From This Moment On

14



TRACE OPENED HIS EYES, stretched out his arms while arching his back, then rolled over and cussed a blue streak when he saw the digital clock. How could it be 1:40 in the morning?

“Son of a bitch.”

He jumped out of bed and grabbed the clean pair of jeans he’d left on his dresser. Before he pulled them on he figured he’d better make a pit stop and ducked into his attached bathroom. He’d showered and changed his boxers earlier after quitting work for the day. Dark stubble covered his jaw and chin but he’d purposely left shaving for the last minute.

His razor wasn’t where it should be. That’s right. He’d abandoned it where he stood this morning the instant he remembered to replace the condoms in his wallet, just before he’d had to haul his ass to work. He found the razor next to the tube of hand lotion he’d bought to help with his calluses. Then grabbed the can of shaving cream and was about to lather up when it finally hit him. He was rushing for nothing. The Watering Hole was closed and Nikki would’ve driven home by now. She could be sound asleep at this point.

Part of him hoped she was since she’d told him she hadn’t gone to bed until seven this—well, yesterday—morning. The selfish part still wanted to curse and punch walls. How could he have overslept? He’d even set the alarm. Yeah, right, getting only three hours after dropping her off had nothing to do with it.

After supper he’d lain down for a two-hour nap, mostly because Nikki had made him promise. Her concern hadn’t been misplaced. He’d spent a good portion of the day branding, a job he disliked when he wasn’t tired. Today had been a mother, chasing and wrestling calves until he couldn’t tell where one ache in his back ended and the next one started. It would’ve been irresponsible of him to drive to town that exhausted. But he’d wanted to see her. He still did, but he wouldn’t be a jerk about it.

Maybe he could at least call her. If she was asleep her phone would be off or charging. If not, he could explain why he hadn’t shown up. Though she’d practically begged him to stay home and hit the sack early. Tomorrow Matt would be in Dallas and they had the whole house to themselves. He grinned just thinking about how excited she’d sounded when she told him. It had been kind of a relief. Nikki wasn’t always easy to read.

That conversation in the car when he’d dropped her off had played and replayed every minute he’d had a breather. He hated her casual talk of hooking up, how she’d been so determined he knew she didn’t want anything serious.

He’d been hoping for more. It still bothered him that he hadn’t said as much. But damn, how could he when he wasn’t certain what he meant by more?

Oh, in his head he was real clear he didn’t want her seeing anyone else, and that he only had eyes for Nikki. But coming right out and asking her to be his girlfriend? That was tricky. Especially when so much was going on in her life.

Then there were his own doubts. She wasn’t like anyone he’d ever known. Feisty as a wild colt, cagey about her feelings, and so damn beautiful it made him ache. She intrigued him as much as she rattled him. The combination had never been on his wish list, but now that he’d met her, other women had started fading into the background.

Maybe he should be more worried about himself and all the weird feelings he was experiencing but couldn’t understand. And maybe he wasn’t anxious to look too closely, either. Hell, he was only twenty-seven. Too young to be getting serious about a woman. Cole and Jesse had waited until they were in their thirties...

Screw it. He grabbed his phone off the dresser and hit speed dial. He had to try. Even if only to hear her voice. He’d lost track of the number of rings but was prepared to leave a message when she answered.

“Hey,” she said. “You should be asleep.”

“I was. I even set the alarm, then slept through it.”

“Good.”

“Thanks.” He smiled at her sigh, then used his free hand to stack the pillows against the headboard of his king bed.

“You know what I meant so stop it.”

“Sounds like you had a pleasant night at work.”

“It was okay. A few customers mentioned the funeral or apologized for not coming, but overall it wasn’t bad. I’m feeling icky about tomorrow night. I called Sheila, but she has plans and can’t cover for me. I even called Gretchen, totally forgetting that she’s pregnant. Can you believe that? I felt like an ass.”

“Yeah, I believe it.” Still in his boxers, he crawled into bed and lay back against the stacked pillows. “Today I almost branded Josh instead of a calf. He’ll be telling that story for a while.”

Nikki laughed. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. I wish you were here now.”

“Me, too. Want me to try climbing up to your bedroom window?”

“Um, you have experience doing that sort of thing?”

“No,” he drawled out the word. “Not me. I’d rather charm my way in.” His teasing was met with a long stretch of silence. “You know I’m joking, right?”

“Yes.” She tried to brush it off with a laugh, but he knew he’d hit a nerve.

Trace scrubbed at his face. She’d seen him casually flirting with the guests, or more like humoring them when they flirted because lately he hadn’t been into that whole thing. And God only knew what kind of stories she’d heard about him from Sam or any of the other guys who hung out at the Watering Hole. They could’ve said something jokingly not knowing it mattered. “You haven’t told me what Matt said about our late night. He seem cool with it?”

She let out an exasperated sigh, which oddly made her sound more relaxed. “He asked if I needed you to babysit me while he’s in Dallas.”

Trace chuckled, relieved Matt could joke about it. “I guess we can assume Rachel knows, too. Unless you asked him to keep it quiet.”

“I didn’t say anything.” She hesitated. “You could come over right now and spend the night and I wouldn’t care who saw you. Rachel does it all the time. The only reason I won’t let you is that you need your sleep.”

He swung his legs out of bed, glancing at the clock, knowing he could be there by 2:10 a.m., five minutes later if he shaved first. “I got lots of sleep. Almost six hours.”

“Not enough. I plan on totally wearing you out tomorrow night, or technically it’s tonight. Hey, what are you doing? Sounds like you’re—” Nikki’s soft laugh was pure disbelief. “You are not driving over here.”

“Come on now, you just said—”

“God, you can’t be that horny. I’m sure you can wait a few more hours.”

He entered the bathroom, his enthusiasm waning. Man, she really did think he was only in this for the sex. This was pretty messed up. He thought about how that boy Garrett had treated her and the strange Salina Gazette remark. Maybe it was time for him to man up, publicly claim her.

“Trace? You still there?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“I figured you fell asleep on me.”

“Nah, just thinking.” He rubbed his chest. “You’re probably right, though. We should both get some rest. You said Matt’s going to be in Dallas only one night?”

“He has to be back in time for the reading of Wallace’s will,” she muttered.

“I take it you have to be present.”

“According to Matt, I do.”

Trace decided to drop the subject. No use getting her riled. “Are you in bed now?”

“Yes. You?”

“I’ll be crawling in between the sheets in two seconds.” He turned off the bathroom light, picturing how she’d look with her silky dark hair spread out over a pillow. “Just so you know...I wasn’t coming over for a booty call.” He hesitated. Oh, hell, it wouldn’t kill him to say the words. “I miss you, Nikki.”

* * *

CUSTOMERS KEPT POURING in to the Watering Hole, which made the night go by quickly. But no way would Nikki be able to leave early. She might’ve been in a more pleasant mood if Trace had come to the bar to wait for her, but she was still glad she talked him into meeting her at the Lone Wolf. It turned out he was working late, anyway. He’d traded an early morning chore with one of the Sundance hands who wanted to play poker. That meant they could sleep in. He was going to need the rest, she thought, smiling. She hoped they both would.

“Glad to see you won’t be a sourpuss again tonight.” Sadie glanced at the order ticket Nikki set down along with her tray. “After being such a delight when you’d nagged me to let you come back to work.”

“I haven’t bitten off a single head yet, now have I?”

Grinning, Sadie grabbed bottles of tequila and whiskey and started pouring. “Heck, I just figured you being grouchy was on account of your trip to Kalispell, but I didn’t want to say anything for fear of my life.”

Nikki stared in astonishment. “How do you— No, you can’t know.”

Sadie laughed.

Nikki groaned. “This town is unreal...half the time I swear I’m being punked.”

“Being what?”

The door opened, and Nikki turned to see who was coming to torment her now. Tall, lean, mid-to-late thirties, wearing faded jeans and boots like every other cowboy in the place... She didn’t recognize him.

“Hell, look what the cat dragged in.” Staring at the man, Sadie cocked her head to the side. “What are you doing around these parts? It can’t be roundup time again.”

His lazy smile disappeared in a flash. “Christ, Sadie, now you’re gonna give me shit about that. And here I came in for a beer and a sympathetic ear.”

“Since I don’t know what on earth you’re talking about, I have no response.”

“Something slipped past you?” Nikki pretended to be shocked. “Wow. This has to be some kind of record.”

Sadie narrowed her eyes. “Watch yourself, missy.”

“Don’t have to.” Nikki smiled sweetly and picked up her tray. “It seems everyone else around here does it for me.”

Sadie shook her head. “Aaron, this is Nikki, Matt Gunderson’s sister. You know Matt, don’t you?”

“Know of him, that’s it.” Touching the rim of his hat, Aaron gave Nikki a quick smile. “I was hoping I’d find Trace here,” he said, glancing around. “Either of you seen him?”

“Not tonight.” Sadie nodded at Nikki. “You must know where he is.”

“Home.”

Aaron gave her a closer look. “You expecting him here later?”

“No, he’s working. Sorry, but I have drinks to deliver.” She left with her tray, her mind racing. Whoever this guy was if he did anything to screw up their night she would just scream.

“What’s Aaron doing here?” Eli Roscoe asked, when she dropped off his beer.

“I have no idea. Who is he?”

“A government guy...works for the Bureau of Land Management.” The older man squinted under his bushy graying eyebrows. “He has something to do with rounding up mustangs living on public land. About the only time we see him around here is when he’s looking for the McAllister boys to help.”

Sitting across from Jerry at the next table, Chip said, “Too soon for another roundup, isn’t it?”

“I ain’t got an opinion on the matter,” Eli said, “but I know Jesse McAllister thinks so, and I believe Trace is still straddling the fence on the issue. Says he’s got more reading to do but my feeling is that he’s got the same notion as Jesse. If Aaron’s looking for their help, he’s not gonna get it this time.”

Nikki delivered more beers and shots, swinging around so she could keep an eye on Aaron. He was leaning on the bar, drinking from a mug and talking to Sadie.

“Just last week Trace told me he didn’t think they’ve given the sterilization program enough time,” Jerry said. “Infertility treatments were given to the Pryor Mountain horses along the Montana-Wyoming border. They’re hoping that’ll stabilize the size of the herd, but he said it’s too soon to tell and we got no business removing horses until we know more.”

“Hell, I’ll admit I don’t know crap about what’s been going on,” Chip added. “But I’ll side with Trace. You know him, he’s smart and always reading up on things. I’ve never known him to go in half-cocked on something.”

Other customers who’d overheard the conversation weighed in, most of them agreeing it was too early for another roundup. What Nikki found fascinating was how much these men respected Trace’s opinion, even the old-timers. They were interested in where Jesse stood as well, but that wasn’t a surprise. He was older, more serious and well educated.

Trace was so laid-back, and seemed to cruise by on a shrug and a smile. But most of these people had known him his entire life. They’d watched him grow up, become a man, they knew there was substance behind the smile. When he had an opinion on something important, they took notice.

“What you damn fools are forgettin’ is that the land is being overgrazed in the meantime, which means hungry animals.” It was Sam’s voice.

Nikki turned to see him coming from the back room with his empty mug. She really hadn’t meant to ignore him or the others playing pool. The discussion had drawn her in.

His comment was met with general disgust.

“Trace said all that was taken into account when they thinned the herd and started the program.” Chip glared straight at Sam. “You think for one minute Trace would let animals starve if he could help it?”

“What I think is that all you dumb bastards just love kissing McAllister ass. You sound like a bunch of little girls out here. Ooh,” he mimicked, in a shrill tone, “Trace said this, Trace said that, Trace said I should go drown myself so I believe I will.” He set his mug on Nikki’s tray, and boy, did she get a whiff of his boozy breath. “It’s damn pitiful,” he added in his natural drawl, then winked. “I’ll take another one, darlin’.”

Her guilt over ignoring him vanished. “If you knew how much I want to pull out your lashes, one by one, every time you wink, you would stop.” She narrowed her eyes. “Which is highly recommended in case that was too subtle or you’re too dense.”

She sidestepped him to check on the other pool players, not even smiling when everyone laughed.

“You boys hear that?” Sam said, spreading his hands. “She’s crazy about me.”

Nikki almost smiled then. She sighed instead. God, the man was like an untrained puppy—cute sometimes, but more often making you mad by peeing on the carpet. Or maybe that was giving him too much credit. She hurried to collect orders, hoping to squeeze in a minute to call Trace and warn him about Aaron, while Sadie poured beers and mixed drinks.

It was crazy how much pride she’d felt listening to these men talk about Trace. She had nothing to do with the respect he’d earned by being thoughtful and levelheaded. At the table behind Chip and Jerry, she overheard an older rancher tell his friend that since his son moved, Trace was the guy he knew he could count on in an emergency.

How horribly she’d misjudged him in February. Or had she really? She wasn’t someone who shared easily. She certainly wasn’t big on admitting her fears or the incredibly stupid choices of her youth, but she’d let her guard down with Trace, more than once. So something inside her was giving the green light. She just hoped it wasn’t her heart getting confused. Falling for him would still be a mistake even if she did trust him.

This thing they had was fun, comfortable and exciting. She’d like to believe it could last, but she knew better. She really needed to remember that. Easy to risk everything when you had nothing to lose. Loving then losing Trace? That could kill her.

* * *

HE WAS SITTING in his truck when she pulled up to the house. She parked her pickup behind him instead of her regular spot. They both climbed out at the same time.

“You boxing me in for a reason?” His teeth flashed in the bright moonlight as he walked toward her.

Had she remembered to leave the porch light on she’d be able to see that slow heart-stopping smile of his. “I don’t want you running off before I’m done with you.”

“Well now, that sounds promising.” No hat tonight, which she was surprised to find she missed. The snug worn jeans made up for it. He stopped not three feet away and looked her up and down. “You went to work like that?”

“Um, yes.” She glanced down at her usual jeans and stretchy blue V-neck top. “What’s wrong?”

He made a sudden grab for her, scooping her up and making her squeal. “What’s wrong?” he said, using a shocked tone and hugging her to his chest. “You can’t be looking that gorgeous when I’m not there to protect you.”

Nikki laughed, something she did a lot around him. She looped her arms around his neck, her eyes level with his smooth chin. “My feet aren’t touching the ground so don’t—”

His kiss cut her off. He took his time, angling his head and pressing his lips against hers, softly at first, then more firmly. She flexed her hips against his body and he stilled for a moment, then his tongue swept past her lips and swirled into her mouth. He tasted of wintergreen, and she was so, so glad she’d remembered to pop a mint herself.

“We should go inside,” she whispered, dragging her mouth away from his since he wouldn’t stop kissing her. “No use giving the hands a show.”

“Those guys are asleep.”

“So, you have something against a nice soft queen-size bed and clean sheets?”

“I’m partial to kitchen counters myself.” He’d switched to her neck, slowly planting moist kisses headed in the direction of her neckline.

She pushed her fingers through his hair, grabbing two handfuls and forcing his head back to see if he was serious. The teasing glint in his eyes earned him a yank.

“Ouch.” He made a face. “I knew I should’ve gotten a haircut today.”

“No, don’t.” She bit her lip. “Sorry. It’s your hair. Do what you want.”

“If you like it long, I’ll keep it this way.”

“Would you put me down? Please.”

He swooped in for another quick kiss, then let her slide down his body. “Wait,” he said. “Let’s do that again.”

Grinning, she took his hand and led him to the flagstone walkway. “We’re going inside. Hey, I told you the front door was unlocked. Why did you wait out here?”

“I didn’t feel right going in without you. Anyway, I wasn’t waiting long and I used the time to return Aaron’s call.”

She’d wondered about whether they’d connected after she gave Trace the heads-up. “Were you able to have a civil conversation?”

“Oh, yeah. Aaron’s okay. Just doing his job. I don’t agree this time, that’s all.”

“Some of those guys tonight were getting awfully heated.”

“Who? Eli and Lefty?”

She pushed open the door and pulled him inside. “Eli, Chip, Jerry, a few others I don’t know by name. Even Sam put in his two cents.”

Trace made sure they were locked in. “Two cents is about all that boy has to work with. He make you mad again tonight?”

“Sam is Sam. I’m trying not to react. Hey...” She giggled when he hooked an arm around her waist and hauled her up against him. Her body responded instantly, nipples beading, breaths coming quicker, dampness between her thighs....

“You smell good,” he murmured, burying his face in the curve of her neck and shoulder.

“Oh, please, I smell like a bar. I’m taking a shower.”

“Hmm, sounds like a good idea. I could use one, too.” He plunged his fingers into her hair and gave her a light scalp massage.

She smiled because he smelled fresh and clean and a little like pine soap. “I didn’t invite you,” she said, letting her head loll back and her eyes close.

“I’m inviting myself.”

“Trace, you are just—” She sighed and lifted her lashes. “You’re amazing.”

He stilled, aiming an expectant frown at her. “I’m waiting for the punch line.”

“I hope you have all week.” She brushed a kiss across his lips. “Do you have any idea how much admiration and respect the people here have for you?”

Surprise flickered in his face. He blinked, shaking his head and flushing. “Come on...” He lowered his arms and took her hand. “Let’s go use up the hot water.”

If she touched his cheeks she knew they’d be warm. He was embarrassed and she really should drop it, but she didn’t understand why he’d prefer people to think he was a guy who got by on his looks and charm.

A sudden realization stunned her. No, it was her, that’s what she’d thought. And so did the Sundance guests who chased him and flirted and made fools of themselves because all they saw was the sizzle but not the substance. The people who lived here, the ones who understood him, knew otherwise. To them, Trace was a man to be taken seriously.

“Okay, cowboy.” She slipped her hand into his. “Show me what you got.”