvelous tone in his arms and legs rippled as he drove into her time and time again. She felt the brush of his breath on her lips as he hovered above her. The firmness of his body enticed her. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him to her lips. She ground her lips against his. She caught his bottom lip with her teeth and gently nipped.

  Josh broke the kiss and rose above her to watch her face as his orgasm began. She lifted her hips to meet every downward lunge. She felt hot as if a roaring fire was blazing in the room. Her eyes stayed focused on his, her pulse pounding. She writhed beneath him as she rode out the waves of her orgasm. Her head tipped back and she screamed his name. Josh’s breathing increased as he thrust into her several more times. She felt his thighs quiver. He pulled out and pounded his chest. “I feel like King Kong.”

  Beth giggled. “You’re crazy.”

  He fell to the bed beside her and held her while their breathing slowed. Minutes passed before he spoke. “My imagination has run wild for the past few days.” He stroked his fingers over her cheeks. “You did not disappoint.”

  She sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. “I need to freshen up before Lacy gets back. I’m sure she’ll expect us to take a ride in her new vehicle.”

  Beth gathered her clothes and hurried to the bathroom on weak legs. She peered at herself in the mirror. Her hair was mussed and her lips were swollen. She hoped she didn’t live to regret sleeping with Josh. It would probably complicate her life even more. She had enough drama in her life.

  By the time Beth returned to the bedroom, Josh was gone. The rumpled covers were straightened and there was no sign that they had had sex on the bed. Wild and reckless thoughts tumbled in her head. It was if she could still feel his hands on her body.

  She looked out the window and saw that Grant, Nina, Lacy, and Juan were already back. She could see them circled around Lacy’s new vehicle in the light of the half moon. To calm her racing heart, she took several deep breaths. She jogged across the yard doing her best not to make eye contact with Josh.

  “Thanks for feeding the animals, Beth.”

  She looked at Grant and smiled. “It wasn’t any trouble, Josh helped.”

  “So he said.” Grant looked at her curiously, then his eyes shifted to his brother. He knows. She felt hot color on her cheeks. She knew they wouldn’t be able to hide what they had done.

  Lacy took her by the hand. “Come on, let’s go for a spin before it gets too late.”

  Glad Lacy was too preoccupied with her new Jeep to notice her strange behavior, Beth started to climb into the backseat. Josh offered, “I’ll sit in the back.” Hand against the small of her back, he nudged her toward the front passenger door. “You sit up front with your sister.” She could feel Grant’s eyes following her as she opened the passenger side door and slipped into the seat. Her breath squeezed around her heart. The last thing she wanted was to lose Grant’s respect.

  Chapter Six

  Grant kicked off the covers. The nightmares were not as frequent as they were six months ago but occasionally they returned. Sweat covered his body. He threw his legs over the side of the bed and placed his head in his hands. Fingers pressed to the center of his forehead where a headache was brewing. He looked over his shoulder at Nina. At least he hadn’t disturbed her. The look of contentment on her face as she slept let him know she was at peace.

  He pushed off the bed and stumbled to the bathroom. He opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed the bottle of aspirin. He popped the top and shook two into his hand. Filling the glass by the sink with water, he placed the aspirin in his mouth and washed them down. He closed the mirror and looked at his reflection. The day he lost three of his men in a battle with the Taliban came rushing back. He heard the gunfire, could smell the blood and death. He could still see Corporal Michael Jacobs’ face as he bled to death in his arms. Both hands on the edge of the sink, his head hung low.

  Sleep would elude him tonight. He decided to sit on the front porch and enjoy the cool night air, listen to the night sounds. As he made his way down the hall, he saw a light coming from the kitchen. He stepped into the kitchen to find Lacy sitting at the small table looking at the ring Beth gave her for her birthday. “What are you doing up this time of night.”

  She placed her hand to her chest. “You startled me.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He crossed the room and opened the refrigerator. “Would you like something to drink?”

  She smiled. “No thank you. I’m good.”

  He opened the beer with his bare hand, and took the chair next to her. He placed the cold glass to his face to soak up its coolness. Because Lacy was a guarded person, it had been difficult to get her to trust him. It had taken a little work but he felt a close bond with her. “Can’t sleep?”

  “No, sometimes I have bouts of insomnia. Distractions plague my mind when I try to sleep.” Her fingers toyed with the yellow placemat. “What’s keeping you from sleep?”

  “Iraq.”

  “Would you like to talk about it?”

  He nodded his head in the negative. “No.” He had always wanted to broach the subject of Hilda with her. Now seemed as good a time as any. “Maybe you can’t sleep because Hilda Reynolds haunts your dreams.”

  She seared him with a look. “Nina should never have told you about Hilda.”

  “Don’t be angry with her. We were at the waterfall and she divulged what happened.” He took a huge sip of beer. A little nervous, he began to peel the label from the bottle. “Do you ever see her?” When she didn’t answer, he continued, “It might help to speak of your ordeal.”

  She gripped her hands together. “If you tell Nina, I’ll never speak to you again.”

  “Trust me. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

  She placed her hand over his. “I do trust you. You have no idea what you mean to my sister, to our family. It has been wonderful to have a man to lean on. Having you here has taken a huge burden off my sister’s shoulders. Our parents’ deaths left all the responsibility on Nina.”

  “You have no idea how much this family means to me. You brought me out of the darkness.” He squeezed her hand before he pulled away. “Now back to you. Do you still see Hilda in your dreams?”

  “Not only in my dreams but I also see her here in the house.” Her head came up, her eyes glittered with temper. “She is not a figment of my imagination.”

  “I never said she was.” He leaned forward. Sympathy flashed across his face. “I must admit, I have never believed in ghosts. Nina was quite convincing when she portrayed what happened to you at the waterfall. Almost had me believing it really happened.”

  “Do you think I’m crazy?”

  “No, sometimes things happen we can’t explain.” Maybe she had an overactive and foolish imagination.

  As if she could read his mind, she thumped her fist on the table. “I’m not imagining Hilda. She is real.”

  Grant had never seen Lacy show so much emotion. She was usually quiet and restrained. “Tell me what she says to you.”

  Her voice trembled. “Tonight she came to my room. She whispers for me to help her. She motions for me to follow her.”

  “How many times have you seen her?”

  “Often as a child. I didn’t tell my parents because they were already worried when I almost fell into the pool of water at the falls.” Seconds passed as she seemed to struggle with how much to tell him. Eyes downcast, she stared at the ruby and diamond ring. Her eyes shifted back to him. “For the past three months I have seen Hilda every time I sleep in the house. Now you know the real reason why I don’t come home very often.”

  “Why do you think she doesn’t show herself to anyone but you?”

  “I don’t know the answer to that question. Sometimes I wonder if it might be because the room I sleep in may have been her bedroom.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “I don’t’ know.” Again h
er eyes went back to the ring. “I know this is going to sound bizarre but I believe this was her ring.” She looked shaken.

  Her story sent chills racing over his body. “The possibility of that ring belonging to Hilda is almost impossible. You are letting. . .”

  She interrupted him. “Don’t tell me I’m letting my imagination run wild! Tonight when Hilda appeared she told me it had been her ring. She touched it and I felt a strange sensation.” Tears ran down her cheek. She swiped her fingers under her eyes before she leaned across the table, placed her chin on her fist. “I need someone to believe me. I need someone to help me figure this out.”

  He took both her hands, drew her out of the chair. “I’m sorry, Lacy. I’ll help you. We’ll figure out what she wants.” He pulled her to his chest and held her while she cried. After her tears subsided, he offered, “How about we go to the waterfall tomorrow and see if she appears. Since that is the first place you saw her that may be where she died.”

  With a trembling hand she wiped away her tears. “The day you and Nina were married at the falls I saw her. She was standing on the rocks in the shadows of the falls. She was motioning me to come to her. Like you, I believe that is where she died.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us? At least you should have told your sisters.”

  She shook her head, her gaze never leaving his face. “People will think I’m emotionally disturbed.”

  “Nonsense, everyone loves you and will want to help you. Nina believes you saw a ghost the night at the falls. I’m sure Beth also believes you.” He couldn’t understand why she hadn’t told Nina that Hilda had been appearing to her in her room. She shouldn’t keep secrets from her sister. Having to deal with such trauma on her own wasn’t healthy. He felt she should talk to a therapist, but decided not to broach the subject. Last thing he wanted was for her to push him away.

  “You said Hilda is asking for your help. Together we’ll find out what she wants.” The need to protect her was strong.

  Her grin was wide. “Thank you, Grant.”

  “Maybe you should sleep on the sofa tonight.” His heart ached for her. One so young shouldn’t have to deal with such pain.

  “Don’t you think I have thought of that? It doesn’t work. She finds me where ever I try to hide. Besides, she won’t hurt me. It’s just a little creepy when she appears.”

  “Of course it’s creepy. I’d scream like a little girl if a ghost was visiting me.” Goose bumps popped out on his arm at the image. “Tomorrow we’ll find out what she wants.”

  “You have lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders. It feels better knowing I have someone in my corner.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “I think I’ll try to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  A quiet settled over the room after she left. The only sound he heard was the hum of the refrigerator. With so many people in the house it was difficult to find a quiet moment. He lifted the beer bottle to his lips and took a sip. Too much was going on. He worried about Josh and Beth because of the Powers’ case. Now he had Lacy to worry about.

  ****

  Josh turned sharply on his feet and changed directions when he saw Grant sitting at the kitchen table nursing a beer. Not wanting to discuss his relationship with Beth, he hoped he hadn’t been seen.

  In a firm voice, Grant replied, “I need to talk to you.”

  His head dropped, his shoulders hunched, and he let out a loud sigh. He forced a smile and turned around to face his brother. “What are you doing awake at this hour?”

  Grant groaned and swore under his breath. “So much for my peace and tranquility.”

  “I’ll be glad to let you have some alone time.” Josh placed his hand to his mouth and yawned. “In fact I’m pretty tired. See you in the morning.”

  Grant kicked the chair beside him. “Sit down.” Frosty eyes glared at him.

  There was a deathly silence. Josh opened the refrigerator and grabbed a beer. He moved to the table and sat down. “Are you still having nightmares?” He dragged his hands though his sleep tangled hair.

  “Not so often now.” Grant’s eyes narrowed and fixed on him. “Beth is not the type of woman to dally with and then throw to the side.”

  Josh knew he wasn’t going to be able to steer the conversation away from Beth. “What makes you think something is going on between Beth and me?”

  His voice filled with disapproval. “Are you telling me you two aren’t sleeping together?”

  Josh held up his hands in surrender. “Hold on brother. I didn’t force Beth to do anything she didn’t want to do.”

  “You hurt her and you’ll have me to contend with. When I married Nina, her sisters became my family. I’ll not let any harm come to them.”

  Josh took a gulp of beer then took a steady breath. “You make me sound like an ax murderer. We are two consenting adults.”

  Grant waved a hand through the air before shooting an accusatory look at him. “Women mean only a good time to you. The only thing you leave behind is a broken heart. I know your track record with the ladies.”

  Josh refused to be lured into an argument with his brother. He planned to enjoy Beth’s company as long as possible. In fact he had knocked on her door before coming downstairs, but she wouldn’t let him in. He had tried the door knob, but she had it locked. He pleaded for her to open it to him, but she never answered. Could be she was having second thoughts about a relationship with him.

  Stony silence continued as Grant returned his stare. He massaged the muscles in the back of his neck. He wagged at finger at Josh. “All I’m saying is not to cause any rifts between Nina and me. You remember how mad Beth was when I lied to Nina. That’s how mad Nina will be at you if Beth falls in love with you and then you dump her. Tread carefully. Those three stand together. Take it from someone that’s been on the receiving end of all that female anger. Voice low and deadly, he added, “I’ll paint the wall with you if you cause any upheaval in my life.”

  It had been years since he had been at odds with his brother. Once when Grant had caught him smoking a joint with one of his friends, he knocked him around some. After their father’s death he had taken the role of big brother very serious. “Rather harsh, don’t you think? A man can change.”

  Grant snorted, “You haven’t changed. Women have always gravitated around you, but this time I believe you are the aggressor.”His brother hit the nail right on the head. Beth did try to spur his advances. Still, she was just too sultry and had his blood boiling every time he was around her. Guilt crept into his belly.

  “Consider this a warning. Don’t upset Beth. Have I made myself clear?”

  Josh lifted both hands, palms out in surrender. “Yes, brother, that’s enough about Beth.” Grant was watching him intently, almost as if he was trying to read his mind. The chair creaked as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his massive chest.

  “I would like to rent the pool house. I miss the farm.”

  Grant took another drink of beer. Face revealing his surprise, Grant asked, “You don’t mind the commute?”

  “It’s only an hour. An hour ride though some of the most beautiful farm land I’ve ever seen beats huge buildings and honking traffic.”

  He scratched at the stubble of whiskers on his cheek, the only sound in the quiet of the kitchen. “You don’t have to pay rent. I would like you to help around here in your spare time though. It’s about to get busy. I have a lot of plans.”

  “I’ll pay rent. I’m not staying for nothing.” Of course Josh knew his brother didn’t need the money. Still his pride wouldn’t allow him to stay without paying rent. He would have to pay rent if he stayed in Raleigh and kept his apartment. He wasn’t moving to save money. For some reason he felt like the farm was also his home. His mother was here. He felt a connection with Juan and Maria. He already considered Nina his sister. Family, maybe that was it. He felt like he was part of a family.

  Grant rolled his shoulders to loosen them. “Like I sa
id, we don’t need your money. You can help out around here and that’ll be your rent. Nina is going to be busy making vet calls out to the surrounding farms. Sooner or later I’ll have to hire some help.”

  “Least I can do. I’ll move my things in tomorrow. Mom can stay in the other bedroom. Give you and Nina a little more privacy.”

  Grant snorted as he lifted a brow, “Hell, we don’t have any privacy. It’s not like mom being here has made any difference. Someone’s always knocking on our bedroom door to ask for something.”

  “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy being lord and savior of all the people in this house. Maria loves you, Juan thinks you’re God, Beth sings your praises constantly. I can’t believe you went from being a man not even considering marriage to a man with a whole boatload of responsibilities.” Josh raised his beer in a toast. “Without them your life would be meaningless.” He knew his brother was happy. It was evident in the way he walked, the way he spoke. Nina had given him peace.

  Josh stood and downed the rest of his beer. “I have to get up early. I’ve got a long drive to work in the morning.”

  Grant’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not finished talking about Beth.”

  “I am,” Josh answered, already backing toward the door. He whipped around and didn’t slow until he was at Beth’s bedroom door. He could see a little light from under the door. Was she awake, or had she gone to sleep while working? He could imagine her lying in bed with files scattered over the spread. He tried the knob but the door was still locked.

  He raised his hand to knock, but stopped in mid air. Of course he was being selfish. The woman had a lot on her plate and he was only putting more pressure on her. Maybe he should give her a few days to decide if she wanted to continue their relationship or put an end to it. He turned and leaned his back against the door. For seconds he stood there thinking what he wanted. Yes, he wanted the relationship to continue. A fresh surge of desire rocketed through him. He became hard just thinking about sex with exciting, vibrant, sophisticated Beth. It was a bit of a shock to realize just how often he thought about her. He pushed away from the door and made his way to his room. He needed sleep.