From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,60
to the door. I’ve kept you out way past your bedtime.” His arm was around her back as he led her up the steps. “Besides, if we get close enough to the door, I don’t think anyone could see me steal one more kiss.”
She didn’t object. And when he kissed her in the shadows, she kissed him back. But instead of getting swept away by the kiss, an unpleasant thought occurred to her. Had she really needed to tell him about the dress? Or was she trying to sabotage the best thing that had ever happened to her? It didn’t matter, though.
Whatever this was between them would come to an end sooner or later. Given her experiences, she’d bet on sooner.
* * *
TRYING TO WAKE UP, Nikki stared at the coffee carafe, watching the brew drip, and yawning as if she hadn’t slept in a month. The clock taunted her, claiming it was one-thirty in the afternoon, but her poor tired body and pounding head swore it was the middle of the night. That was more accurate since she hadn’t fallen asleep until after seven.
As soon as there was enough coffee brewed, she filled a mug before returning the carafe to the fancy chrome station so it could finish the job. She savored the first sip, convinced there wasn’t enough caffeine in the house to get her moving faster.
Naturally tonight she had to work. With it being her first day back since Wallace had died, she hoped people gave her space. She didn’t need it because of his death, but she was bound to be cranky from too little sleep.
“Hey, you made coffee.” Matt entered the kitchen from outside. She hadn’t even heard the door. “You just get up? Late night?” He tried to look innocent, but she saw the corners of his mouth quirk up.
“Not particularly.” She wasn’t volunteering a damn thing.
He brought a mug out from the upper cabinet, then opened the fridge. “We have to talk about Lucy.”
“What about her?”
“Did she say anything to you about staying on here?”
“Oh.” Nikki saw why he’d brought up the subject. The refrigerator shelves were sparse. “No, but I think she would’ve talked to you before me.”
“The past few days seemed to fly by. I don’t know if she needs the money or would rather quit working.”
“I can run to town and pick up groceries.” She noticed the wood floor needed sweeping. God, she hoped Lucy stayed on. It was a big house. “I’ll sweep and dust later. Right now coffee isn’t optional.”
“I won’t be surprised if she wants out. She’s getting up there in years and I wouldn’t want her doing too much. If she’s ready to retire we’ll find someone to come in a couple times a week.”
Nikki leaned a hip against the counter. “I’ll chip in to cover the cost.”
“No, you won’t. A housekeeper’s salary comes out of the ranch fund. It’s half yours, anyway.”
“I’m not arguing with you over the Lone Wolf again. I don’t want anything from Wallace.”
“Don’t be so damn hardheaded.” Matt set down his mug with a thud. “This place was never Wallace’s to give. How many more times do I have to explain the Gunderson trust fund to you?”
“None.” Nikki topped off her coffee. She was going to the living room to drink it in peace.
“Fine. I’ll let the attorney spell out the terms for you. Maybe he can get through that thick skull of yours.”
“Good luck with that.” She had no intention of being railroaded into going to an attorney’s office.
“Tomorrow morning I’m flying to Dallas. Just overnight. I’ll be back by noon the following day. Mr. Kessler will meet us here at 4:00 p.m. to read the will.”
She sighed. So much for refusing to go to the attorney’s office. “Wait.” She stopped at the door and turned. “Did you say Dallas?” she asked, and he nodded. “For a rodeo?”
“No. Not until next month. I’m meeting with a guy who breeds champion bulls. The Lone Wolf is doing fine for now but we have to keep our eye on the future.”
Ranch business wasn’t on her mind. Having the house to herself overnight? Different story. “Sounds like a short trip. Are you sure you won’t need to stay longer?”
“You’re not afraid to stay here alone, are you?” Matt didn’t bother to hide his grin. “I’m sure Trace wouldn’t mind babysitting.”
“Oh, shut up.” She left the kitchen smiling, too, thinking how it would’ve been just like this ten years ago had they known each