Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights, #1)(74)

“But how does Dirk have the money? Especially if he’s expanding his herd?”

“He’s probably going to take out a loan to expand the cattle operation,” Evans replied.

“Won’t that put him in a tough spot financially?”

“Yes and no. There’s a bit of a catch-22 in ranching. Dirk has to expand or he’ll lose the deal, and he has to borrow to expand. It’s how most ranches operate. They borrow large sums with the hope of profit when they sell their stock.”

A crazy thought sprang to Nikki’s mind. “Do you know if Dirk has considered investors rather than loans?”

“I doubt it,” Allie said. “You’ve met the man. I don’t think he plays well with others.”

“You’re probably right about that.” Nikki laughed. “But he knows his business, and the deal he’s made could be pretty lucrative.”

“Do you mind if I ask where you’re going with this?” Evans inquired.

“Well, this whole thing has me thinking. I’ve just come into a good deal of money and I’d really like to make an investment in an enterprise that I could maybe play some small part in.”

Evans frowned over his glasses. “Let me make sure I understand. Are you saying you want to invest in the Flying K?”

“I’d like to talk to Dirk and learn more about it first, but it really does sound like a solid opportunity. If I were to offer use of the pasturelands, he’d have more capital available for livestock expansion, wouldn’t he?”

“I suppose so.” Evans pursed his lips with a nod. “It’s not a bad proposition for Dirk, but your return could be negligible.”

“But I’m risking very little and gaining a tax break in the process. I’d at least like to explore the possibilities. Would you be willing to call Dirk on my behalf and explain what I have in mind?”

Evans stood. “I’ll make the call. Maybe we can put something together while you’re still in town.”

“Thank you Mr. Evans. I appreciate your help.”

Allie waited until her father departed and then asked, “Have you considered how Wade might feel about this?”

“It’s a simple business proposition. Our personal history has nothing to do with it.”

“While I agree with you wholeheartedly, he may feel differently. Wade doesn’t like the risk Dirk is taking and says he’s washing his hands of the ranch. That’s no doubt part of his motivation for moving to Helena.”

Nikki shrugged. “I don’t see why he should care what I do. I haven’t heard from him in weeks. In fact, I wondered if you and he might have…”

“Picked back up?” Allie finished for her. “No. There’s nothing like that between us now. It’s all ancient history. Besides, he’s moved on…at least geographically.”

“What are you saying?”

Allie arched a brow. “He hasn’t seen anyone since you left.”

Nikki’s pulse sped at the news.

Allie continued, “Perhaps you have some unanswered questions pertaining to the estate? Questions that require meeting with your former legal counsel?”

“But he’s gone,” Nikki said.

“Are you going to give up that easily after you came all the way up here?”

“I came for the closing,” Nikki argued.

“Which you surely could have handled through email and overnight express. Fess up, Nicole. You wanted to see him, didn’t you?”

“Yes. I did,” Nikki sighed her confession. “But apparently he feels differently. He left for Helena the minute I said I was coming, didn’t he?”

“Pretty much.”

“Then I guess there’s nothing more to say. Actions speak louder than words, don’t they?”

“What would you expect? The man has his pride.”

“I don’t get you at all, Allie. When I was here last time, you clearly tried to stake your claim, and now you’re encouraging me to stake mine?”

“Wade’s decision to pursue his future here has put an end to any designs I might have had on him. If I thought there was any possibility that he’d move back to Denver, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but he’s taken a different road. Although Montana’s a great place to visit, I have no desire to live here. So Wade Knowlton is now free game.” Allie packed up her files and briefcase. “I’ll be in touch as soon as Dad talks to Dirk. If he seems amenable do you want me to set something up? Would you be willing to travel out to the ranch for that?”

“Sure, as long as he’s free this weekend. Otherwise it’ll have to be a teleconference since I’m leaving Sunday.”

“Unless Wade changes your mind.”

“I’m not holding my breath,” Nikki said. “He’s given no indication that he wants to see me, and I haven’t decided if I’m even going to try.”

“You’d be a fool not to. He’s a damned good man and I don’t just mean in bed.” Allie took up a pen and scratched on the back of a card. “Here’s his new address. Just don’t tell him where you got it, OK?”

Nikki accepted the card. “You really think he’s still interested?”