Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(28)

“Janice? You really think so?”

“Yeah, I do. If you didn’t pick up on that, maybe you don’t know women quite as well as you think you do.”

“What about you, Nikki?” he asked. “You’ve made it clear that you’ve ruled out cowboys and lawyers, so what exactly is your type?”

“I don’t know. Haven’t discovered it yet. But based on my experience, most men fall into two undesirable categories—bottom-feeding leeches and players. Still, I keep hoping there’s a whole new undiscovered species somewhere out there.”

“Or maybe your classification system needs work. I believe we touched on this last night.”

“Did we?” She frowned. “I don’t seem to recall that.”

“No? What parts of last night do you remember? How about the part in the parking lot?”

She recalled his soft warm lips and hungry hands vividly, a thought that sent heat flooding into her face. “Yeah. I seem to remember a little bit about that, but believe me when I say it never would have gone that far if I hadn’t been drunk. I’m not that kind of girl.”

“Never thought you were.”

“I don’t hop into bed with men I hardly know.”

“Never said you did.”

She paused. “I guess I should thank you for not taking advantage of me.”

“Sweetheart, don’t attribute too much altruism to my motives. I didn’t press things only because you’d had too much to drink, but don’t count on me passing up any future opportunities.”

Nikki digested that remark in silence. Part of her was annoyed he thought she’d give in to him but the other part of her was flattered at his persistence.

She thought she’d broken the cowboy habit for good—until she’d met Wade, but he wasn’t like any of the others she’d dated. Hell, he wasn’t like any other man she’d ever known. He was a devoted son, kind and generous to strangers, and responsible almost to a fault. Admittedly, he’d surprised her last night, and even more this morning. It seemed her early presumptions about him were evaporating at every turn; nevertheless, she clutched tightly to the few that remained.

She stole a long look at the rugged and awe-inspiring scenery. “It’s gorgeous out here,” she remarked. “How far does your family’s land go?”

“The homestead’s a little under five thousand acres, but we also lease some federal lands for rotational grazing.”

“Five thousand acres?” she repeated with incredulity.

Wade shrugged. “It’s a modest spread by Montana ranching standards.”

“Now that I’ve seen it, I don’t understand why you want to sell this place so badly.”

“Because there’s no future in private ranching. And I want to get the hell out of it and live my own life.”

“What’s stopping you from living your own life?”

“The shackles of guilt. You can see how it is.”

“Yes,” she admitted. “I guess I do.”

“Let’s go,” he said abruptly. “I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”

“Where’s your truck?” she asked, noting the absence of the beat up F-150. In its former place was a gleaming Lexus LX570.

“My father drove it out to the north pasture. I was going to take mine anyway.”

“Yours?”

He produced a key fob from his pocket and clicked it. The Lexus responded with a happy chirp. “I don’t like to park it at the airport. The door dings hardly make any difference to the farm truck, but I’d rather avoid repainting this one.”

“I can certainly understand that,” she said.

Once more he opened her door for her. Climbing inside, Nikki sank into the supple seat, luxuriating in the rich smell of new leather. She’d never ridden in a Lexus or even owned a brand-new car, for that matter. Maybe it was shallow, but she liked it. A lot.

He joined her inside, filling the cabin with his presence, with his scent. She studied his every move as he started the SUV and put it in gear. He wore a faded denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up to expose strong forearms, sun-bronzed and dusted with dark hair. His straw hat was pulled down close to his brow, shading his eyes against the autumn sun. Dressed as he was, he should have looked out of place behind the wheel of the Lexus, but he looked damned good. He’d looked good in the beater too.

Hell, he just plain looked good. Good enough to eat. She finally admitted it. She wanted to taste him in a very bad way. Damn it, Nikki! Sure, he’ll show you a great time. And then when he’s done, he’ll break your stupid, cowboy-lovin’ heart.





Chapter 8


The business in town didn’t take long. After getting her prepaid Visa, Nikki was able to get online at an Internet café. Another phone call ensured that the processing of her new license would be expedited and sent by express mail to Wade’s office in Virginia City.

“It should be here by Monday afternoon, but then I’ll need to get the death certificate before they’ll let me take care of my father, right?

“That’s correct.” Wade nodded.

“Can you at least tell me if his will says anything about what he wanted? I don’t even know if he desired to be buried or cremated.”