“Wait for me while I saddle Thunder.” He sprinted to the stall where Thunder kicked the gate and whickered because he didn’t want to be left behind. Josh rubbed his soft muzzle. “Calm down, boy. You’re going to get to go.” Josh loved to ride. He marveled in the steady rhythm of being on the back of a horse. When Nina had the time, they exercised the horses. Grant didn’t care anything about riding so it was something he and Nina had in common.
In short order he was leading Thunder out the gate. Beth was already mounted and nudged Midnight in the sides. He took off galloping across the terrain, Shadow doing his best to keep up with the spirited horse. The second Josh stepped into the stirrup, Thunder bolted forward. It was a struggle to get his butt in the saddle and his other foot into the stirrup. The horse never slowed until he caught up with Midnight. Neck to neck they raced over the grass covered road following the fence line. Beth’s russet ponytail bounced and tumbled in the wind. She leaned over Midnight’s neck and gave him his head. Hooves tearing up the ground, Midnight and Beth left them behind. Thunder gave all he had but he didn’t have Midnight’s speed. Josh reveled in the feel of the powerful horse.
In the distance Josh saw Midnight slowing down. Beth pulled back on the reins and waited for them to catch up. She leaned her hands on the pommel and twisted in the saddle watching him. He slowed Thunder to a walk. Both horses snorted and shook their heads. Seemed they wanted to continue the race. She smiled and her whole face transformed into something spectacular. “That was exhilarating. I have missed riding.” She laughed and turned her face up to catch the sunlight.
Loud barks caught their attention and both turned and watched Shadow until he caught up with them. Nose to the ground, the dog veered off the trail and into the woods. They could hear his excited barks as he gave chase after some poor unsuspecting animal.
“Nothing’s more exciting than feeling a horse opening up under you.” He patted Thunder’s sweaty neck. “I could feel him giving me everything he had inside him.”
For a moment Beth forgot she was angry with him. Then the sulking, brooding Beth was back in full force. Back rigid as a spear, she snapped, “No one’s going to spoil my day today, not even you. It’s the first time I have ridden in months and I will enjoy my ride.”
“Don’t be angry with me. Grant and I had a discussion about you and he lost his temper. Too much testosterone. I promise we’ll work it out.” Ever since Grant discovered he was sleeping with Beth things had been strained between them. In time he would come around.
Eyes straight ahead, Beth replied, “I told you our relationship would cause problems in the family. We haven’t even moved in together, and trouble has already started. I’ll not come between you and your brother. Right from the beginning I told you this would happen.”
“Look at me, Beth.” Gorgeous blue eyes met his. “Grant and I will be okay. He’s worried about you. I’ll make him understand how much I care about you.” He reached out and put his hand over hers where it rested on the pommel. “I will never do anything to hurt you.”
She gave him a weak smile. “Let’s just enjoy the day. No talk of our relationship.” Her eyes scanned the horizon and a look of pleasure showed on her face. It was apparent she shared his love and awe of the outdoors.
“I can live with that.” Pleasant smells of earth and new growth assailed him. He took a deep breath and took in as much fresh air that his lungs would allow. Wild flowers were just beginning to show a little color along the trail through the woods. Colors of red, yellow, and blue brightened up the floor of the forest. A stunning sun was rising into the sky.
As they plod along he asked, “How about going for a motorcycle ride one Saturday?” He missed riding his Harley. The demands of his job kept him from enjoying the wind on his face, streaking over the open highway astride the powerful machine. It would be even more enjoyable with a beautiful woman on the back.
“I’d like that.”
Suddenly a rabbit burst out of the forest chased by Shadow. Both horses jumped sideways and stomped their mighty hooves on the ground. It took some effort to get them under control. The rabbit darted in every direction trying to throw the dog off his trail. Both dog and rabbit disappeared into the forest. Beth stroked Midnight’s neck to let him know everything was okay. “Easy, boy.” The muscles in her arms flexed as she pulled back on the reins to keep Midnight from bolting.
“I’m impressed. Not many riders can control a stud.”
She looked at him with admiration on her face. “You’re not too bad yourself.” She continued to stroke Midnight’s thick neck. “Nina, Lacy, and I have spent hours on horseback. Our father had us jumping in competitions by the time we were eight.”
“I guess you miss them?”
Eyes full of sincerity and warmth peered at him. “You have no idea. Our childhood was perfect. I can’t think of a time I didn’t feel loved and cherished.” His gaze skimmed over Beth. The blue jeans looked magnificent on her round, curvy bottom. The dark blue button up shirt was open at the top giving him a good view of cleavage. Hopefully, they would take the time to make love in the forest under the trees. Fantasies had him standing in the stirrups to adjust his jeans. It was going to be an uncomfortable ride.
“Are you okay?”
“Maybe I should have worn looser jeans. These seem to be a little tight around my crotch.”
Her eyes shifted and she saw the bulge. “Maybe you should try to control your thoughts.”Her lips twitched with a suppressed smile.
“Hard to do when I’m with you.”
Unable to control her amusement, a brief shadow of a smile showed. “Tennis shoes are not appropriate for horseback riding either. Boots are more appropriate. If something spooked Thunder and you were thrown your foot could get caught in the stirrup and then dragged along behind. He wouldn’t stop until he got home. It would be a rough, bumpy ride.”
“I didn’t know I was going to be going for a horse ride. I feared if I took the time to change, you’d leave me.”
“That’s exactly what I would have done.” She clucked her tongue and Midnight cantered deeper into the forest, Josh and Thunder following close behind.
An hour and a half later they arrived at the falls. Josh thought it had to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. What he loved about the waterfall was the privacy. Since it was on private land few people knew of the spot.
The water cascaded over the thirty-five foot cliff and pooled at the bottom. During the summer he had managed the time to spend a few days swimming and exploring the area with Juan. When they had the time Grant and Nina, and Maria had joined them. Some of his best memories were of the waterfall. For some reason he felt sharing it with Beth would be the best memory ever.
Before they dismounted, Shadow trotted into view. He lay down on his stomach and lapped water from the bank of the pool. He was so exhausted he rolled onto his side and panted from his wild run in the forest. Tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, he could barely hold up his head. Beth swung down from Midnight’s back leaving the reins dangling so he wouldn’t run off.
Moving toward Shadow, she dropped to her knees and ran her hands over his sweaty coat. “Did that rabbit out-fox you?” His tail thumped as she lavished affection on him. He licked her face causing her to giggle.
Josh loved the sound of her voice when she relaxed enough to enjoy herself. She seemed so serious lately. Rarely did he hear her laugh. It was evident she hated her new job. Josh dismounted, and began to unsaddle the horses. “Let’s stay awhile.”
Not waiting for her consent, he tethered the horses to the ropes kept along the bank so they could enjoy the fresh, green shoots of grass along the river.
Something was in the forest. Josh heard it moving, felt it watching them. The horses’ ears twitched and their eyes were round and wild. Suddenly Shadow’s ears perked up. He barked before running into the forest after the curious animal. They could hear him yelping as he gave chase, could hear him tearing through the unde
rbrush. Seconds passed before the horses felt safe and went back to chomping on the green grass.
“It’s probably a deer. I don’t think he enjoys anything more than giving chase.”
“Catching it.”
Josh smiled. Beth was correct. Sometimes he caught his prey and was so proud of himself that he would bring it back to show them. The deer would be too fast and Shadow was tired after his long trek chasing the rabbit so they didn’t have to worry about him dropping some dead animal in their lap. “I can’t believe he has any energy left.”
Beth leaned over and scrubbed her hands together in the pool of water. She dried her hands on her jeans before she stood. “He thinks he has done something wonderful every time he kills something. He thinks it is part of his job on the farm.” Beth giggled, “Take out as many animals as possible.”
“I wish it was warm enough to swim. We’ll have to come back when it’s summer.”
She took his hand and brought it to her chest. “I’d like that.” She shifted her gaze to the waterfall. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It is. I love it here.” The cascading water hit the rocks below the thirty-five foot vertical drop.
“I wish I had more leisure time. I would come here every day.” Beth opened her saddlebags and retrieved a multicolored quilt. She spread the quilt over the soft, green grass on the bank of the pool of water. “Let’s sit and bask in the sun.” She stretched out and placed her hands behind her head. “I could get accustomed to this.” She took a deep breath and his eyes shifted to the rise and fall of her chest.
He stretched out beside her and began to unbutton her shirt. “Why don’t we do some nude sunbathing?”
“Sounds intriguing.”
She never moved as he slowly unbuttoned her shirt. Eyes dark and heavy with passion gazed into hers. He opened her shirt and undid the front clasp of her bra and ran his thumbs over her hard nipples. Hands still behind her head, she moaned in contentment. “You are beautiful, Beth.” Skin as pure and creamy as milk came alive under his touches.
She ran her fingers through his dark hair. “So are you. Too handsome for words.”
He leaned over and took her nipple in his mouth and sucked. Her back came off the quilt and her hands tangled in his hair. While he tortured her with his mouth, his hand moved to her jeans. He undid the button and then the zipper. Leaving her long enough to balance on his knees, he pulled off her pants. Tiny, lacy white panties covered her center and he thought they looked so sexy. Warmth and weakness swam up from his knees as his eyes wandered over her long, shapely legs. It was the first time he had seen her almost nude in the sunlight and her body was perfect. All curves and softness.
“Take off your clothes. I’ll just lay here and watch.” Putting her hands behind her head again, she looked like some forest nymph tempting him with her body.
In seconds he was nude standing above her. He wiggled his toes in the cool grass. Her eyes moved to his penis and she smiled mischievously. “You look like a Greek God.”
“You are too kind, honey.” He straddled her letting his hands roam over her body. He wrapped his hands around her neck and let his fingers massage across her throat and then lower to her breasts. He held them in his hands and felt their heaviness. He watched her face as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensations. Her breathing increased as his hands went lower to her flat stomach. With his mouth pressed against hers, he thrust his tongue into her mouth the same moment he slipped a finger inside her moistness. Strong arms went around his neck as she drew him tighter against her. He felt the wetness as she squirmed against him. He caught her cry of pleasure with his mouth as the spasms intensified. A pulse beat in her throat as her head arched back and her thighs clenched.
He chuckled, “I can’t get over how quick you have an orgasm.”
She whispered as she placed her hand over his to make sure he didn’t move. “I have a confession to make. I had never had an orgasm until the day in the barn.”
He rose above her and looked into her face. “Open your eyes and look at me.” Her eyes flickered open. “Say that again.”
She smiled like a contented cat. “You are the only man that has ever brought me to fulfillment.”
At first he didn’t believe her. How could a woman with so much passion not be able to have an orgasm? The revelation gave him power and confidence. “Please release my hand. I’m not finished with you.”
“I should hope not.” He pulled her panties down over her legs. She spread her legs a little wider and he moved his hand to her breasts. His tongue danced lightly over her nipple and then he would move to the other. Squeezing gently, he teased each nipple, causing them to harden. The pressure of his body on hers heightened her arousal.
Her hand slipped around his penis and she squeezed. He felt scalded. He sucked air into his lungs as hot heat vibrated through his whole body. “I want you so bad I fear I’ll explode.”
She was pliant under him when his mouth covered hers in a voracious kiss. Their tongues tangled and battled. He whispered in her ear, “I want to be with you all the time, to touch you every waking moment.”
She pushed at his shoulders until he found himself under her. She straddled him. Hands flat on his chest, she began to stoke his nipples. He forgot to breathe for a moment as goose bumps spread across his body. A whirlpool of sensations took him deeper and deeper in pleasure. When she bent and licked his nipple, the most incredible ecstasy spread through his loins. She caught his nipple between her teeth and tugged. Sucking noises vibrated from her throat when she took his nipple with plump, soft lips.
Josh gripped her bottom, lifted her and then brought her down on his stiff penis. He held her in place while he tried to control his passion. He already felt as if he would shatter into a million pieces. When she squirmed, he shouted, “Don’t move.”
“I can’t stop myself.” She rose and slid down the length of his shaft, sighing loudly. Emotions ran through him like rain. He lost himself in the moment as her hands roamed over his chest and stomach. Her body moved sinuously above him. Each thrust of her hips brought him higher, until he reached his peak. Over and over her body convulsed as her orgasm seemed to go on forever. She pushed back as he held her bottom in both hands grinding against her. She whimpered with pleasure and shuddered. Her shoulders and head drooped, too exhausted and weak to move. He rolled to his side taking her with him. The sun felt like heaven on their slick, sweaty bodies.
“Move in with me, Beth. I want to make love with you every night. Now that I have had a taste of your sweetness, I will always crave more.”
She curled against him and placed her finger over his mouth. “Don’t talk. Let’s just enjoy the sound of the waterfall.”
****
At first Beth thought Josh was kissing her and she moaned. Her eyes flickered open and she realized Shadow was slathering her face with dog drool. “Eww, Shadow stop.” With one arm, she held the wet, sweaty dog back while she wiped her face with the back of her other arm. Shadow sat and looked at her as if he were grinning. “Did you enjoy your romp through the woods?” He squirmed and inched a little closer. “No more kisses, Shadow.” He dropped to the ground with his head on his paws and watched her.
She shifted her gaze to Josh and saw that he was sound asleep. She didn’t know how much time had elapsed. God, it would feel wonderful to stay here all day and do nothing but sleep. But reality set in and she knew she had a lot of work ahead of her. She had to be in court in the morning to put a drug dealer back on the streets.
Still weak from strenuous, wild sex, Beth struggled to her feet. She moved toward the waterfall to wash the dog droll off her face. Stooping low, she cupped some water in her hand and splashed her face. It was so cold it almost took her breath away.
An eerie feeling she was being watched caused her to look up. There in the shadows of the waterfall stood Hilda. She was just as Lacy had described her; the bloody green dress, coal black hair dripping wet. Cold chills flashed across her skin
causing the hair on her arms to stand on end. The image had her so frightened she stood and took a few steps back. She fought for calm. She had to keep reminding herself Hilda meant her no harm. A cloud slipped over the sun and she lost its heat. Cold penetrated through her whole being almost shocking her system. She closed her eyes praying Hilda would be gone when she opened them. “No, still there,” she whispered.
The fear pumped right into her blood when Hilda held out her hand and beckoned her forward. “What-do-you-want?” She enunciated every word as if Hilda might not understand her. How was a person supposed to speak to a ghost? Could she even hear her?
A hand on her shoulder had her screaming. She twirled around so fast she would have fallen in the pool of icy water if Josh hadn’t caught her. “Who are you talking to?” He wrapped his arms around her. “You are so pale. You’re trembling.” He held her close running his hands over her back. Beth struggled to get out of his arms. She twirled around but Hilda was gone. Poor Lacy. She must have felt the same shock and fear she just experienced when she saw Hilda for the first time.
Josh grabbed her arms and gave her a gentle shake. “Snap out of it, Beth. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
She gave a nervous giggle. “That’s exactly what I saw.” Calmer now that Hilda had vanished, she hurried to the quilt and with quick movements began to dress.
Josh slipped into his underwear and then his jeans. “I need an explanation.”
“You’re going to think I’m crazy.”
“Try me.”
After she finished dressing, she dropped onto the quilt. As if feeling her unease, Shadow squirmed into her lap. She wrapped an arm around him and ordered, “Sit still.” Immediately, Shadow stopped squirming. Her eyes kept darting to the shadows of the falls to see if Hilda might reappear.
The clouds passed and the sun shone once again warming Beth. Still, she raked her hands over her arms because she was restless. It wasn’t every day that she saw a ghost. She took Josh through everything, explaining to him all that she saw. Then she told him about Lacy seeing Hilda years ago when they were camping in the very spot where they now sat. She described Hilda just as Lacy had the first time she had seen the ghost. Not once did he interrupt. He took in every word as if enthralled with the story. “Do you believe me?”
Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2) Page 15
