The Whisperer
ELSA WINCKLER

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First published in Great Britain by HarperImpulse 2017

Copyright © Elsa Winckler 2017

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be identified as the author of this work

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is available from the British Library

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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Ebook Edition © March 2017 ISBN: 9780008226558

Version: 2017-02-09

To our son, Johan, who showed me there is life outside the box

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About HarperImpulse

About the Publisher

Chapter 1

“A what!” A loud voice thundered. “Are you f …”

Something fell, drowning out the rest of the word but it wasn’t difficult to figure out what the man was saying.

“… ing insane?”

Wow. A lot of aggression here. Cilla squared her shoulders and walked around the corner of the building. Two men were standing in front of the stables, glaring at each other. She knew Ken, the one who was facing her. His son was in the grade twelve class she taught. Ken was the reason she was here. Apparently the owner had a difficult stallion. But from where she was standing, the horse didn’t seem to be the one with the problem.

The other man’s back was towards her; his hands were on his hips and he was leaning forward menacingly.

“I want to use the damn horse, we need help to calm him down, to make him less aggressive, not cast a blasted spell on him. The last thing I need is a bloody woman whispering to my horses!”

Ken put a placating hand on the other man’s shoulder. “She is going to communicate with the horse so that we can find out what the problem is. No one is casting a spell! And it is not so strange – there are thousands of people all over the world who use animal communicators. Try and think outside the box for a change!”

A loud noise from within the stables again drowned out most of what the other man was saying.

“… uck the box!” were the only words she heard, but it was clear he had cussed again. Apparently his vocabulary consisted mainly of swear words that began with an f.

Ken laughed and patted the man on the shoulder. He noticed Cilla and motioned her to come closer.

“Here she is now. Stop throwing such a tantrum before this beautiful lady decides to turn around and flee. Miss Stevens, let me introduce you to this grumpy young man.”

The man turned around quickly and Cilla blinked. Everything around them became quiet. She had known exactly what he was going to look like even before he’d moved. She’d known his eyes were the colour of the deep blue sea, she’d known his hair was brown and curly, combed backwards, and she’d known about the one unruly curl on his forehead that just didn’t want to toe the line.

Slowly everything returned to normal. Kind of. Cilla inhaled and tried to focus on what Ken was saying. The man looked so familiar … she shook her head. Probably only her imagination.

“Cameron, this is Cilla Stevens, teacher and animal communicator, horse whisperer if you wish. And this skeptic, Miss Stevens, is the owner of the farm, Cameron Rahl. As I’m sure you’ve concluded by now, he is not very happy about your visit,” he teased, his eyes full of merriment.

Warily, Cilla put out her hand. Cameron had not taken his eyes off of her, neither had he said anything. His eyes were cold. That he didn’t want her here was crystal clear. Defiantly, she lifted her chin. She hadn’t asked to be here, she was invited. What a rude man. It’s no wonder his horse had a problem.

Eventually he took her hand, but only briefly. Strong fingers closed around her hand, engulfing it in his larger one. Disturbed, she looked down at their hands. She’d known exactly what his fingers would feel like, had known where the callouses would be. But how was that possible?

Quickly she stepped back and nodded her head without looking at him again. She turned to Ken.

“Where is the horse?”

Before Ken could answer, Cameron frowned.

“Cilla …” he began and his eyes narrowed. “What the hell kind of a name is that anyway?”

She glared at him. “This coming from a man whose name means crooked nose? Seriously? My full name is Cecilia but my friends call me Cilla. Do stick to Cecilia, though,” she said grimly.

He waved his finger in front of her face. “Cilla, Cecilia … whatever. You are not to touch my horses. I don’t want you putting any bloody spells on them, understand? You’ve wasted your time, my time and …”

A loud noise came from within the stables and the next moment one of the hands stormed out, muttering and cursing.

“What happened?” Ken asked.

“That animal is mad. Mad. I’m not going back into his stall.” Completely out of breath he sagged against the stable wall.

“Two of our workers are already in hospital and here’s another one who refuses to work with Bravo. But apparently the owner knows something none of us do and he can solve the problem on his own.” He took Cilla’s arm. “I’m sorry you’ve wasted your time, Cilla. Let me walk you to your car.”

Cilla glared at Cameron. “I don’t cast spells, Mr Rahl. I can help you, even though I’m a woman. But it’s your choice.”

“You want to whisper to the horse? Fine. Let’s see what you can do with that insane animal.” Sarcasm dripped from every word. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

Cilla ignored him. What an insolent man. There is nothing she’d like more than to turn around and go home, but she didn’t want to disappoint Ken’s son. He was the one who’d told his father about her skills after an incident at school where she managed to calm down a stray dog.

She turned her back on Cameron, blocking out all the negative vibes coming from him and walked into the stable. The sooner she found out what the horse’s problem was, the sooner she could help him and leave this place. She would hopefully never have to see this man again.

Cameron stared after the long-legged brunette, trying to catch his breath. It was as if someone had punched him in the gut. Forcefully. When Ken had mentioned a horse whisperer he’d pictured a thin, old woman in flowing clothes muttering nonsense. But then he’d turned around and saw Cilla. To call her beautiful was an understatement and for a few minutes, he couldn’t even get his tongue to work properly. She was a tall one, all leg and sexy as hell. Fortunately his mouth was shut at the time, otherwise he definitely would have drooled.

A curtain of long, golden brown hair framed her face. Her skin was like porcelain. For one insane moment he’d wanted to touch her to find out whether she was real. But it was her eyes that nearly brought him to his knees. They were a hue of green that he’d never seen before, outlined by long, dark, dark lashes. Eyes that took in everything, saw right through him.

And there was something in her eyes, recognition? Did he know her? Had he met her somewhere? Angrily, he shook his head. The bloody woman already had him tied up in knots and she hadn’t been on his farm ten minutes!

This was exactly why he preferred to stay on his farm and not hook up with women on a regular basis like his brother did. They mess with a man’s head, something he’d witnessed first-hand when growing up.

After his mother’s untimely death, his dad simply gave up living. His whole life had revolved around his wife and without her, he’d turned into a miserable human being. He had blamed the rest of the world for his misfortune, got rid of everything on the farm that reminded him of her and neglected his children.

So no matter how beautiful this woman was or whether or not she could speak or sing to animals, he damn well didn’t want her on his farm.

Inside the stable, Cilla stood quietly for a moment, trying to calm down. To be able to find out what was wrong with the stallion, she had to find her equilibrium, had to put everything that had just happened, out of her mind.

This had never happened to her before. The man had upset her, disturbed her and she was agitated, distraught and plain angry, not only because he was probably the rudest man she’d ever met, but also because the mere sight of a man had never before played such havoc with her senses.

She should go out with men, mingle with other people besides her colleagues like Imke had been pestering her to do for ages. Then she wouldn’t react like a sex-starved spinster when she met an attractive man.

But right now, none of these feelings were of any use. There was an animal in distress, she had to calm down.

She looked around her. The stables were neat and tidy and looked as if they had been here for a long time. From what she’d seen of the farm and the homestead, money wasn’t a problem. So he was probably one of those rich farmers who wanted horses just to show the extent of his wealth, but he had no real love for them.

Inhaling deeply, Cilla closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. In and out, in and out. After long minutes, her breathing returned to normal and she managed to block out the negative and volatile feelings.

Feeling much calmer, she walked down the stalls, looking for the stallion. The horses neighed softly, some came closer for a quick rub, others only watched her from a distance.

She heard the stallion snort and he moved around restlessly before she saw him. Opening herself up, she quickly walked to the stall from where the noise came. Bravo was standing right at the back of his stall, his eyes wide, his whole body shivering.

“Hallo, handsome,” she crooned. “Why are you so upset?”

But she sensed immediately, he was afraid, someone was hurting him. His whole body was telling her.

“It’s okay, nobody will hurt you again, ever. I promise,” she murmured softly. Keeping her voice soft and calm, she teased and cajoled and talked nonsense until at last, the big animal stopped shivering.

Keeping her eyes on the stallion, she slowly put out her hand. Bravo stared at her for long minutes before he moved towards her, one step at a time. Cilla didn’t move, didn’t breathe, simply let herself connect to the animal.

Images flashed in front of her, Bravo snorted and finally bent his head so that she could touch him.

“So you want to run free?” Murmuring gently, she rubbed the big animal’s neck, felt the deep shudder under her fingers and saw another image.

She gasped. “Really?”

He snorted and nodded, his body moving restlessly.

“A chestnut mare?” Again his head bobbed up and down.

“Well,” she said on a laugh. “I’m not sure what your boss is going to say about that, but I’ll tell him. Come with me?” she said softly and opened the gate to the stall. “You’re not the bad-tempered one around here. Let’s show them,” she crooned, taking the reins lying over his body in her hands.

A hand came down on Cameron’s shoulder and he looked around. Ken was pointing in the direction of the stables.

“Give the woman a reasonable chance, will you? What is the worst thing that can happen? Bravo can hardly be more cantankerous than what he is at the moment. I’ve told you what she managed to do with the stray dog at school, let her at least try with Bravo.”

“Yes, you’ve told me. But to calm down a stray dog is one thing. To try and find out what is wrong with a huge bad-tempered stallion is …”

In the next minute, he lost his breath, his words and a little bit of his mind. Cilla and Bravo were exiting the stables, the horse’s head close to the woman’s shoulder, her hand against his face, the bridle in her other hand.

Unhurriedly, horse and woman walked towards the middle of the big circle adjacent to the stables where they usually trained the horses. There, she stopped and waited. With her hand still against the horse’s face, they stood like that for long minutes.

Everything around them stilled, the wind died down and for a brief moment, even the earth seemed to stop spinning. Then Cilla nodded, stepped back and while holding on to the bridle, she let the horse trot around her.

Ken barked out an incredulous laugh and looked at Cameron.

“Look at that! He wouldn’t let anyone else near him and now he’s flirting with this woman – can you believe it?”

Cameron stared. Damn it, it really looked as if the damn horse was flirting with the long-legged beauty – his eyes were fixed on Cilla, he neighed softly and was bobbing his head up and down. Gradually, his movements slowed until he stopped moving altogether. Cilla walked up to him, the big horse moved closer to her and dropped his head against her shoulder.

“I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” whispered Ken.

Cameron was at a loss for words. He’d never seen anything like this before.

Cilla led the horse out of the circle and they disappeared into the stables. Minutes later, she came out, smiling.

Bewildered, Cameron put his hands into his trouser pockets. The smile softened her face, her eyes were shining even brighter than before. She was breathtakingly beautiful. And sexy. Unbelievably sexy.

He had to say something but logical words failed him at the moment and he was incapable of getting out a single sound, let alone string a sentence together.

“And?” Ken asked walking up to Cilla. “What did the stallion tell you – why is he behaving so badly?”

Cameron crossed his arms in front of him. He was acting like a bloody teenager who’d seen a pretty girl for the first time. He didn’t need this kind of distraction in his life, damn it to hell! He had enough trouble as it was.

Cilla opened her mouth to answer Ken’s question but then she closed it again. There was something else she needed to know first.

“Have you always had horses on the farm?” she asked.

“Oh, no. Only for the last two years,” Ken said.

“Oh,” Cilla said and frowned. She looked towards the stables. “It looks as if the building has been here for some time …”

“There used to be horses on the farm – a long time ago. I’ve renovated the stables and have been buying horses for the past two years. Why? Did Bravo moan about his accommodation?” he asked, not even trying to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

Cilla tried to keep her face expressionless as she stared at the big man. She felt torn in two. The horse needed her help but she wouldn’t be able to do her work if the owner had this kind of attitude. And on top of everything else, he was also one of the rudest people she’d had the misfortune to meet. She honestly hadn’t thought men like this one still existed.

“I can help your horse, but you don’t trust me. Your aggressive behaviour is obviously detrimental to your relationship with humans and will definitely not work in your relationship with Bravo. When you reach the point where you are prepared to investigate other possibilities and realize that what I do is one of the most natural, most instinctive things on earth, you let me know.”

She turned to Ken and shrugged. “I’m sorry, but I can’t work like this. I really hope you can find help. Goodbye.”

She ignored Cameron and quickly walked towards her car. When she disappeared behind the building, the two men started arguing again. Exasperated, she rolled her eyes.

If only he’d given her a chance. But no, he was too damn skeptical, too damn rude and too much of a chauvinistic caveman to even consider asking for a mere woman’s help.

She’d parked in front of the farmhouse. It was a lovely old building with a Cape Dutch cable and a huge veranda. A gardener was working in the garden, it looked as if he were planting bulbs in the ground. Strange, she wouldn’t have thought the grim man she’d just met would be interested in growing anything that didn’t have a monetary value.

She opened her car door, talking to herself. Normally, she tried to see the good in everyone, tried to find at least one redeeming factor, but this man had rubbed her up the wrong way from his first swear word and trying to find anything redeeming in his behaviour would take more time than what he was worth.

And on top of everything else, she hated the way he made her feel. Yes, he was attractive, but she’d seen attractive men before. Why her body went on red alert the minute she’d seen him, she had no idea. Her palms were sweaty, her breathing erratic and her heart was just about jumping out of her chest. She was behaving exactly like a panting heroine straight out of a bodice ripper romance. A good thing that she wouldn’t see him again. She’d always trusted her feelings, but this was way too intense, even for her.

Shaking her head, she turned the key. Being intense was what made it possible for her to communicate with animals. The damn man had her questioning her feelings, damn it. And she had never had to do that before.

She glanced in the direction of the stables again. And why did he look so familiar? Surely she would have remembered if they’d met before, not many people were this rude. Or had such broad shoulders and had eyes in that particular shade of deep blue. Aargh – what was wrong with her? The man was impossible.

What a pity he was unable to get his head around something different. But she felt sorry for the horse. She could help the fiery stallion, but she’d learnt along the way that the problem very seldom lay with the horse. And this particular cranky owner was so full of prejudice, it was clear he was not going to be persuaded to listen to her advice.

Fortunately, she’d realized a long time ago that she couldn’t persuade people to believe in what she did. And at this point in her life, it didn’t matter what other people thought. She was comfortable with her ability, albeit a little bit weirder than what was considered the norm.

One of her most wonderful memories was the short period she’d taught in America right after she finished her studies. Over weekends she was able to work on a horse farm and nobody there thought it strange that she knew what animals were thinking. In fact, most of the people on the farm were able to communicate with animals on some sort of level. The principle used on the farm to train horses was one of respect and love of the horses.

And to her, it was so logical, her own dad had always used the same ideas when working with his horses.

Ever since she remembered, she’d been able to communicate with animals. When she was little, she’d thought everybody did. Her parents never let her believe that what she was able to do was abnormal. It was only when she started school that she gradually came to accept that other people found her understanding of animals weird. And so she’d learnt to keep her thoughts to herself.

Her phone rang. She smiled. It was her friend, Imke. Since the first day of school this busy blonde had taken Cilla under her wing and nobody had dared to tease her when Imke was around.

They grew up together, went to university together and both went overseas for two years to work, make money, experience different cultures. Afterwards, they both returned to teach at their alma mater, the High School in Caledon.

“And? What does the horse say?” Imke teased.

“He’s alone, bored and on top of it, his boss is …”

“Cute? Gorgeous? Sexy? All three?” giggled Imke.

Cilla laughed. “Yeah, all three. He thinks I’m a witch and is about to cast a spell on his horses. I only hope for the horse’s sake, they find someone else who can help.”

“Well, it’s his loss. Are you on your way to the farm?”

“Yes, I am. Will you be able to help this afternoon?” Cilla asked.

“Of course. I’ve already spoken to your mom and I’m spending the night at your parents’ place. It really is amazing what you and your parents have managed to do over the last six months. I am in awe.”

“Every time I look at the happy and playful horses we have now, I’m so glad we were able to save them from the terrible conditions they’d had to endure,” Cilla said. “It cost lots of money and we’ve spent many hours on grooming and nurturing them, but they’re such a joy now.”

“And now that you’ve managed to get the kids to visit the horses, your dreams have come true. To help now and again with your project is such a humbling and satisfying experience. I gladly help out when I can. Drive safely – I’ll see you later,” Imke called out gaily before ringing off.

Cilla smiled as she put her phone away. In collaboration with social workers from Cape Town and various sponsors, they were able to start the programme in which they brought traumatised children and the horses together.

Over the last few weeks they had also started working with an autistic little boy. The fact that Cilla’s mother was a well-known and respected psychologist, had made the whole process a lot easier.

The healing process they’d been witnessing over the last few weeks was remarkable. Each trembling smile on a defenseless child’s face made her realize that all the effort, money and time were so worth it and she had a hard time keeping her tears at bay.

Cilla took the turn-off on to the N2 on her way to Caledon. Fortunately she didn’t have to drive too far to Cameron’s farm this morning. The farm was a short distance from Villiersdorp, a small town about an hour’s drive from Caledon. It was a beautiful road, and this time of the day, there was hardly any traffic. Which meant she’d be in time for the children this afternoon.

She passed the short-cut wheat fields. It was the end of March and one of these days, just before the first winter rains, the farmers would sow their wheat.

From the top of the next hill, she had a lovely view of the mountains and hills of the Overberg. Close by was Babylon’s Peak, a well-known mountain peak that rose high above the farmlands. She couldn’t help smiling. To her, this piece of land would always be the most beautiful on the planet. She stepped on the petrol; she wanted to get home.

Her mind drifted back to the farm she’d just visited. The man’s eyes were the most amazing shade of blue she’d ever seen. He looked so, so familiar. But where would she have seen him before? She’d ask her mother. Maybe they saw one another when they’d been kids. It was as if … Irritated with herself, she shook her head. Surely she would have remembered if she’d ever touched those black curls? Wouldn’t she?

“Pure bliss,” sighed Cilla and, stretching herself out, took a sip of the chilled wine her dad had just handed her.

The sun had just disappeared behind the mountains and they were all sitting outside. Imke and she had spent the whole afternoon with the kids and the horses and still had time to take their favourite horses for a gallop afterwards. Now her head was clear after the week and the frustration of the morning. Her dad was making a fire, they were having a barbeque later.

“Okay, you’ve had enough time. Tell us about the cute, gorgeous, sexy man you met this morning,” Imke teased.

Her mom started spluttering and Cilla groaned.

“What man?” her mom asked when she could talk. Her dad came closer, holding a fork threateningly in his hand.

“What man?” he asked as well.

“See what you’ve done? I’ll never hear the end of this,” Cilla grumbled.

“What man?” her dad asked again, swinging the fork in the air.

Cilla sighed. “A few days ago, a stray dog scared the kids at school and …”

“Cilla talked to the dog and calmed him down in front of the whole school. The kids talked about it for days,” Imke interrupted.

“Anyway,” Cilla tried to continue with her story, but Imke continued as if she hadn’t been interrupted.

“One of the matric boys mentioned the incident to his dad. His dad is a manager on a farm near Villiersdorp and the owner has a difficult stallion. The manager asked Cilla whether she’d have a look and … I don’t know the rest, you’ll have to explain,” Imke said.

“Oh, may I really talk now?” Cilla asked sarcastically.

“Come on, you don’t talk fast enough, I just gave the background. So, what happened then?” Imke asked.

Cilla laughed. It was no use getting angry with Imke. When things didn’t move quickly enough for her, she took over.

“I went there early this morning, but the owner doesn’t believe in what I do, he doesn’t like the fact that I’m a woman and … well, he basically has a problem with everything. He thinks I’ll cast a spell on his horse. Apparently, he didn’t know I was visiting. Ken, the manager asked me to have a look at the horse and the owner was very angry when he found out. His vocabulary is … explicit.”

“Did you look at the horse?” her dad asked.

“Yes, I did and I can help him but if the owner doesn’t believe in what I do, there isn’t much I can do. You know how it works.”

“What is wrong with the horse, do you think?” her dad asked.

“He …” Cilla shook her head and laughed. “You won’t believe me, but the stallion has a picture of a mare in his head and I … well, it sounds bizarre, but I could swear it was of Maggie.”

“Our Maggie?” her dad asked, clearly amazed.

“Yeah – a chestnut mare with a black mane. I know, I know. There are probably lots of other mares who look exactly like that, but what are the odds? The only way it’s even remotely possible, is that he probably caught her scent, but how? I should have asked them where he came from. Anyway, he is also very bored and wants to be able to run free.”

Her dad nodded. It was never necessary to explain in detail what a horse’s problem was, but her dad knew what she meant.

“Who is the owner?” her mother asked.

“Cameron Rahl, he farms −”

“… near Villiersdorp. On the farm Yonder Hill,” her mother murmured.

Surprised, Cilla stared at her mother. “Yes, do you know him? I did wonder …”

“No, you won’t remember, you were a baby at the time but I knew his mother well. We were at school together and after we moved here, I visited her once or twice but we lost touch. Her death was such a tragic event. They farmed with horses, she adored them. They had two sons. The youngest was about ten years old, I think, when she was thrown off a horse and died instantly. We visited once or twice afterwards, but the husband was completely devastated, I don’t think he ever recovered from his wife’s death. I remember being so sorry for the two little boys who had to grow up without a mother. You say his name is Cameron?”

She looked at Cilla’s dad. “He was the younger of the two, I think. I wonder why the older brother hasn’t taken over the farm.”

Her dad nodded. “I don’t know. From what you’re telling us, it sounds as if Cameron has decided to breed horses again. I remember that his dad got rid of all the horses when his wife died.”

“Yes, one of the few things he did manage to get out was that he renovated the stables about two years ago and began buying horses right after that,” Cilla said.

Cilla’s cell phone rang. It was not a number she knew but she didn’t want to ignore it. It might be someone phoning about one of the children. “Excuse me,” she said and got up.

“Cilla Stevens.”

“Hi,” a gruff voice answered.

Cilla stopped in her tracks. It sounded very much like Cameron Rahl, if she wasn’t mistaken.

“Good evening,” she greeted him formally. What did the man want with her?

He cleared his throat. “I …” He swore softly and she smiled. So he did know swear words that didn’t begin with an f.

“Yes, sir?”

“My name is Cameron. And what I’m trying to say is that I … about this afternoon … I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I know I was …” He uttered a few more swear words.

“Rude? Bad-mannered? Overbearing? Insufferable?”

“No … I was … okay, yes, maybe, but …”

“I was there, there is no maybe about it,” Cilla insisted.

“Dammit to hell, will you stop interrupting me?” he shouted over the line.

“Don’t yell at me!” she shouted back.

The line was silent for a few minutes.

It was obviously very difficult for him to apologize, if that was what he was attempting to do. But she really wanted to end this conversation; she didn’t want all these bad vibes spoiling the rest of her day. “Look, it’s fine. I accept your apology. Anything else?”

“May I please finish my sentence?” he growled.

Stunned, Cilla inhaled sharply and clamped her teeth together. The man made her so mad!

“Mr Rahl, it’s been a long day, I’m enjoying a glass of wine with my family and friends, and frankly, you are spoiling the mood. I don’t know if anyone has ever had the guts to tell you, but you are extremely rude and unpleasant. If you want to talk to me, that will have to change. Until then, goodnight,” she said and ended their conversation.

“And?” Imke asked, little devils dancing in her eyes. “Who phoned?”

“It’s that …” Her phone rang again. Sighing, she answered.

“I’m sorry about this afternoon, I wasn’t expecting you and you …” He stopped talking.

“I what?” she asked, by now very irritated with the infuriating man.

“It doesn’t matter. I … want to apologize for my behaviour and want to know if you’d be prepared to have another look at Bravo. Please.”

Cilla gasped silently. Wow, when he finally got round to apologizing, he really turned on the charm. Her silly heart had started beating erratically, her blood had heated, and she was actually smiling!

“Are you still there? Cilla? Can you hear me?”

Her name had never sounded quite so sexy.

“I-I don’t think it’s a good idea. What I do, is intuitive, natural and you obviously don’t like it. Are you really prepared to trust me and let me do what I think is the right thing? And, most importantly, are you prepared to listen to what you would need to do. All of this from a mere woman?”

“I find what you do … strange. Surely you can understand that?” he asked.

“What is so strange? The fact that I’m a woman?”

He inhaled audibly. She smiled. He was probably counting to ten. The guy was so serious.

“No, what I find strange is that you claim to know what a horse is thinking,” he said slowly as if talking to a child.

Cilla rolled her eyes. “It’s not that strange, you know. If you think about it, you probably also communicate with the animals on your farm, although you may not even be aware of it.”

“When will you be able to come?” he asked, completely ignoring what she’d said.

Why did she think he might understand? He had obviously decided what she did was weird and that was it.

“I don’t have to be there,” she said. “If you e-mail me a photo of Bravo, I can help him. I often do it like this.”

“Are you completely ins …” he began but inhaled sharply.

Probably grinding his teeth. The thought made her smile.

“I’d prefer it if you could come to the farm again. I will obviously pay you for your time, your petrol and your … help.”

Cilla swallowed the catty remark that nearly slipped out. She knew she could help the horse, it wasn’t his fault that his boss was prejudiced.

“Well, during the week I teach so I won’t be able to get there before next weekend.”

“No, that’s too long to wait. What about tomorrow?”

Cilla turned to look at Imke before she answered. “A friend is staying with us. I’ll check whether she wants to go with me, we should be able to be there at …”

“Come at eleven, I’ll make sure there is something to eat. And … well, thanks,” he said and rang off.

Stunned, Cilla stared at her phone. “He put the phone down!” she exclaimed. “He phones me, struggles to apologize, orders me to be on his farm tomorrow morning, and before I could react, he puts the phone down! And, oh yes, Imke, apparently you and I are having lunch at his place.”

Imke smiled. “Mmm, the first guy I know of who doesn’t immediately jump through hoops when talking to you. And he bothers you a little bit. Interesting. I think I may like this guy.”

“Interesting is not the word that comes to mind when I think of him, and I can promise you, there is nothing likable about him,” Cilla said in a huff. “And I don’t think he’s going to be able to let me do what I should do. Mom, I’m sorry but it seems I won’t be here for lunch tomorrow.”

“Well, you tell that man that I’m not impressed,” her mother said but she was smiling. “We’ll see you next weekend though, right? And Imke, you know you’re always welcome.”

Cilla gave her mother a hug. “Of course. We love coming here, Mom. As you know, Imke doesn’t cook and I rarely have time, so we’re always looking forward to your lovely meals.”

“Thanks, Mrs S, but the younger members of our staff are going to Hermanus next weekend and I’ll be joining them. Cilla, didn’t you also agree to go?” Imke asked.

“Oh, my goodness, yes, you’re right. I’ve completely forgotten. A whole weekend in Hermanus sounds lovely, but I don’t want to disappoint the kids and not be here on Saturday. I know we have students who help out, but some of the younger ones are still very unsure of themselves.”

“I could help out …” her mother said.

“No, you are not also going to work over weekends. You are busy enough during the week.”

Her mother smiled. “I’m not over the hill, yet, dear and you know I love to help with the kids.”

“I know, but I can always join them in Hermanus when I’m done.”

“Where are you staying?” her dad asked. “You know you’re always more than welcome to use our beach house.”

“Thanks, Dad, but I think accommodation has been organized for everyone. But I promise to check on the house. I have a key.” She turned to Imke. “Would you mind coming with me tomorrow when I have to visit the horse again? I’ll understand if you don’t want to …”

“Wild horses won’t keep me away! Of course I’m coming with you. I have to see what this gorgeous, sexy, attractive guy looks like. Any man that makes you frown, I have to meet. I can’t remember ever hearing you talk about any man for such a length of time, don’t you think so, Mrs S?”

Her mother smiled. “I want to hear every single bit of detail, Imke. Make sure you don’t miss anything. It’s high time someone bothers my daughter a little bit.”

Cilla snorted. “You are going to agree with me, wholeheartedly, Imke. He is a chauvinist and one of those men who can’t believe a woman is capable of doing anything right. I can’t wait to see what your reaction to such a man will be.”

Chapter 2

“Where’s the house?” Imke asked while leaning forward. It was just before eleven and they were driving down a neatly cobbled road towards the big farmhouse.

“It’s just beyond that row of blue gum trees,” Cilla said, pointing towards the trees. “You should be able to see it at any moment now … there it is.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful. And look, from here one has a glimpse of the sea. I didn’t know that would be possible. You didn’t say a word about the house or the view.” Imke wiggled her eyebrows.

Cilla scowled. “I was so angry with the man I completely forgot about the lovely scenery. I’d really like to know why he’s changed his mind. Yesterday he was convinced that I’d cast a spell on his horse and today he wants me to help the animal. He must be desperate.”

She steered her car down the small road. The beginning of a headache was brewing behind her eyes and she was so irritated. She’d hardly slept a wink. Not even the gallop on her favourite horse late yesterday had helped her to fall asleep quickly.

The moment her eyes had closed, a hundred pairs of dark blue eyes were watching her from all sides. Some were smoldering, some were pleading, one pair was even trying to seduce her … Damn it, all of them kept her from falling asleep. She honestly hoped after today she never had to lay eyes on Cameron Rahl again.

She parked her car in front of the house, and even before she opened the door, the front door opened and two men stepped out.

Imke inhaled sharply and started fanning herself. “Oh, my goodness, Cilla, look at all that gorgeousness – who are these sexy men? And why didn’t you tell me there are two of them?” She was clearly in awe.

“Come on, Imke, seriously. It’s not as if you’ve never seen an attractive man. The one in the blue shirt is Cameron, but I don’t know who the other one is. They look alike, probably brothers. My mom did say there are two boys.”

Imke blew out a heartfelt sigh. “And fortunately for us, they’re not boys any longer.”

Cilla got out slowly. Cameron was walking towards her. He nodded in Imke’s direction, but his eyes never left Cilla’s. When he reached her, he put out his hand. She swallowed and waited a second before she shook his hand. Was she going to have a similar I-know-what-your-fingers-feel-around-mine-like experience to the one she had yesterday, or had that only been her imagination?

His fingers closed around hers and, rattled, she met his gaze. She recognized his hands, she knew how they’d feel, even the heat travelling up her arm was familiar, something she’d experienced before.

Quickly she tugged her hand from his and motioned in Imke’s direction.

“This is my friend. Imke,” she said and turned towards her. And blinked. Something very strange was going on. The man standing in front of Imke had taken both her hands in his and his fingers were playing with hers.

“Imke?” Cilla asked, completely stunned.

Blushing, Imke pulled her hands away. “You haven’t told me the men around here are such smooth talkers,” she giggled, her eyes still on the big man in front of her.

“My brother, Philip.” Cameron said. “The charmer of the family.”

Philip smiled and greeted her. “I have to be, he’s the grumpy one,” he said, slapping his brother on the back.

“I know,” slipped out before Cilla could help herself.

Cameron frowned but ignored her remark. “If you don’t mind, could you look at Bravo before we have lunch?”

“Of course, he’s the reason I’m here,” Cilla said.

“Do you want to join us?” Cameron asked Imke.

“Yes, please. I would love to look at your horses and I enjoy watching Cilla when she works. You should listen to her, she knows what she’s doing.”

Cameron rubbed his face. “Look, I have a BSc degree in Agricultural Science. I know farm animals, I know when they’re ill and I know what to do about it. I rely on facts, on things I can see and understand. What Cilla here proposes to do, I find …”

“… weird was one of the kinder words you used yesterday,” Cilla said with a straight face.

A ghost of a smile turned up one of the corners of his mouth. “Strange is the word I was going to use. My dad had horses when we were little but I can’t remember ever having a horse as ornery as this black stallion. I’ve tried everything I can think of. At this point I’m willing to try anything, even listen to your strange and okay, weird ideas.”

He started walking in the direction of the stables. Cilla fell into step next to him.

“What made you change your mind? About asking me. Yesterday you didn’t want to listen to anything I had to say but then you phoned me?”

“Another farm hand is now also in hospital. Ken suggested I phone you again.”

“Oh.” Cilla bit her lip to keep back the giggle that threatened to erupt. He obviously found it very difficult to acknowledge when he’d been wrong.

She glanced in his direction, but he was looking straight ahead of him.

As they neared the stables, Ken stepped out. “Good morning, Cilla. I’m very glad that certain people around here finally changed their minds and asked you to come over again. This morning, Bravo is completely out of control. I’m not sure whether you should go in there alone.”

Cilla put a hand on his arm. “He and I understand one another, don’t worry. I know what the problem is, but let me talk to him again, there may be something else bothering him.”

Behind her, Cameron mumbled something incoherent but she ignored him. Imke followed her into the stables.

“I’m coming with you, I’d love to see the other horses.”

The two women disappeared into the stables and Cameron put his hands in his trouser pockets. It was much better to have them there otherwise he might do something utterly stupid like taking Cilla’s hand in his.

He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he was struggling to keep his hands to himself, the need to touch her was overwhelming. When she was walking beside him just now, he’d wanted to put an arm around her, as if it was something that he did regularly, as if he’d done it before.

And her perfume. She smelled like roses. A huge bed of red roses. Yesterday her scent had infiltrated every pore of his body, leaving him aching and lusting after her. Hell, he’d hardly slept last night. When he woke up this morning he could swear he still smelled roses.

He swore. He didn’t want this woman on his farm, he didn’t want her near him. She was trouble with a capital T. He needed to get out more. Philip kept telling him he needed more of a social life and maybe his brother was right. All those women he was afraid of meeting? He should go and meet them, have sex with them so that he wasn’t this sex starved next time a beautiful woman visited his farm.

Feminine laughter floated towards him and the next minute Cilla and Bravo exited the stables. Bravo gave him a spiteful look before he turned away.

“Well, I never,” Ken said behind him. “He doesn’t want me near him, but he is quite happy to be led by Cilla.” He barked out a laugh. “I won’t be surprised if he sticks his tongue out!”

Imke grinned, staring after her friend. “He’s putty in her hands. She has a way with her, you should listen to her suggestions.”

Like the previous day, Cilla led the horse to the centre of the big circle and stood silently next to him for what felt like a long time. Then she rubbed his face, turned and walked him back towards the stables.

After a few minutes she came out alone.

“And? Can you help us?” Ken asked.

“It depends,” Cilla said. “Are you going to do what I say you should do?”

He felt Ken’s eyes on him.

Cameron folded his arms. “I’ll listen to what you have to say,” he finally said. “Let’s go and have lunch, we can talk then.”

They all walked back towards the farmhouse. Cilla looked around her. The view was truly spectacular. Closer to the homestead she noticed the piece of garden where the gardener worked yesterday. Beyond that, another piece of earth had been readied for something to be planted in it.

Cilla motioned in that direction. “What are you going to plant over there?”

“Canola. It blooms during winter. I don’t know if you’ve seen a field of buttercups in bloom before, but it is a beautiful sight,” Philip said.

“We are both born and bred Overberg girls,” Imke smiled. “Cilla’s parents farm just outside Caledon and my dad works for the beer brewery in town. And although we’ve both worked overseas and have seen the world, Cilla was in America and I was in China, to us, this region is still the most beautiful piece of land on earth.”

As they neared the homestead, amazing aromas from inside the house reached them.

Imke inhaled. “Who is the cook?” she swooned. “I’ll marry him immediately!”

Philip stepped out on to the huge veranda in front of the house and took Imke’s hand in his. “Well, I’m the chef. Come with me, then we can talk about your proposal.”

Amazed, Cilla stared after them. Imke was usually very wary of strange men, but she obviously didn’t have any problems with this one.

Cameron motioned for her and Ken to follow him. “Let’s talk here,” he said and showed her into the huge dining room. “Have a seat.”

Gingerly, Cilla sat down and looked around the lovely room. The furniture had to be family heirlooms. The table was obviously made from South African yellow wood and antique spindle chairs were placed around it.

“So, what would you say is Bravo’s problem?” Cameron asked.

Ken sat next to her without a word.

It was clear from the skeptical expression on Cameron’s face that he still didn’t believe in her communicating abilities.

Cilla looked down at her hands. She knew what his reaction was going to be even before she opened her mouth. But he did ask.

“Two problems, actually,” she said and looked him straight in the eye. “First of all, where did you get him?”

“Why is that important? I got him from someone in Bredasdorp,” he said, clearly taken aback.

“And you drove through Caledon?” Cilla asked.

“Yeah, that’s the only way,” he said irritably.

Cilla smiled. “Well, then I understand. Bravo caught the scent of a particular mare on his way here and he wants to, well, he wants to mate with her.” She ignored the blush that crept up her neck. “I could be wrong, but I think I know exactly which mare he wants. And the other thing is …”

Cameron swore and jumped up but Cilla ignored him and continued with her sentence. “… he’s bored.”

Cameron’s fingers folded around the back of the chair, his knuckles turned white. Just as she had thought – he didn’t want to believe that the solution to Bravo’s problems were actually very simple.

“He wants to mate? There is a whole bloody stable full of mares, where the hell do you get this cr … nonsense!” he shouted. “And bored? So what is it that he would like to do? Shall I take him to the movies?”

Ken held up a hand to silence Cameron. “Why do you say that?” he asked Cilla.

Cameron lifted the chair he was holding and dropped it back into place. He started pacing the room.

Cilla lifted one brow but, ignoring him, she spoke to Ken.

“As I said, he caught the smell of a particular mare on his way here.” She glanced over at Cameron. His whole body language was telling her he thought her completely insane.

“My parents’ farm runs alongside the N2 from Bredasdorp. We have a mare, Maggie. She’s chestnut in colour with a black mane and she looks exactly like the …”

Swearing, Cameron turned on her. “Oh, so this is what you do. You are looking to pimp your mare, aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”

Cilla got up so quickly, her chair fell backwards. She gnashed her teeth, trying her best not to say anything but to rather stay calm. Never before had she thought of herself as the violent type, but this man made her so angry, she could throttle him.

Inhaling deeply, trying to calm herself and her galloping heart, she spoke again. “I’m not sure that Maggie, who by the way is not for sale, especially to you, is actually the mare Bravo has in mind, but, for his sake and if you agree, I will bring her here. Temporarily.”

She bent, picked up the chair and sat down again. Her hands were shaking, she was so upset, so angry. She took a deep breath, willed herself to calm down. Ignoring Cameron, she spoke to Ken.

“What you should remember is that every horse has a very particular personality. The term ‘horsenality’ was coined to refer to the system of understanding horses through their personality types. Just like humans can be understood by looking at personalities. Not all of us are the same and we react differently in situations. I will have to spend more time with Bravo before I will really know, but I think he’s a right-brain extrovert. He’s impulsive, can’t be still, he’s nervous, can be easily frightened. He’s energetic and athletic with lots of endurance. He notices things around him. If you know and understand his personality type, you will be able to handle him.”

She glared at Cameron. “Handle him correctly, that is.”

Cameron stormed closer. “And I suppose now you also want to analyze me?”

Cilla felt like punching him, but she kept her cool and lifted her chin. “No, that is not part of my job. But if you were a horse, I’d say you are a left brain introvert. You’re argumentative, stubborn, pushy and you don’t listen to what other people have to say.”

He narrowed his eyes. The muscle in his cheek jumped up and down, a clear indication he was gnashing his teeth. Before he could say anything though, she turned to Ken.

“Let me know if you want me to bring Maggie over. This is, of course, when you can convince this … this stubborn, difficult boss of yours I don’t have a hidden agenda.”

Cameron laughed sarcastically. Cilla ignored him.

“Bravo is also bored; you’re handling him too gently. He wants to use his legs, he needs more activity. Let him run free. He’s frustrated and feels fenced in. Also, someone is hitting him. Make sure that doesn’t happen again, it’s completely unnecessary. Violence is never the answer.”

“Do you have any idea how utterly ridiculous you sound?” Cameron asked.

Cilla continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “Remember, in nature, horses are prey animals, the hunted. Safety is their primary concern and fear is their primary reaction. They are herd animals who look to their alpha for leadership. I also think you should contact an acupuncturist. The aura on his left side looks white, the chi energy isn’t flowing as it should. It might be that he’s anaemic, but I’m not sure.”

“Really?” Cameron asked, not bothering to hide his sarcasm. “You’re not sure? How come? You seem to be sure of everything else!”

Cilla ignored him and stood up. Slowly this time. “Well, that’s my advice, use it, don’t use it. You don’t believe me and you don’t trust me, so my suggestion is, find another solution. I obviously can’t help you. Under the circumstances, I don’t think we’ll be staying for lunch …”

Just at that moment, Imke entered from the kitchen, looking dazed and pleased with the world. “Cilla, Philip can cook like an angel, you have to taste what he’s made. He’s busy with …”

“I think we should go,” Cilla interrupted.

“Oh, but you have to taste …” She continued before she realized something else was going on and stopped speaking. She looked from Cameron to Cilla. “Let me guess – he doesn’t believe you.”

Cilla nodded and took Imke’s arm. “I think we should go.”

Cameron stared at Cilla, not sure whether he wanted to laugh or cry. What the hell! All this nonsense about horsenalities and auras and energies. The woman was obviously completely crazy.

Philip put his head around the door. “What’s going on? I feel very negative vibes coming from this room.”

Cameron glared at his brother. “Don’t you start as well. Excuse me,” he growled and walked quickly towards the front door. He needed fresh air. Lots and lots of fresh air. Where the hell did the woman get her insane ideas? She was so far removed from reality, it was ridiculous.

But hell, she was beautiful. When she coolly looked at him and told him he was a left or right or whatever brain, he wanted to grab hold of her and take her to his room.

And those eyes. She put up a cool façade but just one look in her eyes revealed the passion of a full-blooded woman. It would be very interesting to watch her when she forgot to be cool and collected. His blood started boiling at the mere thought.

He lengthened his stride. That was the last thing he should be thinking about. Yes, she was beautiful, but so were a million other women. And as he very well knew, on this farm, beautiful women were a curse not a blessing.

He didn’t want this woman on his farm, he didn’t want her messing with his head, and he definitely didn’t want her around his horse. Chi energy – what a lot of bull.

Just because she was beautiful and had the most amazing eyes, it didn’t mean he was going to let her loose on his farm.

“What did you tell him?” Philip asked, amused.

“I told him Bravo was bored, he wanted a specific mare, and I think his aura is an indication that he’s anaemic.”

Philip burst out laughing.

“And she told him that he was a left brain … what were the words again?” Ken asked and both men laughed heartily.

By this time Cilla had enough of men and especially of the lot she had to put up with this morning. She pulled at Imke’s sleeve. “Let’s go.”

But Philip moved quickly and grabbed each one’s hand. “Look, I’m sorry, we’re being very rude. Cilla, if you know my brother like I know him, you’ll know why he’s reacting the way he does and why we are laughing. Please stay? It doesn’t happen every day that we can entertain two beautiful women like yourselves.”

Ken slapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve never had women here before, let alone beautiful ones like these two. Enjoy yourselves, I’m heading back home. Thanks, Cilla, and don’t worry, we’ll work on Cameron.”

Cilla gave him a very skeptical look.

Ken scratched his head. “I don’t think I understand everything you’re saying but nothing else we’ve tried with Bravo is helping. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure nobody hits him again. And I really hope we’ll see you again. If you can do with horses what you’ve managed to do with school kids, I’ll believe everything you say. Our son is actually reading now. Never thought I’d see the day.”

He moved towards the door and waved. “I hope we’ll see you soon.”

When he was gone, Philip pulled them after him. “I’ve cooked a lovely meal, you’re not going anywhere. I’ve laid the kitchen table; it’s much more pleasant here than in the stuffy dining room. Have a seat, I’m opening a bottle of wine. Cameron … what can I say?”

Shaking his head, he proceeded to open a bottle of wine. “When our mom died, he was still very young. She was thrown off a horse’s back. For him, it was a double loss. Not only did he lose our mom to whom he was very close, we lost a father as well. Dad immediately sold every single horse on the farm, lost all interest in the farm, in us, in life basically. Like our mother, Cameron loved to paint and draw, but my dad stopped his art lessons after our mother’s death and he removed all her paintings from the walls.”

He grimaced. “I think the development of his right brain stopped right there and then. You’re so right when you call him a left brain introvert. He is very logical and analyzes everything to death, and yeah, he’s argumentative and stubborn. The scientist in him only understands what he can see and explain. What you do is totally outside his comfort zone.” He poured them each a glass of wine and took a seat. “But let’s eat and forget about my brother for a while. At some point, his stomach will bring him to the table.”

Cilla inhaled the lovely aromas coming from the dishes on the table. “This smells divine,” she groaned. “Are you also involved in the running of the farm?”

“No, I love the place, make no mistake, but I’m no farmer. I’m a chef. While Cameron was riding horses, I was helping Mom in the kitchen. My dad hoped I’d change with time, but eventually he had to acknowledge the fact that Cameron was the farmer, not me. I have my own restaurant in Hermanus. Let me know when you visit, it would be my pleasure to have you as guests,” he said, his eyes on Imke.

He lifted his glass, his eyes twinkling. “A toast to the woman who has rocked my brother’s world within the span of two days!”

Cilla looked up in surprise. “What are you talking about? He thinks I want to put a spell on Bravo and is not impressed with this mere woman who has the gall to say she can help him with his horse.”

Philip smiled. “So you don’t understand people as well as you understand animals, it seems?”

Cilla pressed her lips together. These bloody Rahl men – they obviously think they have all the answers.

“But tell me, how does one become a horse whisperer? Do you really whisper?” he teased.

Deep breaths, Cilla, deep breaths. As calmly as possible, she tried to answer him. “I don’t whisper, I communicate with animals. And it’s really very simple. All of us are capable of doing it. As kids we know intuitively how to listen to animals, how to let them know what we want. Unfortunately most people lose that ability as they grow older. We live according to a certain set of acceptable rules and ideas. I grew up on a farm and I’ve always just known what the animals around me were feeling and experiencing. And my parents didn’t think it strange when I spoke about it.”

“She’s always been very intuitive,” Imke interrupted and placed a hand on her arm. “She always knows when I’m feeling sad even if we’re not together. And she had an imaginary friend, if I remember correctly until …” she looked at Cilla. “Right up until high school she would sometimes smile at and talk to the air next to her.”

Embarrassed, Cilla shrugged. “His name was Roux. He and I had a wonderful time on the farm. I don’t remember when he left. One day he was just gone.”

She looked up to see the frown on Philip’s face. “See, now you also think me strange.”

Imke touched his shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to her. And do try and persuade your brother to listen to her. If she says the horse wants a particular mare and that he’s bored, I’ll bet you that would be exactly what his problems are. I’ve seen too often how she helps people and animals. I’m a true believer.”

The hair on her arms raised even before she heard the noise behind her. Cameron was back. She looked up as he walked into the room. He looked calmer somehow, the frown from earlier had disappeared. She relaxed. A little bit.

Philip noticed him and motioned him closer. “Now that you’re here, we can eat. Wine?”

Cameron nodded and pulled out the chair next to Cilla. When he sat down, his knee touched hers. The temperature of her blood rose in milliseconds and a rushing noise in her ears drowned out everything else. She tried to move away but her chair wouldn’t budge. Heat radiated from his body in her direction, threatening to overwhelm her. He was restless, agitated. She felt it deep inside herself.

A hard kick against her leg made her look up. Imke was making big eyes and motioning in Philip’s direction with her head. He’d probably said something that she didn’t hear.

“Uhm … sorry. You were saying?”

“I want to know how you communicate with animals if you don’t whisper. Do you talk to them? Do they talk to you? Your mouth didn’t move when you were with Bravo, I was wondering how it works,” Philip asked, his eyes twinkling.

Cilla smiled. It was easy to talk to the brother; it was the silent man next to her that she had trouble communicating with. “No, they don’t talk but they communicate with images that explain what they want to say. Animal communicators use different techniques – some only see pictures, others use a kind of dialogue. What is important though, is the relationship you build up with the animal. Energy flows through all forms of life. You only need to open yourself up to it.”

“Okay, but exactly how does it work?” Philip insisted.

Next to her, Cameron had stiffened and she glanced quickly in his direction. That he didn’t want to be listening to this conversation was obvious. She ignored him, though and looked at Philip.

“Well, you start by regulating your breathing, then you are more susceptible to experience things in a different way. Let go of all your rigid ideas of what reality is supposed to be, and you’ll become more intuitive, and will be able to use telepathy. Telepathy derives from the Greek word ‘tele’, which means distance and ‘pathe’ which brings across the idea of a feeling, a perception. In other words, you get a feeling, a perception over a distance.”

Next to her, Cameron cleared his throat. “I’m sorry but as a scientist the whole idea is bloody ridiculous! I find it highly unlikely that Bravo will communicate to you he wants to mate with a specific mare, one whose scent he supposedly caught on his way here. I’ve never heard of anything so … so bloody bizarre.”

Cilla turned to Cameron. He was sitting so close to her, if she put out her hand she would be able to touch his hair and …

“… How do you explain that?”

She again hadn’t been listening to the conversation. Her leg touched his again and she turned her body away from him.

“I think we all have an idea, for instance, of how you think your dream husband or wife would look like. Don’t you have a picture like that in your head? One you sometimes dream about?”

He stared at her for seconds before he slowly nodded.

“Well, I got such a picture from Bravo.”

“Can you see the picture in my head?” Philip teased.

Cilla shook her head. “I can read people who are close to me, someone like Imke, who doesn’t wear a mask. Sometimes there are so many layers between who the person really is and the persona he or she shows the world that it’s difficult to read him or her.”

Cameron took a sip of wine and stared into the glass. “Look, I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I understand things I can see with my eyes, black on white. This communication you’re talking about is a grey area and makes me uncomfortable, to say the least. But,” he raised his eyes to her, “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s progress, I’d say,” Philip laughed. “He has actually agreed to think about what you said. I’m telling you, that doesn’t happen every day. If he’s made up his mind about something, he rarely changes it. And don’t hold your breath, though, he’s as stubborn as they come.”

“And you’re of course, always Mr. Nice Guy,” Cameron said, obviously irritated. “Our dad was an ornery piece of work; I suppose it’s something we’ve inherited.”

“Well, at least if you know your own shortcomings, there’s hope for you yet!” Imke teased. “When did your dad die?”

Cameron moved on his chair and his leg touched hers only this time she didn’t move away, but waited quietly for the answer.

“About two years ago,” Philip answered. “It was only after his death that Cameron started buying horses again. While Dad was alive, he refused to have a horse on the farm.”

“You’ve probably heard how my mom died,” Cameron said, looking at his plate. “She was his whole life and he was never able to accept her death. He blamed everything and everyone for what happened and nothing and no one else mattered after she was gone.”

Philip slapped his hand playfully on the table. “Oh, my goodness, this is too morbid for words. What about a decadent pudding? I’ve made something with chocolate.”

Imke sighed. “Chocolate? Cilla and I are both addicted to chocolate – we’ll do just about anything for it.”

Philip wiggled his eyebrows. “Really? Anything?”

He and Imke continued to joke but Cilla wanted to leave. The brooding man next to her with his warm leg resting against hers, was becoming harder and harder to ignore. So when Philip stood up after they’d had their pudding and offered coffee for everyone, she jumped up.

“Thanks, but we have to go. I still have marking to do. Thanks for the lovely lunch, Philip, I’ll definitely visit your restaurant in Hermanus.”

“Yes, maybe even as soon as next …” Imke began eagerly, but Cilla interrupted quickly.

“Do you have your bag?” she asked Imke.

Imke frowned. “No, I have it with me. As I was saying …”

“Imke, really. We have to go. Come on,” Cilla said, desperate to silence her friend and to get away as quickly as possible.

When Imke turned to move towards Philip, Cilla grabbed her hand and just about dragged her out to the car.

“What’s wrong with you?” Imke hissed.

“Just keep moving,” Cilla said and didn’t stop until she was safely behind the wheel of her car.

The quicker she could put distance between herself and Cameron Rahl, the better.

It was only when they drove through the gates of the farm and her heart rate had settled somewhat, that Imke turned towards her. “Well, that was interesting.”

“What was interesting? The fact that a complete stranger couldn’t keep his hands to himself but had to keep touching you?” Cilla teased.

Imke grinned. “That’s not what I’m talking about but yeah, that was also very interesting. I’m talking about your reaction to the other brother.”

“He makes me mad – if that’s what you’re talking about, I wouldn’t call it interesting.”

“Yeah, you’re mad, but what about?”

“You were there, you heard how stubborn, how narrow-minded, how … how …”

“Tall? Handsome? Sexy? Gorgeous? Those the words you’re looking for?”

Cilla glared at Imke. “That’s not what I’m thinking about …”

“Oh, come on, Cilla. The man is drop-dead gorgeous – you want to tell me you didn’t notice it? Your heartbeat didn’t even increase a tiny bit?”

And just like that, the anger left Cilla. Nobody could stay mad with Imke for long. She rolled her eyes. “Okay, yes, he’s … sexy …”

“Oh, so that’s the word you’ve picked from all of the above?”

“And gorgeous and … whatever else you mentioned, but …”

“He makes you feel flustered, uncomfortable?”

Cilla shifted restlessly in the car seat. “Imke, seriously. I’ve seen the man twice. What I was going to say before you interrupted me was that yes, he’s attractive and all the rest but he’s also rude and … and narrow-minded. You heard him. He’s a scientist, I’m anything but. Not two lanes that will ever meet.”

“You feel deeply, you would love intensely. Don’t be scared of that. You’ve always relied on your instincts, don’t stop now.”

Cilla shrugged. “This has nothing to do with me being afraid to feel. The man wanted my opinion on his horse, I gave it to him. He’s convinced I’m crazy. End of story.”

Imke opened her mouth to speak again but her phone rang. “It’s Philip,” she said, her eyes sparkling.

“Of course it’s Philip. He couldn’t stop touching you. Answer it.”

Fanning herself, Imke answered the phone.

Thank goodness. Cilla didn’t want to think about Cameron Rahl, she didn’t want to talk about him and she didn’t want to be reminded that yes, her heartbeat had in fact, increased a tiny bit.

But it was just a tiny bit and he was a very attractive man.

Cameron kicked a bucket that was lying near the stables. Inside the horses moved restlessly. He swore. Damn it to hell, now he was upsetting the horses. He wasn’t angry at them, he was angry at the whole bloody situation. Perhaps his dad hadn’t been so stupid not to want horses on the farm. Was all the trouble and effort really worth it?

But when he remembered the way his mom’s face would light up when she rode, he knew the answer to the question. She was the reason he brought horses back to the farm and because of her, he would never get rid of them again. All of this was for her.

And to remind himself of a time of laughter and love on this farm.

He entered the stables and walked up to the big black stallion. Bravo. The horse was standing as close to the far wall as possible. Disheartened Cameron stared at the animal, resting his arms on the gate.

And then she was back in his thoughts – the long-legged beauty. He remembered everything about her in vivid detail – her long brown hair, her deep green eyes, the way she lifted her chin when she was angry, the way her smile lit up her whole face. Not that he’d seen much of that. And he remembered the heat of her leg against his and the nearly overwhelming urge to take her in his arms and kiss her lips to find out whether they were as soft as they looked.

Something pushed against his hand and when he looked up, he looked into Bravo’s eyes. The big stallion had moved closer and was looking at him with … sympathy? As if he knew Cameron was thinking about Cilla, knew that he missed her. Cameron staggered back. What the bloody hell?

The big horse stared straight at him. Cameron stilled. Outside, the laziness of the Sunday afternoon reigned; the birds were chattering in the trees, the cicadas were making a noise. Inside the stables the other horses moved around. Gradually all the other sounds faded until he couldn’t hear or see anything else, except Bravo.

He blinked and then he saw it – a clear picture of a chestnut horse with a pitch black mane, exactly like the one Cilla had spoken about earlier today.

Gasping for breath, he turned around and fled from the stables. Outside he nearly ran into Ken.

“Whoa!” Ken laughed and stepped aside. “What did Bravo do now?”

“He …” Cameron motioned in the direction of the stables. “He came closer and I could see … what … I could see …”

“Yes? What did you see?” Ken asked, clearly puzzled.

Cameron took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s … nothing. I think I’m slowly losing my mind. Ever since that damn woman arrived on the farm, things have been …”

But there were no words to describe exactly what she was doing to him. With long strides he walked towards the house. He’d turned ice cold. What the bloody hell had happened just now? He’d always understood animals and never before had a problem handling them but he’d just seen a clear image of a mare when he’d been with Bravo. This was way beyond anything that he understood.

“Are you okay?” Philip asked behind him. “You’re muttering to yourself, what happened?”

“Any coffee left?” Cameron asked brusquely and walked into the house. He needed something and it was way too early to have a drink. A caffeine kick would have to do.

He put the coffee in the machine, took out the mugs, walked to the fridge to get the milk. Each movement was slow, focused. He knew how to do this, this made sense, this was normal, ordinary.

Philip cleared his throat behind him and he turned around to see his brother lounging against the door, a big smile on his face.

“What are you grinning at?” Cameron grunted.

“I’m grinning at you. You’re even grumpier than usual. What’s going on?”

For a split second Cameron thought of telling his brother what he’d seen. What he’d thought he’d seen. But he realized, almost immediately, it was not a good idea – he would never hear the end of it.

“I thought I’d come and visit you next week in Hermanus,” he finally said.

“Great. Summer is nearly gone and you’ve only been there once.”

“Well, it was harvest time as you know; it’s a difficult time to be away from the farm.”

“Oh, come on. You’ve harvested long before Christmas. You need to get away from the farm now and again, meet people, meet women. One of the new waitresses is gorgeous, she is still studying but she works over weekends and …”

“Not interested,” Cameron interrupted him.

Philip came closer and slapped him on the shoulder. “Come and see, will you? I have to go now, will you be okay?”

“I don’t know what you’re going on about, I’m fine. I want to find out what the hell is wrong with Bravo, the sooner the better. There are other things on the farm that need my attention; I can’t keep taking workers to the hospital because of one ornery horse!”

Philip cleared his throat. “What about Cilla’s ideas?”

Cameron crossed his arms. “Ken and I have spoken about letting the horses run free, it’s not as if I’ve never thought of the idea, but it took time to fence off a piece of land specifically for them. But now it’s done. As far as the mare for Bravo is concerned … I-I’ll go and talk to Cilla’s dad about the chestnut mare. I don’t believe for one minute that’s the only reason for Bravo’s behaviour, but to please Ken, I’m prepared to do even that. Just to show all of them the woman is talking nonsense.”

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