Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(19)

“Well, I guess that’s a relief anyway. So what now?” she asked.

“I was going to take you back to the ranch, but I think maybe a change of plans is in order. Can I buy you a drink? You look like you could use one.”

“You just might be right about that too,” she replied with a shaky laugh.

“C’mon. I know just the place. The Pioneer’s the best watering hole in the entire Ruby Valley.”

*

The bar reminded Nikki of an old-time Western saloon, with its cedar shingles and siding, and the old-fashioned wooden placard outside. It felt even more like one when she followed Wade inside. The paneled walls were dark, with numerous mounted antelope, elk, and bison heads as well as an array of faded black-and-white framed photos from the turn of the century. The backbar was crafted of deeply stained, hand-carved oak with a huge counter-length diamond dust mirror.

Wade tipped his hat to the barkeep, and then to several waitresses who seemed to light up in response to him. She guessed he must have that effect on lots of women. He was certainly no stranger to the place, but then again, this area was his stomping ground. He propelled her to a corner table, pulling out her chair before taking his own.

“Come now,” she chided. “The gunfighter seat?”

“Force of habit.” He chuckled.

He’d no sooner doffed his hat before a brown-eyed bottle redhead appeared wearing a low-cut top that displayed attributes that would put the Hooters girls in the shade.

“Hey, Wade.” She flashed him a huge smile. “Been a long time.”

“Janice? I’ll be damned. I didn’t know you were back in town.”

Her smile flickered for just a moment. “I never thought I’d set foot back here either, but I had nowhere else to go with my kid and all.”

“I was sorry to hear about all that…” Wade shook his head. “What a gruesome way to go.”

“It was.” She shrugged. “But he knew as well as anyone that it was bound to happen sooner or later. With the bulls it’s never a question of if you’re gonna get hurt—it’s just when and how bad. Least he didn’t suffer much, being that he never gained consciousness.”

“I’m glad Dirk gave up rodeo, though the way it turned out for him, maybe joining the Marines wasn’t the best choice either,” Wade said.

Her expression grew troubled. “I haven’t seen him around. How’s he doing?”

Wade shrugged. “As well as can be expected, I guess, but he hardly leaves the ranch. You know about his injuries, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I heard.”

“He’s changed a lot from what he was before.”

Her brow wrinkled. “I’d expect as much.” She bit her lip, then asked, “He seein’ anyone?”

“Dirk?” Wade shook his head. “Not to my knowledge.”

“Think he’d mind if I dropped by?”

Nikki had watched the exchange with a mild feeling of resentment until she realized it was Dirk and not Wade that Janice was actually interested in. Did she and Dirk have a history? She eyed the other woman with renewed curiosity.

“Don’t know,” Wade replied. “But I think he could use some old friends—as long as you aren’t put off by his surly, badass behavior.”

Janice grinned. “You’re kiddin’, right? I ain’t thin-skinned. Could never afford to be. You don’t know what it’s like to be a woman working the chutes with all those bulls and rough riders. For the record, I can give every bit as good as I get.” She paused. “Maybe I will call on Dirk one day.”

“Forgive me, Nikki,” Wade said. “This is Janice—”

“An old friend,” Janice supplied smoothly and extended her hand. “I grew up here and just recently moved back.”

“Nikki Powell from Atlanta.” Nikki briefly shook Janice’s hand.

“Welcome to Montana. First time?” Janice asked.

“Yes, and likely my last. Wade’s helping me with some personal business. My father passed away here.”

“Oh,” Janice replied, looking uncertain. “My condolences.”

“We just came from the mortuary,” Wade explained. “I thought she could use a drink.”

Janice smiled. “Then you came to the right place. Whatcha gonna have?”

“The usual for me. The bartender knows.” Wade looked to Nikki. “Sorry, I don’t know your poison.”

“I’ll take a shot of Patrón.”

“Salt and lime?” Janice asked.

“Of course,” Nikki said.

“What?” she answered Wade’s querying look. “You thought I’d order some girlie umbrella drink?”

“Yeah, it was pretty much what I expected, more than straight tequila.”

“This seemed like a tequila occasion,” Nikki replied.

“You are full of surprises.” Wade chuckled as Janice hustled away to fill their order.

Their drinks appeared within minutes—a foaming beer in a frosted mug, and a shot glass sporting a paper umbrella that Janice set it in front of Nikki with a wink for Wade.

“I suppose this is a joke?” Nikki said.

Wade laughed, a low, warm rumble that ceased the second she licked the back of her hand to apply the salt. Meeting his gaze, she slowly licked off the salt. He locked on her mouth, his pupils flaring big and black. She took the shot, downing the tequila in a single choking swallow, then bit into the lime with a grimace.