From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,70

terms, that makes things easier,” he murmured, half to himself. “That’s not always the case...”

Nikki yawned, tuning out Kessler and wishing she’d made coffee. After Trace had left at eight-thirty she’d gone back to sleep. And still she’d only managed to get a total of five hours. Poor Trace had to go move cattle to another pasture, though he’d promised to grab a nap before meeting her at the bar later.

Last night had been sheer heaven. He knew exactly how to touch her, knew where she was the most sensitive and above all, he’d shown her a tenderness she hadn’t known existed. Normally she didn’t like waking up with a guy. She wanted them gone long before it was time to jump in the shower. But everything was upside down when it came to Trace. Several times today she’d found herself plotting ways to get him to stay over tonight.

“Nikki?”

At the sound of Matt’s voice, she straightened. Both he and Kessler were staring at her, and she had a feeling she’d missed quite a bit. “Sorry, what was that?”

“You might want to listen to this,” Matt said, his expression more relaxed.

Kessler read directly from the will. “‘To my daughter, Nikita Flores, I bequeath the balance of my cash holdings at the time of my death.’” The attorney switched his gaze to a ledger sheet. “As of this morning, including interest, that amount is $172,548.”

Nikki blinked. “I don’t understand.”

Matt smiled, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. “That money is yours, Nik. Wallace left it to you.”

She would’ve thought she heard wrong if Matt hadn’t looked so pleased. This was crazy. She really didn’t want anything from the man, but this was huge. That kind of money could change her life. Truly give her a fresh start.

“However, there is a stipulation.” Kessler’s face went blank and he focused solely on Nikki. “You only get the money if you sign your share of the Lone Wolf over to Matt.”

She felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach.

“Bullshit.” Matt glared at the older man. “Nobody can mess with the trust. I know that for a fact.”

“You’re right,” Mr. Kessler said calmly. “Nikki couldn’t sell her half to anyone, but she can waive her claim and sign it over to you because you’re a Gunderson.”

“So is Nikki.”

“No one’s disputing that, Matthew.” Kessler removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Wallace wanted you to have the Lone Wolf. That’s all. I will say this, I personally think this is his way of making it up to you for past wrongs.”

Matt’s anger radiated from across the room. “Screw him. The money is yours, Nikki. You’re not signing over any rights.”

“I’m afraid that’s not up to you.” Mr. Kessler sighed. “Look, keep this simple. Legally, you’ll need to sign the waiver in order to release the money. After that you’re free to do what you want. Do you understand?”

Numb, except for the ache in her chest, Nikki got his meaning. But she didn’t care about the Lone Wolf. Right now she didn’t even care about the money. Wallace was trying to buy her off, and that hurt more than she thought possible. He’d been a sick old man on his deathbed, and yet somehow he managed to get in that extra slap in the face even after death. She had to give it to him. It took effort to be that much of a bastard.

Matt was saying something to the attorney, maybe even to her, but she hadn’t been listening. “I’ll need time to think it over,” she said, cutting Matt off and getting to her feet. “Is that all?”

Kessler frowned. “Well, no, there’s more.”

“Do you need me?”

The older man slowly shook his head. “I guess not.”

“Nikki, wait.” Matt looked heartsick.

“I’m fine.” She forced a smile. This wasn’t his fault. She didn’t want him to feel bad. Wallace had been a jerk until the end. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, and it sure as hell shouldn’t make a difference. A sob broke in her throat, and she hurried to the door.

16

NIKKI HEARD A NOISE, turned her head and saw Trace, but not Gypsy. “What are you doing here?” She dabbed at her cheeks to make sure they weren’t damp before he got too close. She hadn’t cried really, just got a little teary. “Were we supposed to meet today?” she asked, so confused she couldn’t think straight.

“No.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “I have my truck. Guess you