Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(73)

“Allie and Mr. Evans are already in the big conference room if you’d like to head in there, Miss Powell. We’re just waiting for the buyer. He called a moment ago to say his flight was late but expects to be here any minute.”

“Mr. Evans?” Nikki repeated, barely hearing the rest. “What about Wa—Mr. Knowlton? I thought he was handling everything related to the estate.”

“Mr. Knowlton? Didn’t he tell you? He’s no longer with the practice.”

“What?” Nikki suppressed a gasp. “Since when? I just spoke to him last week.”

“Last Friday was his last day. He’s taken a job in Helena.”

“Helena?” Nikki repeated dumbly. Wade was gone? This couldn’t be happening.

“Yes. It’s the state capital, about an hour and a half north.”

“I know where…but why?”

“He accepted a position with the State Attorney’s office. I hear he has his eye on the legislature.”

“But he never mentioned anything about it.”

Even as she voiced the words, she realized that wasn’t quite true. He had hinted at it. She’d seen glimpses of his passion, his desire to effect change. Maybe I want to leave a legacy besides my blood, sweat, and tears. He probably would have shared much more of his hopes and desires if she hadn’t been so totally self-absorbed.

Stella interrupted her thoughts. “It’s a good thing for Montana if he does. He’s well-known and respected around these parts. I think he’ll do us all a lot of good.”

“Yes, I imagine so,” Nikki responded automatically, fighting the sudden tightness in her throat. She’d come with a secret hope of mending fences with Wade. On the entire flight she’d played out various scenarios in her head, most of them ending in a steamy reunion, but he’d obviously had other thoughts.

“Mr. Evans, the senior partner, flew in from Denver last night specifically to take care of you. I promise you’re in good hands.”

“I’m sure. I’m just surprised by the news,” Nikki said.

“I’ll walk you back there if you are ready.”

“Do you mind waiting here, Shel? This shouldn’t take too long.”

Shelby’s attention was riveted on the door. Her jaw dropped, “Oh. My. God,” she whispered. “Is that who I think it is?”

“Who?” Nikki spun around to look.

“Brett Simmons!” Shelby hissed. “You know, the quarterback? I swear that’s him. The freakin’ TV does not do him justice.”

“Close your mouth, Shel,” Nikki urged in an undertone. “You’re going to drool all over yourself.”

Stella came around the desk to greet the two men. “Good afternoon, Mr. Simmons and Mr. Reed. This is Miss Powell and…

Shelby stood and extended her hand to Brett Simmons with a blazing smile. “Shelby Baker, huge Bronco fan.”

“Are you now?” Brett turned to his agent. “Reed, when we’re done, do you think we could produce a pair of tickets for such a big fan?”

“Sure, Brett.” The manager raked Shelby over with an assessing look.

“Do you live here in Bozeman?” Brett asked Shelby.

“No. Atlanta. Just came up for the snowboarding. I don’t suppose you snowboard, too?” she asked.

“I’ve been known to from time to time, though my manager discourages it. Is it a favorite pastime of yours, Miss Baker?”

“Matter of fact, I love snowboarding almost as much as I love football,” Shelby replied.

“Oh yeah?” he asked. “Where are you staying?”

“Big Sky Resort.”

“Big Sky? Me too. Why don’t you leave your information with the office here and Reed’ll see about those box tickets.” Brett winked. “Maybe I’ll see you around this weekend?”

“Maybe so.” Shelby returned a coy smile.

“Right, then,” Stella interrupted. “It looks like we’re all here now. If you’ll just follow me, Mr. Evans and Miss Evans are all ready for you.”

“A huge fan?” Nikki whispered. “Since when? You hate football.”

Shelby smirked. “Since that hot hunk of flesh walked through the door.” Her gaze tracked Brett’s departing ass. “You know, maybe I was wrong about the landscape up here. The view is looking better all the time.”

*

“You said on the phone that you also have a lease offer from Dirk Knowlton on the pasturelands?” Nikki asked Allie half an hour later after Simmons and Reed left. Given it was a cash deal, the closing had taken less than fifteen minutes.

“Yes.” Allie pulled another bundle of papers from her briefcase. “Things have taken an unexpected turn for the Flying K.”

“What do you mean? Wade said his brother was expanding, but how can he do that if the ranch is struggling?”

“About two months ago, Dirk scored a big contract with a gourmet grocery chain. It seems they want to add American Kobe to their offering of high-end meats. He needs more grazing lands to increase his herd. It’s a fair offer,” Allie said.

Mr. Evans added, “I’m sure Wade advised you of the tax benefits in putting the land to agricultural use.”