Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(41)

Nikki recalled the brief exchange with Iris that Wade had squelched. She now wondered if that’s what Donna referred to. “What happened, Donna?” she asked. “What’s the root of all the hostility between Wade and Dirk? It’s more than just the ranch, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It’s much more than just the ranch.”

“I thought so,” Nikki replied. “I don’t understand what Allison was saying about the horse torturing Wade. What did she mean?”

Donna’s face contorted with emotion. A moment of silence followed. She looked like she wouldn’t respond, but then drew a deep breath. “Has Wade told you anything about him and Dirk? How it was between them growing up?”

“A little. I gather they had a strong sibling rivalry.”

“That’s an understatement,” Donna said. “When they were young boys Wade idolized Dirk, but things changed as they grew older. By high school Wade was determined not to be overshadowed by his brother. It all came to a head when they both fell for the same girl.”

“Let me guess,” Nikki said, “she was a pert blonde cheerleader and homecoming queen all rolled into one.”

Donna gave a dry laugh. “Named Rachel Carson.”

“And being the typical girl, she went for the bad boy?”

Donna nodded. “Yeah. Dirk was involved in rodeo back then and had a wild streak a country mile wide. What girl can resist that?”

“Only the ones who have their heads screwed on straight and aren’t bent on self-destruction—unfortunately I speak from experience of the second kind. So what has their old rivalry to do with the present rift?”

“It didn’t end with high school. Dirk and Rachel were a steady item all through college, but when they graduated, Dirk wasn’t ready to settle down. Rachel had expectations, but out of the blue, Dirk up and enlisted in the Marines. When he left her without a ring or any promises, Rachel turned to Wade. One thing led to another.”

“So this fierce antagonism is all because Wade stole Dirk’s high school sweetheart?”

Another silence followed. “It’s a bit more than that but it’s not my place to say more.” Donna shook her head with a look of profound regret. “It all ended very badly, and my boys have never been the same since.” She sighed. “I don’t think things will ever be straight between Wade and Dirk until they each find the right woman. Unfortunately, neither of them has been the least inclined to put himself out to look. Wade’s a good man, Nikki. He’s been through a lot and deserves a good woman.” She eyed Nikki meaningfully. “A nice Southern girl might suit him real well.”

“It could never work,” Nikki said.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not right for him at all. He needs someone more like—”

“Allison?” Donna supplied and shook her head. “No, sugar. She’s not the one for Wade. I said he deserves a good woman.”

“You don’t care for her?” Nikki asked, still trying to wrap her mind around what she’d just heard.

Donna rolled her eyes. “I didn’t raise my sons to fall for such a shallow and self-serving type. She might have designs on Wade, but if you ask me, she’s just become a habit with him. It’s never been serious. Now, you on the other hand, are another case altogether. He really likes you.”

“Why would you think that?” Nikki protested. “He doesn’t even know me.”

Donna gave her a sly grin. “He must know you well enough to think his mama would approve. Else he wouldn’t have brought you out here.”

“It’s not like that at all! You’re reading way too much into this. I lost my ID. I had nowhere to go. He just took pity on me.”

“Pity? You think that’s all it is, do you?”

“Yes, I do. Besides, what makes you think I’m interested in your son? No offense, but he’s simply not my type at all!”

Donna laughed outright. “You just keep telling yourself that, sugar—especially when he comes hightailin’ it to Sheridan in a few hours looking for you.”

*

Wade and Dirk arrived back at the ranch—dirty, dog-tired, and empty-handed, although they’d at least come to a truce of sorts after finding the animals—or at least the animal carcasses. The carnage, presumably by wolves, would have to be reported to Wildlife Services, and the BLM would need to be notified about the band of mustangs they’d discovered, but he’d leave all that for Dirk to deal with. Right now, Wade only had only one thing on his mind—Nikki.

He’d pushed the hell out of Skoal in haste to get back to the cabin and was still furious that she had ridden off alone. Only Redman’s presence in the corral gave him any sense of relief. Thank God she’d found her way back safe and sound.

“Wade!” Allie rushed out to greet him the minute he’d dismounted. “So glad you’re back. We have to talk. I have big news.”

“It’ll have to wait,” he said, struggling to keep the scowl from his face and the apprehension out of his voice. “Where’s Nikki?”

“Nikki?” Allie blinked. “Oh, she went back to Sheridan.”

“Sheridan?” he repeated. She was gone again? “How? She doesn’t have a car…or even a license for that matter.”