Slow Hand by Victoria Vane Page B

know what they say; all good things come to those who wait.”
    â€œNever is a very long time to wait.”
    He chuckled. “There’s a lot to be said for delayed gratification, you know. Given half a chance, I’d delay yours for a very long time—hours maybe.”
    â€œThat’s quite a boast, cowboy. You know what they say about the ones that talk big…” She let her gaze trail over him, allowing her shrug to speak for itself.
    â€œIt’s no boast, sweetheart.” His voice was lower. Darker. Inciting ripples in her belly. “And I’d be happy to prove it to you.”
    â€œI hope you know you’re setting some impossible expectations.”
    â€œSo you’re thinking about it?”
    He had her there. “I didn’t say that!”
    â€œBut you implied it. And that’s mighty encouraging.” He took her by the elbow before she could rebut him. “C’mon now. Mama’s likely in the kitchen. The only thing that would have brought Dirk inside this time of day would be grub.”
    * * *
    Flour up to her elbows, Wade’s mother greeted Nikki with Wade’s same crystal-blue eyes, and a gleaming toothy smile. “So you’re the Georgia peach Wady’s been telling me about.” She spoke with a distinctive Texas twang.
    â€œ Wady? ” Nikki almost laughed aloud.
    â€œNo one calls me that,” Wade scowled.
    â€œExcept your mother,” Nikki said. “Do you have any other pet names for your sons, Mrs. Knowlton?”
    Wade’s mother made a face. “I’d prefer you call me Donna. Mrs. Knowlton was my dear-departed mother-in-law.”
    â€œAll right, Donna. I’m Nicole, but I always go by Nikki.”
    â€œ Always? ” Wade asked.
    â€œYes.” Nikki shot him a grin. “Except with big, swaggering cowboys, but I think you’re trying to distract me. I’d love to know what other names she calls you and Dirk.”
    Donna’s forehead wrinkled in thought. “You know, I don’t recall that I ever gave Dirk a pet name. What about you Wade? Did you ever have any nicknames for Dirk?”
    â€œPlenty of ’em, Mama, but none of ’em bear repeatin’ in polite company.”
    â€œYou!” She playfully swatted at the side of his head. Wade dodged her with a grin. “What brings such a pretty Southern girl so far north?” Donna asked Nikki.
    â€œMy father passed away. He retired up here some years back.”
    â€œOh.” Her expression softened. “I’m so sorry to hear that, sugar.”
    â€œIt’s all right. I really didn’t know him all that well. My parents divorced when I was very young and I never saw him after that. Still, I’m his only kin, so I came.”
    â€œAnd you’re only staying a few days?”
    â€œYes. That’s all I have time for. In fact, we really need to leave here soon.”
    â€œLeave? But you just got here,” Donna protested.
    â€œI’m sorry, Mama,” Wade replied, “but we really do need to head back to Sheridan. Nicole has a number of things to take care of.”
    â€œWell, you can’t go on an empty stomach,” Donna insisted. “I’ve got some stew and biscuits here.”
    â€œJust black coffee for me, please.” Nikki grimaced in an effort to suppress her queasiness while Wade filled up a big bowl from the pot on the stove.
    â€œSure thing.” Donna poured her a cup. “Are you coming back?” she asked Wade, who was already stuffing a biscuit into his mouth. “Dirk was counting on your help to move the strays off the mountain to the south pastures.”
    â€œWas he? Funny he didn’t mention it just now.”
    â€œYou know he’d never ask , Wade, but I’m sure he expected it the minute he saw you.”
    â€œHe’ll manage without me. I’ve got other things to see to today.”
    â€œSure he’ll manage