Slow Hand by Victoria Vane Read Free Book Online Page B

of how well they might suit in other ways—something he was mighty inspired to discover.
    Hell, yeah . He looked down as he soaped himself. He was damned inspired.

Chapter 4
    Having made her reports to both the airline and the police, Nikki phoned the Georgia Department of Driver Services, but hung up in frustration after holding for more than twenty minutes. “Is there a computer I could use?” she asked Iris. “The recording said most services are available online. Maybe I can request a duplicate license that way.”
    â€œBe my guest.” The older woman smiled and vacated her seat. “I have some filing to do anyway.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Only a moment later Nikki cried out with increasing aggravation, “Damn it! I can’t believe this! I feel like a dog chasing its tail! The website says I can only request a duplicate license with a credit card, and I’ve already canceled my credit cards!”
    â€œIs there anyone you can call?” Iris asked. “Do you have a family member who might allow you to use their card?”
    â€œMy mom and I aren’t exactly on speaking terms and my half sister doesn’t have a credit card. Too irresponsible.” Nikki shook her head on a sigh of frustration and despair. “What am I going to do?”
    â€œDon’t fret, sweetie.” She patted Nikki’s hand. “Wade’ll help you get it all sorted out. It’s what he does.”
    â€œProfessionally you mean?”
    â€œYes, but more than that,” Iris said. “He carries a great deal on those broad shoulders.”
    â€œHow so?”
    â€œHe’s the only thing that’s kept his family’s ranch afloat these past three years. Under those good looks is also a real good man—a man who should settle down, if you ask me, but he’s burning himself out working all the time like he is. Trying to make up for lost time I s’pose, but I still hate to see it.”
    â€œReally?” Nikki said. “He hardly strikes me as the workaholic type with all that charm and swagger.”
    Iris shook her head. “You should have known him before. But it’s been even worse on his brother Dirk. He isn’t the same man at all.”
    â€œBefore what?” Nikki asked. “I’m not following you.”
    â€œBefore the accident—”
    â€œIris, you worry too much,” Wade’s baritone voice interrupted the exchange.
    He stood in the doorway knotting his necktie. He was now clean-shaven, with his wet hair slicked back. To Nikki’s chagrin, the lack of beard growth only accentuated the damned chin dimple. “I already have a mother, if you recall, and don’t need two. Besides, I’m certain Miz Powell has little interest in my personal history.” His rebuke over the gossip was kind but real, delivered with a steely-eyed smile.
    â€œSorry, Wade.” Iris flushed, visibly cowed. “I just think you should take some time off and enjoy life a bit before it all passes you by.”
    â€œI just returned from two days in Denver,” he said.
    â€œA working trip,” she argued. “Hardly a vacation.”
    â€œWhen the ranch is sold, maybe I’ll take some time off. Perhaps I’ll go to Mexico or try a cruise— if I can find an interesting traveling companion.” He slanted Nikki a sly look.
    What game was he playing by repeating her earlier wishes to go to Mexico or take a cruise? Every comment he made seemed loaded with innuendo.
    When Iris went back to filing, he added in an undertone, “My, my, Miz Powell. All charm and swagger, am I? That’s quite an improvement since I left the room. Words like that are sure to turn my head.”
    Nikki’s gaze locked onto his teasing one, and she felt another flush coming on. “I hardly meant it as a compliment.” Hell no . She’d been a fool for his type too many times before. She didn’t believe his