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  She stood up and wiped her hands. “All the more reason to come to Denver.”

  Wade shook his head. “Maybe I’m not obligated to the ranch anymore, but that doesn’t mean I want to abandon my family altogether.”

  “But you’re wasted here in Montana,” Allie insisted. “There’s so much more opportunity for a man of your talents in Colorado.”

  He propped a hip on his empty desk in his empty office—empty of all but the neatly stacked boxes. “Maybe not the kind of opportunity I’m looking for. This job with the DOJ will allow me to make the contacts I need so I can do what I really want to do.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “I want to make a difference to the people here. We’re one of the poorest states in the country, but have some of the most abundant natural resources. I’m sick and tired of all the bureaucrats dictating how we manage those lands and resources at the expense of the people like my family whose roots stretch back four and five generations. It’s not right, damn it!” He slammed a fist on the desk. “It’s high time we reclaimed what’s ours so we can have a shot at a better future. That’s what I really want.”

  Allie stared at him incredulously, and then clapped her hands. “Sign me up as the campaign manager. That was quite a speech, Wade.”

  “Just tellin’ it like it is. It’s about time someone spoke up.”

  She arched a brow. “So this lousy paying job you’ve taken is really just a stepping stone into politics?”

  “Maybe.” Wade grinned. If anyone could cut to the chase, it was Allie.

  She stood in front of him and reached out to straighten his tie. “You know Wade, if you change your mind and want to make a political career in Denver, I’d make an ideal politician’s wife.”

  “Undoubtedly, but we’ve been down this road before.”

  “Yeah, well things change…people change.” Her gaze sought his. “Are you seeing anyone else?”

  “Nope.” He shook his head, avoiding the eye contact she desired. “Not for a while now.”

  “Going on three months, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, I guess that’s about right.” He shrugged. It was ten weeks to be precise since Nikki had left. He hadn’t had sex with anyone else, but he wasn’t about to admit that.

  “I thought we were pretty good together. Was it really that much better with her?”

  Dangerous question, Wade. Tread carefully.

  He took a deep breath. “It was completely different, Allie. Nikki and I had a connection that I can’t explain. I only hope you also experience it with someone one day.”

  “Yeah well, you know I prefer to keep things simple. I’m not like other women. I don’t want or need emotional entanglements. They only make women needy.”

  “It isn’t weakness to need somebody, Allie. Hell, we all need somebody sometimes.”

  “So they say,” she remarked blithely. “But I don’t get it. Maybe I’m just wired differently. I don’t need a husband and children to make me feel ‘fulfilled.’”

  “Maybe that’ll change when you meet the right man.”

  She snorted. “I don’t think so. I’m perfectly happy as I am.” She stroked her fingers down the length of his silk tie. “You sure you don’t want to blow off some steam? I’m experiencing a dry spell myself. You can consider it a going-away present.”

  “Thanks, Allie. That’s mighty generous, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to start anything up again.”

  She offered up her palms. “No strings attached.”

  Allie was more than willing to pick things back up. She’d probably let him take her right here on the desk if he’d wanted to. Although he felt the strain of celibacy, he had no desire for a casual hook up. He shook his head. “Thanks again but I’m still gonna pass.”

  “Damn.” Allie’s mouth turned down in disappointment. “I didn’t expect that.” She stepped back with a smile that looked forced. “Can’t blame a gal for trying.”

  Wade took her hand in both of his and held it. “I’m sorry, Allie, but it wouldn’t be right—you and me. We’d only be cheating ourselves. We both deserve more.”

  “More?” She laughed dryly. “What else is there?”

  “I don’t know,” he answered. “But I think I was damned close to finding out.”

  The experience with Nikki had opened his eyes, but she’d gone before he ever had a chance to know if it could work.

  Only a few weeks ago he would have been on the next plane to Atlanta if he’d thought there was any chance of persuading her to give it a go, but she’d made herself crystal clear. There was no point in pursuit when she’d expressed no intention of ever coming back.

  “When do you leave?” Allie asked.

  “Tomorrow.”

  Given Dirk’s good fortune, the opportunity had finally come for Wade to break loose from the ranch. After almost two months of waiting and hoping Nikki might come around, he was finally ready to move on. He was making some big changes in his life. Her phone call had come too late. He was moving on—to Helena.

  * * *

  Nikki got off the plane at Bozeman Yellowstone Airport and inhaled the frosty air with a strange feeling of welcome. It was suddenly as if she belonged, as if she’d come home.

  “It’s freaking c-cold!” Shelby pulled the collar of her fuchsia faux fur jacket, the one she’d bought to offset the new pink highlights in her platinum hair, up around her ears. “You didn’t warn me about that.” Shelby glowered.

  “Some snow bunny you make.” Nikki laughed. “Generally speaking, Shelby, where there is snow there is also cold.”

  “Then all I can say is Big Sky better have some really hawt snowboarding instructors to make up for the lack of temperature.”

  “Have you ever seen mountains like this? Just look at them!” Nikki exclaimed.

  “How can I not see them? They’re everywhere. And that seems to be all there is. You didn’t warn me about that either.”

  “But they’re gorgeous. I haven’t seen them like this before—all covered in snow.”

  “That’s just flippin’ great if you’re into this kind of scenery, but I’m starting to think I prefer palm trees.”

  “Don’t be such a crybaby, Shelby. Look, we don’t have time to check into the hotel before my appointment with the attorney. Do you mind coming along with me?”

  “If I do, can I use your credit card later?”

  “For what?”

  “Shopping of course. I’ll need warmer clothes. Do you think they even have malls here?”

  * * *

  Half an hour later, Nikki pulled up to the Bozeman offices of Evans and Knowlton with a heightening sense of anticipation. She’d taken pains with her hair and makeup that morning but now wished she’d flown in a day earlier just so she’d look her best. She approached the reception desk with butterflies in her stomach. The receptionist smiled and introduced herself as Stella.

  “Allie and Mr. Evans are already in the big conference room if you’d like to head in there, Miss Powell. We’re just waiting for the buyer. He called a moment ago to say his flight was late but expects to be here any minute.”

  “Mr. Evans?” Nikki repeated, barely hearing the rest. “What about Wa—Mr. Knowlton? I thought he was handling everything related to the estate.”

  “Mr. Knowlton? Didn’t he tell you? He’s no longer with the practice.”

  “What?” Nikki suppressed a gasp. “Since when? I just spoke to him last week.”

  “Last Friday was his last day. He’s taken a job in Helena.”

  “Helena?” Nikki repeated dumbly. Wade was gone? This couldn’t be happening.

  “Yes. It’s the state capital, about an hour and a half north.”

  “I know where…but why?”

  “He accepted a position with the State Attorney’s office. I hear he
has his eye on the legislature.”

  “But he never mentioned anything about it.”

  Even as she voiced the words, she realized that wasn’t quite true. He had hinted at it. She’d seen glimpses of his passion, his desire to effect change. Maybe I want to leave a legacy besides my blood, sweat, and tears. He probably would have shared much more of his hopes and desires if she hadn’t been so totally self-absorbed.

  Stella interrupted her thoughts. “It’s a good thing for Montana if he does. He’s well-known and respected around these parts. I think he’ll do us all a lot of good.”

  “Yes, I imagine so,” Nikki responded automatically, fighting the sudden tightness in her throat. She’d come with a secret hope of mending fences with Wade. On the entire flight she’d played out various scenarios in her head, most of them ending in a steamy reunion, but he’d obviously had other thoughts.

  “Mr. Evans, the senior partner, flew in from Denver last night specifically to take care of you. I promise you’re in good hands.”

  “I’m sure. I’m just surprised by the news,” Nikki said.

  “I’ll walk you back there if you are ready.”

  “Do you mind waiting here, Shel? This shouldn’t take too long.”

  Shelby’s attention was riveted on the door. Her jaw dropped, “Oh. My. God,” she whispered. “Is that who I think it is?”

  “Who?” Nikki spun around to look.

  “Brett Simmons!” Shelby hissed. “You know, the quarterback? I swear that’s him. The freakin’ TV does not do him justice.”

  “Close your mouth, Shel,” Nikki urged in an undertone. “You’re going to drool all over yourself.”

  Stella came around the desk to greet the two men. “Good afternoon, Mr. Simmons and Mr. Reed. This is Miss Powell and…

  Shelby stood and extended her hand to Brett Simmons with a blazing smile. “Shelby Baker, huge Bronco fan.”

  “Are you now?” Brett turned to his agent. “Reed, when we’re done, do you think we could produce a pair of tickets for such a big fan?”

  “Sure, Brett.” The manager raked Shelby over with an assessing look.

  “Do you live here in Bozeman?” Brett asked Shelby.

  “No. Atlanta. Just came up for the snowboarding. I don’t suppose you snowboard, too?” she asked.

  “I’ve been known to from time to time, though my manager discourages it. Is it a favorite pastime of yours, Miss Baker?”

  “Matter of fact, I love snowboarding almost as much as I love football,” Shelby replied.

  “Oh yeah?” he asked. “Where are you staying?”

  “Big Sky Resort.”

  “Big Sky? Me too. Why don’t you leave your information with the office here and Reed’ll see about those box tickets.” Brett winked. “Maybe I’ll see you around this weekend?”

  “Maybe so.” Shelby returned a coy smile.

  “Right, then,” Stella interrupted. “It looks like we’re all here now. If you’ll just follow me, Mr. Evans and Miss Evans are all ready for you.”

  “A huge fan?” Nikki whispered. “Since when? You hate football.”

  Shelby smirked. “Since that hot hunk of flesh walked through the door.” Her gaze tracked Brett’s departing ass. “You know, maybe I was wrong about the landscape up here. The view is looking better all the time.”

  * * *

  “You said on the phone that you also have a lease offer from Dirk Knowlton on the pasturelands?” Nikki asked Allie half an hour later after Simmons and Reed left. Given it was a cash deal, the closing had taken less than fifteen minutes.

  “Yes.” Allie pulled another bundle of papers from her briefcase. “Things have taken an unexpected turn for the Flying K.”

  “What do you mean? Wade said his brother was expanding, but how can he do that if the ranch is struggling?”

  “About two months ago, Dirk scored a big contract with a gourmet grocery chain. It seems they want to add American Kobe to their offering of high-end meats. He needs more grazing lands to increase his herd. It’s a fair offer,” Allie said.

  Mr. Evans added, “I’m sure Wade advised you of the tax benefits in putting the land to agricultural use.”

  “But how does Dirk have the money? Especially if he’s expanding his herd?”

  “He’s probably going to take out a loan to expand the cattle operation,” Evans replied.

  “Won’t that put him in a tough spot financially?”

  “Yes and no. There’s a bit of a catch-22 in ranching. Dirk has to expand or he’ll lose the deal, and he has to borrow to expand. It’s how most ranches operate. They borrow large sums with the hope of profit when they sell their stock.”

  A crazy thought sprang to Nikki’s mind. “Do you know if Dirk has considered investors rather than loans?”

  “I doubt it,” Allie said. “You’ve met the man. I don’t think he plays well with others.”

  “You’re probably right about that.” Nikki laughed. “But he knows his business, and the deal he’s made could be pretty lucrative.”

  “Do you mind if I ask where you’re going with this?” Evans inquired.

  “Well, this whole thing has me thinking. I’ve just come into a good deal of money and I’d really like to make an investment in an enterprise that I could maybe play some small part in.”

  Evans frowned over his glasses. “Let me make sure I understand. Are you saying you want to invest in the Flying K?”

  “I’d like to talk to Dirk and learn more about it first, but it really does sound like a solid opportunity. If I were to offer use of the pasturelands, he’d have more capital available for livestock expansion, wouldn’t he?”

  “I suppose so.” Evans pursed his lips with a nod. “It’s not a bad proposition for Dirk, but your return could be negligible.”

  “But I’m risking very little and gaining a tax break in the process. I’d at least like to explore the possibilities. Would you be willing to call Dirk on my behalf and explain what I have in mind?”

  Evans stood. “I’ll make the call. Maybe we can put something together while you’re still in town.”

  “Thank you Mr. Evans. I appreciate your help.”

  Allie waited until her father departed and then asked, “Have you considered how Wade might feel about this?”

  “It’s a simple business proposition. Our personal history has nothing to do with it.”

  “While I agree with you wholeheartedly, he may feel differently. Wade doesn’t like the risk Dirk is taking and says he’s washing his hands of the ranch. That’s no doubt part of his motivation for moving to Helena.”

  Nikki shrugged. “I don’t see why he should care what I do. I haven’t heard from him in weeks. In fact, I wondered if you and he might have…”

  “Picked back up?” Allie finished for her. “No. There’s nothing like that between us now. It’s all ancient history. Besides, he’s moved on…at least geographically.”

  “What are you saying?”

  Allie arched a brow. “He hasn’t seen anyone since you left.”

  Nikki’s pulse sped at the news.

  Allie continued, “Perhaps you have some unanswered questions pertaining to the estate? Questions that require meeting with your former legal counsel?”

  “But he’s gone,” Nikki said.

  “Are you going to give up that easily after you came all the way up here?”

  “I came for the closing,” Nikki argued.

  “Which you surely could have handled through email and overnight express. Fess up, Nicole. You wanted to see him, didn’t you?”

  “Yes. I did,” Nikki sighed her confession. “But apparently he feels differently. He left for Helena the minute I said I was coming, didn’t he?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Then I guess there’s nothing more to say. Acti
ons speak louder than words, don’t they?”

  “What would you expect? The man has his pride.”

  “I don’t get you at all, Allie. When I was here last time, you clearly tried to stake your claim, and now you’re encouraging me to stake mine?”

  “Wade’s decision to pursue his future here has put an end to any designs I might have had on him. If I thought there was any possibility that he’d move back to Denver, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but he’s taken a different road. Although Montana’s a great place to visit, I have no desire to live here. So Wade Knowlton is now free game.” Allie packed up her files and briefcase. “I’ll be in touch as soon as Dad talks to Dirk. If he seems amenable do you want me to set something up? Would you be willing to travel out to the ranch for that?”

  “Sure, as long as he’s free this weekend. Otherwise it’ll have to be a teleconference since I’m leaving Sunday.”

  “Unless Wade changes your mind.”

  “I’m not holding my breath,” Nikki said. “He’s given no indication that he wants to see me, and I haven’t decided if I’m even going to try.”

  “You’d be a fool not to. He’s a damned good man and I don’t just mean in bed.” Allie took up a pen and scratched on the back of a card. “Here’s his new address. Just don’t tell him where you got it, OK?”

  Nikki accepted the card. “You really think he’s still interested?”

  Allie cocked her head. “Let’s just say, I think he’s still persuadable, but that will depend on you.”

  Chapter 20

  After leaving the legal office, Nikki drove the hour south to Big Sky where she and Shelby checked into the luxurious Summit Resort. To Shelby’s delight, an envelope awaited her at the check-in desk. Her eyes widened to discover two box tickets to the next Broncos game…and a card with a telephone number scrawled on it.”

  “Holy cow!” Nikki exclaimed. “Box seats for a playoff game? I can’t believe how you finagled that.”

  Shelby regarded the tickets with a calculating look. “They aren’t playing Atlanta by any chance, are they?”

  “No. I think it’s a Texas team. I can’t recall which one. Why? Don’t tell me you’re going to put them on eBay.”