Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(29)

“I’m sorry, Nikki.” Wade shook his head. “Until I see your ID, I’m not at liberty to disclose anything more about Ray Powell’s will.”

“After I get my license and the death certificate, how long will it take to settle things?”

“Montana probate law is relatively uncomplicated, but there’s still a process that needs to be followed. It will take several weeks at least, and could even extend to a few months to close the estate. I can’t be any more specific until I examine the will and catalogue everything.”

“But I’ve already requested the last of my vacation days, and that only takes me through Friday. If I’m not back home by next weekend I’ll lose my job.”

“That’s almost a whole week away,” he reassured. “A lot of things could happen between now and then.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right. Like maybe I’ll find an untapped vein of gold?”

“Stranger things have happened here. Do you know how that gold was discovered over in Alder Gulch?”

“Of course not. I never even heard of Alder Gulch until yesterday.”

“It’s a perfect illustration of how unexpectedly life can change.”

“All right, cowboy, I’m all ears.”

“In the spring of 1863, a couple of prospectors—most likely Civil War deserters—made camp along Alder Creek. They were looking for a spot to picket the horses and decided to prospect a section of exposed bedrock. One of the guys joked that with any luck they might score enough gold to buy some tobacco. As it turns out the lucky bastards hit one of the richest gold deposits in North America. It was like winning the lottery. So you see, Nikki? Life can change in the blink of an eye.”

“Did you know that most people who win the lottery end up bankrupt?”

“I think you’re missing my point,” he said.

“No I’m not,” she replied. “It’s all about self-control, isn’t it? Letting things happen to you, instead of taking charge. What happened to those two guys anyway—the gold prospectors?”

“I don’t know what happened to the first guy, but Fairweather pissed away all his money, and drank his way to an early grave. He didn’t even leave enough behind to bury himself.”

“You see! He had no self-control and look how it turned out. Every time I’ve let my emotions get the upper hand, it’s ended in disaster.”

“Trust is always a gamble, Nikki. But it sometimes pays off.”

Nikki snorted. “I don’t buy into that fallacy. Las Vegas is proof that most gambles don’t pay off.”

He shook his head on an exasperated sound. “Damn, but you’re the most cynical woman I’ve ever met. Don’t you ever let your guard down?”

“Did last night, didn’t I? And look where that almost led.”

“You sound like it would’ve been a bad thing, but I promise you, darlin’, you’d have awakened with a smile on your face. I know I would’ve.”

She let that one go unremarked. “Was that prospector story part of the ten-cent tour you promised me?”

“It’ll have to be the sneak preview because I’m promised back at the ranch.”

“To help the brother who looks like he wants to break your face?”

“To help my father who’s still recovering from a triple bypass. Dirk can go straight to hell for all I care.” He looked at his watch. “Time’s a-wastin.’ I’d better get you back to Virginia City now.”

“You’re taking me back to your office?”

“Yeah. I’ll be back in the morning. Although the accommodations aren’t plush, at least they’re free. ’Sides, I figure you probably had some phone calls and such you’d like to make. I’m sure you’ve got family and friends who are worried about you.”

“None that I can think of,” she remarked dryly. “My family’s not like yours, Wade. Truth be told, I’d rather go with you.”

He regarded her quizzically. “Back to the ranch? First you didn’t want to go there and now you don’t want to leave?”

She nodded. “Yes. Don’t you know? Women are fickle that way.”

He scratched his chin. His hesitation made her feel strangely deflated. He was right to be confused by her mixed signals. She didn’t seem to know what she wanted from one minute to the next. But the thought of spending the rest of the day alone in his office, and sleeping on a pull out sofa was singularly unappealing.

“So you don’t want me to come?”

“It’s not that I mind,” he answered. “It’s just that I can’t entertain you, Nikki. I have work to do and don’t know how long it’ll take or when I’ll be back. ’Sides, if I bring you back, Mama’s sure to get some false notions about you and me. Remember what I told you about her yen for grandkids?”

“I already told her I’ll be gone in a few days.”

He chuckled. “Don’t make any difference. She’s a typical woman and sees what she wants to believe.”

Nikki scowled. “I resent that remark.”

He smirked. “The truth hurts sometimes.”

Nikki restrained the impulse to swat his arm. “Can’t I help you with the cattle?”