Lost Memories (Honky Tonk Hearts) by Sherri Thomas

tonight.”
    Positioning his forearm in front, he slid the other behind and angled her to rest in the crook of his arm. The back of his finger ran over the soft skin, and a jolt of electricity ran through him. The one woman off-limits was the one who stole the breath from his lungs.
    A throat cleared with a cough, and Nick glanced up to see concern on Trent’s face.
    “Right, let’s go.” Standing, he lifted Darcy into his arms.
    “You take her home. I’m staying.” Defiance shown in his youngest brother’s features.
    “Take the truck,” Trent offered, handing over the keys. “I’ll stay and make sure junior here gets home. We can catch a ride.”
    “You sure?”
    “Yeah.”
    Trent helped him get Darcy settled in the truck then stepped back toward the old honky tonk. “You know what you’re doing?”
    Nick let out a heavy breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t have a damn clue.” And that was the truth.
    “Good to know.” His brother smiled, smacked the metal, and sauntered away.
    “Hey, don’t forget you and Chris are up for the morning feedings and chores. Darcy and I’ll tend to the horses.”
    “Yeah, yeah.” A hand waved the air as he disappeared into the building.
    All the way home, he fought hard not to look at the dark-haired beauty sleeping next to him, because he wanted nothing more than to pull over and hold her. She remained the one woman he’d found who held his attention and loved his ranch. Yet, the idea of risking his heart spooked him. Not to mention her nervous moments, and the fact she might be keeping something from them. Being the oldest he bore the responsibility to protect his family despite his own feelings. Attraction or not, he wouldn’t let another female wreak havoc on his family. No way was he willing to risk his brothers’ lives for the sake of love.
    Love. Ha.
    He refused to believe his feelings possessed that level of intensity, not for a woman who kept part of herself hidden.
    As he passed under a street light, he glanced at his passenger. Her brows creased. What was she dreaming about that was so disturbing? Vowing to find the underlying cause of her secrets, he turned up the drive to her cabin and got out.
    Dakota barked and ambled over, tail wagging.
    “Hey, boy, keep it down.” Reaching out, he gave him a scratch behind the ears. “Let’s get the house open and put the little lady to bed.” The lock clicked in the silence, and lights flicked on with a hit of the switch.
    Retrieving his charge, he headed for her bedroom, laid her down on the comforter, pulled off her boots, and eyed the situation.
    No way.
    His restraint was not that strong; she’d have to sleep in her clothes.
    He dropped to the edge of the bed and ran a thumb over her bottom lip. “You pack one hell of a kiss, darlin’,” he whispered.
    She sighed in her deep slumber and warm breath caressed his finger.
    Damn.
    He rubbed the back of his neck as he stood and shut the door on temptation.

Chapter Eight
    Darcy rolled and pulled the pillow over her head to block the light coming from the window. The dull ache in her skull escalated to a hammering. She peaked at the clock beside her bed. Eight o’clock.
    Nick expected her at the barn two hours ago.
    Throwing the covers back, she jumped out of bed. A wave of dizziness washed over her forcing her to grab the edge of the dresser. A few deep breaths through the nose and out the mouth calmed her reeling senses. How had she gotten home? Last thing she recalled was dancing with Nick.
    Oh, God .
    Had Nick brought her back and put her to bed? She looked down. Thank goodness her clothes were still on.
    Seeking headache medicine from the kitchen cupboard, she downed two pills and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge.
    Nerves gnawed at her insides as she brushed her teeth, pulled on her boots, and hurried out the door. Alcohol might not have been her friend last night, but even the barley failed to mask the memories of Nick’s