Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(55)

“So formal all of a sudden, Counselor?” she teased. “Is this because you’ve exchanged your cowboy hat for your lawyer hat?”

“Something like that,” he replied “Since I’m now working for you, Miz Powell, there is indeed a protocol to follow. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

Puzzled by this abrupt about-face, Nikki watched his departure with a hollow feeling in her chest. Iris pursed her lips with a knowing head shake.

“He knows you’re leaving soon and doesn’t like it. Not one bit. He hasn’t taken any real interest in anyone since—”

“Rachel?” Nikki volunteered.

“So he told you about that, did he?” She didn’t look too surprised. “He doesn’t like to talk about her, you know.”

“I can’t imagine he does, given the circumstances.”

“It says a lot that he told you.” She gave Nikki a conspiratorial smile.

Nikki wondered once more if there really could be more to his feelings than she was willing to let herself believe. If only she had more time to find out. But two thousand miles distance was impossible to ignore.

“Iris, do you think we can see about that death certificate now?”

“Sure thing,” Iris replied. “Usually the process takes several days, but Wade has influence with a number of people in Helena. The man has more charm than should be legal. But I guess you know that.” She winked. “If I fax a request with his signature, we should get an official copy for the mortuary in a day or two.”

*

Wade left his office in a black mood. What the hell was wrong with him to be in such a funk over a woman he’d known for all of four days? Truth is, he hadn’t even realized how empty his life was until she’d come along and burrowed into that hollow spot he didn’t know existed. She’d be leaving in a matter of days, and suddenly, how to deal with that was his biggest dilemma.

For the longest time he’d thought much like Allie—that professional and financial success would bring contentment—but it never had. There was always a bigger case or a more lucrative deal to chase. If he let ambition and avarice take hold in his life he’d never have enough. Material possessions and professional achievements offered little more than empty promises of happiness. He had his parents to thank for that bit of clarity. They’d ridden the trail together for almost forty years in a strong and happy marriage. Deep down he wanted the same thing, but had given up hope of ever having it after making such a f*ckup of his marriage with Rachel. But they’d never really stood a chance with a relationship built on lies. She’d said her vows to one man while secretly pining for another. A lasting relationship had to be built on truth, honesty, and trust.

Trust. That thought brought him back to Nikki. He’d done his damnedest to earn hers, but sensed she still held back. He understood her guardedness but still wished he could pound the shit out of every one of the *s who’d made her so wary of men.

“Where’s Nikki?” Wade asked Iris when he returned to his office. He felt a surge of irrational panic in discovering her gone. “I told her I’d be reviewing the will with her when I got back.”

“She went over to Wells Fargo,” Iris replied. “Now that she has her ID, she said she was going to get some cash to pay you back, and then see about replacing her credit cards so she can rent a car.”

“There’s no need for her to do all that when I’m happy to drive her.”

For some strange reason the idea rankled him. Maybe he’d just gotten used to being needed, or maybe it was the novelty of it after three years of Allie, but he liked taking care of Nikki.

“I don’t think she likes depending on you so much, Wade. She strikes me as an independent kinda gal, one used to taking care of herself.”

“Maybe more than she should have to,” Wade remarked almost to himself.

Thinking it better to handle the will outside of the office, he grabbed the documents and a couple of sets of keys, jammed everything in his coat pockets, and made a beeline for the bank.

“Hey, Jane!” He greeted the branch manager with a smile. His mood instantly lightened at the sight of Nikki. “Did you get everything taken care of for Miz Powell?”

“I think so,” Jane replied.

“They’ve been wonderful,” Nikki gushed. “I’ve got the cash I need to repay you and a replacement debit card. I don’t think I’ll need anything else until I get home. Thanks again, Jane,” Nikki finished. She stood and gathered up her things.

“If you do need anything else, all you have to do is ask,” Wade said.

“I appreciate that.” Nikki gave him a rueful look. “But I’ve taken advantage of you far too much already.”

“It’s not like that, sweetheart. I haven’t done anything for you I didn’t want to do.”

“No matter how you want to wrap it, I’ve still been an imposition on you.”

He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. “You are not hearing me, Nikki. Your so-called imposition has been the best thing that’s happened to me in years.”

“You can’t mean that,” she said.

“Yeah.” He grinned. “I do. All work and no play makes Wade a dull boy.”

“Are you finished at your office now?” she asked.