From This Moment On (7 page)

Sam pushed a hand through his hair and briefly looked away. All the guys in back were staring at him, the tension so thick she could stick a straw in the air. “You’re right. I was a jerk. The thing is, I like you. I really do, and if it makes you happy to know, I feel like hell.”

She sighed. “No, Sam, that doesn’t make me happy.”

“You leaving might,” Josh muttered.

Sam gave him a dirty look. To Nikki he said, “I will, if you want. Leave.”

“It’s over. Do what you want.” She moved a shoulder, truly feeling indifferent and turning back toward the bar where Sadie was probably getting antsy for her to check on other customers.

The whole thing would’ve gone better if Nikki wasn’t feeling off balance. Nothing major, but wow, who was that person who’d confronted Sam? Yet another glimpse of her trying out her new skin. The old Nikki would never have been so calm, refrained from cussing or, sadly, considered that she’d been disrespected. Not that she’d have assumed she deserved the poor treatment, but anger and revenge would’ve been on her mind.

Had to be Matt’s influence, and even partly Rachel’s. Or maybe Blackfoot Falls in general. Who knew? Not her. She seemed confused about everything lately.

“How are y’all doing?” She smiled at the three young cowboys getting low on beer. Their table was closest to her but luckily they’d missed the pool room drama. They had prime seats near the jukebox and were busy watching sly women lean over to study the song selections.

One guy smiled back. So did the other two...after they dragged their gaze away from the redhead. “I’ll take another longneck.”

“Tap for me, and a tequila shot this time, please.” The second man had a boyish grin that lightened her mood. “I’m Jerry, in case you forgot.”

“How could I?” The little white lie seemed worth it when his smile widened. She’d remember him from now on. “You have perfect manners every time you come in.”

His slightly older friend with the narrow face and shaggy brown hair elbowed him. “Guess I’ll be switching to soda water. It’s my turn to drive.” He sighed, then quickly added, “I’m Chip.”

“Way to go being responsible, Chip.” She held up a hand for a high five. It took a second for him to get it. He wasn’t much younger than her but he was so cute the way his eyes lit up as if he’d won the lottery. He started out with gusto, drawing back his hand, then seemed to remember she wasn’t one of the guys, and very gently touched his palm to hers.

He had calluses like Trace.

The thought ambushed her. God, she could not let every little thing make her think of Trace. Today had been nice, but it hadn’t changed anything between them. And this dreamy thinking crap was why she couldn’t allow that to happen. “You know what, your soda’s on me.”

“You don’t have to do that, ma’am.”

“It’s Nikki.”

The three of them grinned, and Jerry said, “We know who you are.”

“I’m still learning names,” she admitted. “But I’ll get there. Y’all need quarters?” She slid a pointed look at the jukebox, where the redhead had been joined by a short dimpled brunette who was eyeing Chip.

He glanced at the woman, then quickly brought his gaze back to Nikki. “You think so?”

“I do.” She wanted to laugh at his bewildered expression. Of course she didn’t dare. “Here,” she said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out change. She only had three quarters, and laid them on the table. “Until I get back.”

He passed her a ten. “Will that be enough?”

“Um, I doubt you’ll need that many quarters,” she said, and left him grinning.

The Watering Hole really was a nice place to work. She liked these customers, and she liked Sadie. Even Sam was okay, or at least manageable. If he hadn’t apologized or looked as if he wanted the floor to swallow him whole, she might’ve felt differently.

She stopped at another table, glancing around to make sure everyone had drinks, then headed for Sadie. Nikki’s breath caught. Trace sat on a stool at the end of the bar with a beer in front of him. Part of the bottle was already gone so she knew he hadn’t just walked in. What she didn’t know was what he’d heard.

7

T
RACE
’
S
PATIENCE
HAD
gotten pretty thin by the time he spotted Nikki out of the corner of his eye. She stopped at Jerry’s table and was joking with him and his friends, and Trace had to remind himself this was where she worked and socializing with the customers was her job. It wasn’t that he was jealous. Never been the type. But he was beat, and he’d had no business driving all the way to town just to see her.

Hell, they’d been together not more than eight hours ago, and they planned to meet day after tomorrow. He could’ve waited until then, and stayed home tonight, gotten some sleep. Obviously he couldn’t, and that was the problem. It was the damn kiss that had messed everything up. He should’ve known better.

Nah, knowing what was right and acting accordingly were two different things. That’s where he went wrong, he thought, letting his gaze drift toward her. She was wearing her hair down, the way he liked it best.

“I heard you were out at the Lone Wolf yesterday.” Sadie wiped the rings off the bar, then leaned a hip against it.

“Yeah, I was helping Matt with a mustang.” Trace picked up his beer and took a halfhearted sip. “The place looks good. I hadn’t been out there in years.”

“How’s Wallace doing?”

The concern in her eyes didn’t surprise him. Whether she liked the man or not, she’d known him forever. He slid a look toward Nikki.

“Ah, you know her,” Sadie said. “She won’t talk about him. I quit asking.”

Trace smiled. Yeah, he knew. “Matt doesn’t think he’ll last the week.”

“Tell you the truth, I’m shocked he’s held on this long. Must be that stubborn streak in him. How’s Matt holding up?”

“Seems okay.”

“Tore him up bad when Catherine died. I didn’t expect he’d get too sad over the old man going, but you never know until the time comes.”

Trace studied Sadie for a moment. She was strong, independent, and as far as he knew, never repeated anything that didn’t need repeating. He’d always liked her. “I’m thinking that about Nikki. What’s your take?”

“Not to say she’s cold or unfeeling, but my guess is she’ll just be glad when it’s over.”

He nodded, though he’d been hoping she might’ve opened up to Sadie a little. Sure didn’t sound like it.

“You want coffee instead of that?” Sadie glanced at the bottle he’d barely touched, except to pick it up and put it down.

“I look tired?”

“Half-dead.”

Trace chuckled. “That about sums it up. I’ll pass on the coffee, though.”

“You know you can come in and see her without ordering anything.”

He frowned, thought about a denial...

“Don’t give me that scowl. I’m old, not stupid.” Sadie snorted. “She’s coming. Look sharp.”

“You’re not old. And I always look sharp.”

“That grin of yours should be illegal,” she said, slowly shaking her head, then wandering toward the other end of the bar.

Unable to help himself, he tipped back in his seat, pretending to stretch, and angled for a better view of Nikki.

She sure didn’t look happy to see him. She almost stopped in her tracks. What was that about? The kiss? He thought they’d figured that out.

“What are you doing here?” The brief frown she sent him held an accusation he didn’t get. “Josh said you worked late.”

“I did.”

“So? Should you be drinking beer and then driving?” She leaned over the bar searching for something or other.

It nearly killed him keeping his eyes from going straight to her nice round behind. His mind flashed back to earlier. His hand had rested right there at the curve when he’d kissed her. The temptation to fill his palms had damn near crippled him.

“How long have you been here?”

“What?” he asked, having trouble switching gears. “Ah, ten, maybe fifteen minutes.”

“Why aren’t you playing pool? Have you been back there yet?” She was acting peculiar, kind of nervous, glancing toward Sadie, then finally slipping behind the bar and setting up shot glasses.

“I don’t feel like playing tonight. Who’s back there?” He didn’t really care. He wanted her to finally look at him, or at least figure out why she wouldn’t.

“The regulars.”

He watched her make busywork out of pouring two tequila shots and filling three mugs. “You mad at me?”

“No.” She looked at him then and sighed. “Why would I be mad?”

“I can’t think of a reason. Nothing we hadn’t already ironed out, anyway,” he said, lowering his voice as if anyone who heard would know what he meant.

She smiled down at the lime she was cutting up, and he was pretty sure she was remembering the kiss. Good. It didn’t seem fair for him to be doing all the thinking on it. Lord knew he’d done plenty of that the whole time he’d helped five guests saddle up for their trail ride with Lucas, and then finished vaccinating the rest of the calves. A couple of the women commented on his exceptionally pleasant mood. Probably had something to do with the sappy grin Josh had been quick to point out.

Trace turned to look toward the pool room. Feeling this tired, he wouldn’t play if someone paid him. He couldn’t take a humiliating loss from Sam, or in front of him. The guy was getting on Trace’s nerves. Maybe he’d stick to sitting at the bar. He’d see more of Nikki... The downside was the guests. Harder for the women to get to him around the crowded pool table.

“What?” Nikki asked. “Why are you staring back there?”

“No reason.” So that’s what finally got her full attention? She was studying his face close enough to see which spots he’d missed with the razor. “Is Josh playing?”

“He was, but I don’t know about now. Want me to check?”

“You’re jumpy.”

“Am I?” She moved a shoulder. “I don’t think so.” After loading her tray, she came back around to his side. “I have to deliver these drinks. Be right back.”

“Okay.”

She’d taken a few steps, then backed up. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“I won’t move a muscle.” A whole lot more than his muscles were twitching. This was new, her acting as if she cared whether he stayed or left.

Watching her go from table to table did a better job of getting him revved than caffeine. A second wind was coming on worthy of a high gust warning, and if she wanted him to wait until she got off work, he’d be ready for anything.

“Hi, Trace.”

He recognized Karina’s voice behind him, too close behind, and he did everything in his power not to cringe as he turned his head. “Evening.”

“I didn’t know you were coming to town or I would’ve bummed a ride.” She slid onto the stool beside him. Her heavy floral perfume almost knocked him off his seat. “Will you let me buy you a drink this time?”

“Thanks, but I’m done.” He patted his belly...out of habit...and could’ve done without the lingering gaze. “Not one of my better ideas,” he said with a smile. “Coming to town. I’m too tired to be out this late.” He faked a yawn, covered it and murmured an apology.

“Maybe I should drive you home.”

His almost-choke was genuine enough. “I have my truck.”

Karina smiled. “I assumed you did. Is it a manual? I can handle a stick shift.”

“You stay here and enjoy yourself. I’m good to drive.” He watched Nikki set down drinks and shoot glances back. “Or else she would’ve cut me off,” he said, with a nudge of his chin.

Karina didn’t bother looking. “Is Nikki your girlfriend?”

He laughed, thought what the hell and leaned a little closer. “I’m working on it.”

The woman didn’t seem the least put off. She nodded, widened her smile. “Does she know?”

“Kind of hard to judge.” He was busy tracking Nikki, but Karina’s soft laugh brought him back.

“I pity you.”

“Why?” He frowned. “She say something?”

“No. Nothing like that.” She tilted her head slightly to the side, studying him as if he was a lab rat. “You’re a good-looking charismatic guy and all these pushy city women must drive you crazy.”

He drew back, shaking his head and avoiding her gaze. Grabbing the bottle he’d pushed aside, he took a sip of lukewarm beer. “Hey, I’m just a simple cowboy.”

“Maybe you were before your sister started the dude ranch, but I doubt it.”

“You think differently, you’ll be disappointed.”

“Would you like to prove it?”

No ignoring the urge to look at her face. She sounded weird, not flirty, sort of like she was conducting business. Her eyes were brown, he noticed for the first time, though not warm and pretty like Nikki’s. Karina’s eyes were too shrewd. “Are you sitting at a table or would you like me to get Sadie’s attention for you?” he asked.

“I just got here.” The woman still hadn’t broken eye contact. She kept staring at him, and smiling, as if that would make it less rude. “But I can wait for a drink. Let me ask you something...think it would help if you made Nikki jealous?”

“No,” he said abruptly. “No, ma’am, I do not.” That was it. He’d have to leave. Man, he’d been hoping to talk Nikki into taking a five-minute break and going outside with him. He dug in his pocket for money. “I need to get home.”

“I’m sorry. It seems I’ve given you the wrong impression.” Karina laughed and touched his arm. “Though I do have a proposition for you.”

Nikki walked up at that exact moment. Even if she’d pretended not to hear, it would’ve been impossible to believe. No worries there. She didn’t bother playacting. Later if he mentioned the annoyed hair flip over her shoulder, or the firm set of her lips that was half pout, half screw-you, she’d deny she ever did those things.

No, she wasn’t happy. But she slid behind the bar and plastered on a smile for Karina. “Has Sadie taken your order?”

The blonde shook her head. “I’d love an appletini.” She glanced at Trace. “I’m still offering to buy you a beer.”

“Pass. Thanks.” He tried in vain to catch Nikki’s eye. “I’m cashing out.”

“You know how much, just leave it.” She focused on lining up liquor bottles and finding a suitable glass.

“I’ll see you day after tomorrow, right? Same time?”

Her head came up. She frowned. “Oh, right.” Their eyes met for a split second, then she swept a gaze over Karina that ended on the drink fixings. “Drive carefully,” Nikki murmured.

Unfortunately, at the exact moment Karina said, “I still want to talk to you, Trace.”

Nikki kept her eyes downcast and her expression completely blank.

“Good night, ladies.” He pushed in his stool. If Karina thought him rude for not answering, so be it. The woman knew she was causing trouble for him. So what that she was a Sundance guest? That didn’t excuse her. Partly his fault for opening his big mouth, but enough was enough.

He wasn’t going to get Nikki’s attention again, and he sure wasn’t up to listening to Karina. Halfway to the door, Eli Roscoe from the Circle K stopped him to ask if he’d heard about the next mustang roundup. Since Trace was straddling the fence on the issue, and still doing some reading on the timing viability, he wasn’t keen on entering into a hot discussion.

In fact, he wanted to get the hell out of there. Unless Karina had moved to a table and he could have a minute alone with Nikki. He took a chance and looked in that direction. Nikki was leaning toward Karina, intently listening to the woman. Blinking, she drew back, her lips parted in surprise. She glanced at him and burst out laughing.

* * *

N
IKKI
STARED
AT
HER
reflection in the mirror as she brushed her teeth and checked for puffiness around her eyes. Last night she’d managed to get to sleep by two and woke up by nine this morning on her own. Not bad. She was really trying hard to adopt a better schedule. Partly to be a team player, though mostly in self-defense. When these country people said rise and shine, they meant before sunrise. Never gonna happen for her, but she could learn to compromise.

Today she was going to see Trace at their secret spot. It had been her first thought when she woke up feeling like a kid on Halloween morning. Her classmates had all loved Christmas best. Not her. She liked dressing up as someone else. With the right costume, no one could tell she was one of the poor kids. If you weren’t riding a shiny new bike by Christmas afternoon, everyone knew you belonged in
that
neighborhood... As if everyone west of Dairy Ashford had the damn plague.

She’d had it easier than most because the boys thought she was hot. Even the private school guys had sniffed around her at the mall, tried to buy her things, asked her to go on dates. The Galleria Mall was where she’d first met Garret Livingston when he was seventeen and she was an easily impressed fifteen-year-old.

Oh, God, she didn’t want to think about him now. Or the stupid prom. The dress, no, she refused to think about the dress. That’s what always got to her the worst. If she could’ve changed anything about that day...anything at all...

But that was impossible and she sure knew that by now. She just wished the memories would stop sneaking in. Though they came less often now, and only when she was feeling down. She’d never been able to completely let go of the shame of being needy and foolish and horrible to her mom. So why today? Was her subconscious trying to tell her something? Like she had no business missing Trace. They’d kissed, big deal, and now she couldn’t stand not seeing him for one crummy day? It wasn’t as if they suddenly had a thing.

Or maybe the problem went deeper. Would getting involved with Trace be repeating the mistake she’d made with Garrett? No, they were two different guys. Sure there was some common ground, like looks, good family, the right name, but lumping Trace in with Garrett was just plain ridiculous. And insulting to Trace. Anyway, her subconscious could just chill. She had no intention of hooking up with anyone in the near future.

She left her room, closing the door behind her. As always, it was quiet in the hall. Deathly quiet. She glanced at Wallace’s closed door and shivered. Quickly she shifted her thoughts to the other night and hurried toward the stairs. Thinking about what Karina had to ask Trace had Nikki biting her lip. She’d given her word she’d keep mum, in exchange for the woman’s promise Nikki could be there when the bomb was dropped. It sure wouldn’t be easy.