From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,14

didn’t hurt to be cautious. If he had to make a dash, he was ready. “You remember Lester’s father, right?”

“You said Morgan?” Matt frowned, shaking his head. “To tell you the truth, I’ve been so busy with Wallace and straightening out payroll, I don’t even know all the men who live in the bunkhouse, much less the day hands. Duke is still the foreman. He’s been running things.”

“Morgan Dunn was a year ahead of Cole in school. He stepped in as quarterback at the last minute and took us to finals.”

Matt swung a stunned look at Lester’s retreating back. “That Morgan? He has a son that age?”

“He knocked up his girlfriend senior year. They’re still married and running her dad’s ranch. It’s a small operation but they haven’t gone under and that’s something.” Trace rolled his left shoulder. It was getting stiff again and he was tired of the sun beating down on him. He often worked without a shirt when he was mending fences but not at this time of day. He started for the gate, and Matt walked along with him.

“Man, do I feel old.”

“You are old.”

“Thanks.” Matt snorted. “Tell your sister she’d better hurry and marry me while I can still get it up.”

“Nah, she’s gotta wait for Cole to tie the knot with Jamie, then Jesse has to marry Shea. It’s a McAllister tradition. Oldest to youngest. Everyone’s gotta wait their turn.”

Matt stopped and gave him a panicked look.

Trace laughed, scooped up the mug he’d left on the railing and looked at Matt. His expression hadn’t changed. “Tell me you aren’t that damn gullible.”

“You’re older than Rachel,” Matt said with a straight face. “That’s gonna be a long wait. Who the hell would marry you?”

Trace automatically glanced up at Nikki’s window. He didn’t know why. She wasn’t there, but that didn’t matter. That he’d looked was stupid.

Matt started them walking again. “Yeah, good luck with that.”

“What?”

Matt just smiled, then nodded at the T-shirt Trace had balled in his hand. “I owe you a shirt.”

“I’m not messing around with your sister.” Trace kept his eyes on the ground. He’d never been more confused over a woman in his life. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t seem to get her out of his head. Staying away from the Watering Hole hadn’t helped. The only thing he knew for sure was that if he made a move, he’d better be serious about her. Matt was a friend and soon he’d be family. “I know better.”

“Hey, not my business. Nikki’s a big girl, and she knows her own mind. If she doesn’t want you messing with her, she won’t be shy about letting you know.” Matt grinned. “If I need to worry, it should be about you. Cross her and she’ll chew you up and spit you out.”

“Yeah. I can see that.” Trace laughed, because that’s what Matt expected, but he wondered if Matt really believed his own words. Nikki might not be as tough as he thought.

But then Trace was starting to get the feeling she was a little mixed up about how tough she was, too. It wasn’t just about her being afraid of horses. She’d told him about the gang violence in her old neighborhood, so he understood she’d needed to come off hard as nails. That didn’t mean she hadn’t been scared a time or two. She liked to pretend nothing bothered her. But he’d seen her feeling defenseless and uncertain, and trying her damnedest to hide it.

Maybe that tug-of-war between vulnerability and bravery had gotten to him, because something sure was preventing him from keeping his distance. He wasn’t the kind of guy who needed to ride to the rescue, either. Still, for her to live on a ranch and fear horses? That was unnecessary grief. Maybe he could help her with that.

They were approaching the house. Trace’s truck was parked over on the right. “You want to come in for that beer?” Matt asked. “I just need to check on Wallace first.”

“No, I got a lot to do at the Sundance yet. I’m just gonna give this mug to Nikki.”

“I can take it...” Matt’s voice trailed off. “Sure, come on in.”

“I’m too grimy. Mind asking her to meet me at the door?”

“Just wipe your boots so Lucy won’t take a broom to both of us, but otherwise you’re fine to come inside.” Matt opened the door while scraping off his own boots. “I’ll call her. She’s probably in her room.” He stuck out