From This Moment On (12 page)

He frowned, darted her a glance. “What’s that?”

She sighed again. The thought had passed through her mind so many times she wasn’t sure she’d meant to say it out loud. “I haven’t had many dates. Not the real kind. Like tonight with you picking me up at the house.”

“Why not?”

“It wasn’t like that in high school.” She shrugged. “My friends and I did group things and then sometimes paired off. After graduation I worked nights, even when I went to community college, so I didn’t have time for a social life.”

“We went out in groups, too. Mostly to football games or rodeos, so I get that. But what about proms or dances or just dinner and a movie?”

Nikki bit her lip. Ten years later and she still cringed just hearing the word
prom.

“Obviously you think I’m an old-fashioned country boy, and you go right ahead—”

“I don’t think that at all. Don’t put words in my mouth.”

“I see you trying not to laugh.” He caught her hand again. “A woman accepts an invitation from me and she’s gonna get picked up at her house, and seen to her door at the end of the night.”

“Oh, boy, if you ever have daughters their teen years won’t be pretty.”

He let out a short laugh. “Probably not.”

“I like that you’re all gentlemanly and chivalrous.” She saw the corner of his mouth quirk. “I do. It’s nice. I wasn’t laughing.” She braced herself. “I had a bad prom experience,” she said, hoping she was right, that telling Trace would ease the tightness in her chest. “I’d met this boy at the mall when I was fifteen. Garrett was seventeen, a private school kid. His family was loaded. Obviously he didn’t live in
my
neighborhood.

“Anyway, he followed me and a girlfriend around, asked for my cell number, tried to buy me lunch. I kept saying no and—” She smiled sadly. “And probably giggled a lot. Garrett was hot and funny and smart, and not what I was used to, so of course I was flattered. Every day for a week he showed up at the food court where we hung out. I have to admit, I looked forward to seeing him. Finally I gave him my number and agreed to go to a movie. The next weekend it was a party and then another party after that. It went on for three months.

“My friend was convinced he was using me, but he’d never pushed me into sex. We made out a lot but nothing too hot and heavy. I mean, I think Garrett really did like me. He even asked me to go to his prom.” Taking a breather, she studied the familiar storefronts they were passing. Were they headed back to the highway?

Trace squeezed her hand, then released it to use the turn signal. “I’m still listening,” he said quietly.

“His friend heard him ask me and I should’ve gotten a clue from his shocked face. But I was too excited. I’d seen a dress at the mall, a very expensive dress, and I was already planning the argument I’d give my mom. We couldn’t afford it, but I begged and pleaded so I wouldn’t feel out of place with all the rich girls. She gave in, then two days before the prom, Garrett called it off. He was still going, but he had to take someone else.”

She saw that he was pulling the truck over to the curb. “What are you doing? Don’t stop.” Part of the reason she was able to talk about it was the situation. Trace had to divide his attention, and somehow that made it easier. “Please.”

The helpless uncertainty in his eyes touched her. “All right,” he said finally, and returned to the flow of traffic.

“Garrett said he felt terrible. His parents had hired a limo for him, and a photographer to take pictures, and he said he was sorry but they wouldn’t understand him taking someone like me to the prom. He had college to consider and didn’t want to piss them off.” She refused to look for Trace’s reaction. “He said nothing had to change between us. He wanted to continue seeing me.”

“What a bastard.” He spat the words with so much anger she had to look at him. The veins stuck out on his neck.

“It’s okay. Jeez, it was so long ago. Anyway, I should’ve known better. My friends tried to tell me.”

“Tell you what?” Now he sounded angry with her friends.

“That I should stick to my own kind, and that Garrett was too class conscious and would eventually kick me to the curb.” She laid a hand on his thigh. “I don’t think about him anymore. Honestly, I don’t. Of course it crushed me at the time. I was only fifteen. In my head Garrett was like Wallace and I was mad at myself for being as stupid and weak as my mother.”

Trace shot her a confused look.

“Like I said, I was fifteen. One week my mom was the enemy, the next she was my BFF. I took so much crap out on her.” Nikki shuddered at the memories. “What still bothers me is the dress. She busted her butt working overtime to buy it for me. And I couldn’t return it because—” Oh, God.

She laid her head back against the headrest watching the thinning crowd. No use admitting she’d been the worst possible self-centered idiot. It wouldn’t change anything. Already she’d said too much. Trace was probably disgusted with this new glimpse of her. She was pretty sure they were about to reach the highway that would take them back to Blackfoot Falls.

Her hand still rested on his thigh. She could feel the muscle bunch when he applied the brake. “I wanted you to know how special tonight was for me,” she said. “That’s why I told you all that. I wish I hadn’t gone overboard— I don’t know, it felt good to let it out. It’s the first time I’ve told anyone.”

“I’m glad it was me.” He caught her hand when she tried to pull it away and put it back on his thigh. “Garrett’s a damn fool but I can’t say I’m sorry he blew it with you,” he said as they passed the last two motels on the outskirts of town.

If he had planned on a more intimate night, she’d screwed that up. She’d treated him like a friend, not a lover, and she’d never had a man play both roles in her life. And, dammit, Trace made a really great friend. Although she still wanted to find out if she was right about what kind of lover he’d be. She’d sure thought about it often enough.

She held back a sigh. “Hey, can we listen to some music? Matt said they have radio stations here.”

“Yep.” Trace turned the knob and a country song blasted from the speakers. He lowered the volume. “We’ll have reception for about thirty minutes. Go ahead, find something you like.”

Thank God. She was sick of all the country music people played at the bar. After a few seconds of button pushing, she settled on a classic rock station. “This okay with you?” She looked over to find him smiling. “What?”

“I do enjoy your enthusiasm.”

She thought for a moment and laughed. “Matt wanted to kill me by the time we reached Blackfoot Falls. On the trip back we had rules about how many times I was allowed to change stations.”

Trace’s grin widened. “No rules in this truck. Go for it.”

“Ah, you really know how to sweet-talk a girl.” She turned to face him and curled up in the seat. She wasn’t the type to daydream or replay events over and over in her head, not since she was a teenager, anyway. But tonight would live in her memory for a very long time.

They’d been driving awhile when Trace flipped on the interior light and looked over at her.

She blinked. “What are you doing?”

“Getting another eyeful of that dress. Kind of a shame it has to come off,” he said, watching her carefully.

Her breath caught. “And that would be...when?”

12

“T
HIS
ISN
’
T
HOW
I planned tonight.” He shook his head at himself. She was staring at him, looking as confused as he felt. “I want you, Nikki. That’s not news, I know. But I swear I had every intention of taking the evening nice and slow...have dinner, show you around...return you to the Lone Wolf...”

“You do realize we left Kalispell a while ago.” A small smile lifted her lips and made her eyes sparkle.

“Of course I know.” He tried not to sound irritable. “I had to get us out of town before we passed one more damn motel and I did something stupid.”

Laughing softly, she scooted closer. “I was really hoping for stupid.”

His heart worked overtime. “Yeah?”

Nodding, she slid her palm up his thigh.

He checked the rearview mirror, saw there were no other cars and slowed to make a U-turn.

“Wait.”

No way he’d misread her. But he brought the truck to a complete stop and met her eyes.

“Are we closer to Kalispell or Blackfoot Falls?”

“About the same. Maybe five minutes less to get home.” He saw where she was headed with this. “No privacy, though.”

She stroked his thigh, her heat penetrating the thick denim. The side of her hand brushed his fly, and he gritted his teeth. “Five minutes will seem like forever,” she said, leaning over and kissing him. “And I bet we find lots of privacy.”

“Not if you want a bed,” he said, but he’d already released the brakes and was picking up speed toward Blackfoot Falls.

“You have a blanket in that big cargo box you keep in the back?” She reached up to flip off the light, letting her breast graze his arm.

Trace’s laugh came out hoarse. “You’re killing me.”

“Sorry.” Sighing, she laid her head on his shoulder. “Can’t this truck go any faster?”

Later he’d be pissed at himself for stepping on the gas and ignoring caution. But right now he was thinking like her. The sooner they got to Blackfoot Falls the better, and he knew the perfect place. Pretty sad that at twenty-seven he’d resort to his high school make-out spot. Though no sense wasting a full moon.

He blasted the radio for a distraction. Then alternated between five and fifteen miles over the speed limit. By the time he turned off the highway and parked the truck, Nikki was pulling his shirt out of his jeans. She attacked the buttons, and man, he thought for sure she’d end up ripping the shirt open. But when he held her face in his hands and kissed her long and slow, her feverish pace settled to a sexy caress.

“You can wait here while I get the blanket and a flashlight from the back.” He’d meant to pull away and go do what he said he’d do, but her eagerness was contagious. Barely had he dragged his lips from hers when his craving for more pulled him back for another sweep of her mouth.

She clung to his right shoulder, the tips of her fingers digging into him, her mouth soft and yielding, her exotic scent seeking a permanent nook inside his head. Damned if he knew how he could make himself leave her even for a minute. He cupped a hand over her breast. She wasn’t wearing a bra and he felt her hard beaded nipple through the thin fabric.

Her fingers went back to the buttons and she continued where she’d left off, tugging with impatience, her breaths coming fast and hard in his mouth. Fear that he’d end up coming before he peeled off his jeans motivated him to make the break.

“Nikki, wait. Let me get us set up.”

“I can’t wait,” she whispered, pushing his shirt off one shoulder and pressing her lips against his skin.

“I’m in the same boat, honey,” he murmured, his body so tense he thought he might have to physically remove her to a safe distance. Her hand lowered to his fly. “Dammit, Nikki.”

“Okay.” She slumped back. “Hurry.”

Leaving on the headlights, he fumbled with the door handle, cussing while she laughed. He waited until he was outside the truck before he looked at her. Nikki stared back, her moist lips glistening, her face flushed with need. “Your dress...don’t take it off yet.” He couldn’t decide if he wanted to do the honors, or lie back and watch her strip down in the moonlight.

Her lips moved in a teasing smile. “You sure?”

“No.” Barely intelligible, the strangled sound seemed to come from his throat. “Just...just leave it on for now.”

He found the blanket, then remembered the flashlight was in his glove box. It didn’t matter. The moon was bright and the sky cloudless. He inspected the tall grass, kicked away a couple rocks, then shook out the blanket. Crouching, he ran his palm over the wool to make sure nothing hard lay underneath, wishing he were about to make love to her on a soft bed with silk sheets.

Maybe he should’ve insisted they return to Kalispell. He should’ve taken a minute to make sure it was his brain doing the thinking. He didn’t want to get this wrong. Nikki deserved to feel special. She’d nearly torn his heart out telling him about the prom incident and that prick Garrett.

He was straightening when he heard the car door. She stepped out and walked over to him. “I thought you’d started without me,” she said, grinning and kicking her strappy black high heels onto the blanket.

“I like those.” Nodding at the sandals, he loosened his buckle. “I like them a lot.”

“You would. They’re ridiculously high and pinch my feet.”

“So why wear ’em?”

Nikki wrinkled her nose. “I knew you’d like them,” she said, looking small and fragile in her bare feet. Her sudden burst of laughter had a nice sound to it, lusty and full of humor, and she wasn’t the least self-conscious.

So far that’s what he’d liked most about the night. Their relationship had reached a new level. Knowing she was comfortable enough with him to share a part of herself gave him a quiet pleasure he scarcely understood. It wasn’t easy for a woman like her to let her guard down and trust she wouldn’t be burned.

“What’s that expression for?” Her smile slipped. “I was loud, I know.” She shivered, her dark eyes sweeping a gaze toward the trees that flanked them on the right. “I hope I didn’t attract a bunch of critters.”

“Just one.” He reached for her and tugged her close.

A warm gentle breeze stirred her hair as she tipped her head back to look up at him. “I love tonight. I love everything about it.” She wound her arms around him. “And as much as I’m beginning to like Gypsy, I’m glad she stayed home.”

“I wondered if you recognized the place.”

“Of course I do. We kissed here for the first time.”

Trace smiled. Damn sentimental coming from her. “We have a lot more to do than kissing.” He skimmed his hand down her back, molded his palm and fingers over her firm round bottom. “After tonight, I suspect this place will deserve its own monument.”

“Wow, that’s pretty cocky.”

“Hell no, I’m counting on you to do your part.”

Her throaty laugh had him searching for her zipper. He found the tab and carefully drew it down her back. She did a little shimmy that helped him pull the snug-fitting dress up to her waist, then she raised her arms. His heart raced and his pulse was going nuts as he lifted the dress over her head. She stood there in nothing but tiny black panties.

He rearranged the long dark hair swirling around her shoulders so that he could see all of her. She had amazing skin, the slight golden color, the silky texture, her dusky rose nipples flushed with arousal... She was so beautiful he couldn’t breathe. “God, Nikki.”

“Come on, Trace,” she said, putting her hands on his chest where his shirt hung open. She slid them up over his ribs and pecs and shoved the fabric off his shoulders.

He shrugged out of the shirt while she unzipped his fly, his short jerky movements hindering rather than speeding things along. “Wait,” he said when she started tugging down his jeans. “I gotta get rid of the boots first.”

“I’m not waiting.” Her impatient hands were everywhere. But it was the one she was trying to slide into his boxers that would be his undoing.

“Okay, if that’s how you want to play it.” He took her shoulders and turned her around, ignoring her gasp, and forcing her to lean back against his chest and thighs. Banding an arm across her ribs, he held her in place and slipped his free hand inside her panties.

* * *

A
FIERCE
JOLT
of longing rocked Nikki against his probing fingers. “What are you doing?” A moan punctuated her protest. His mouth was near her ear, his warm breath gliding over her sensitive skin. She clutched his forearm, intending to force him to let go, but all she did was hang on.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured, his voice a gravelly whisper, and then he was kissing the side of her neck and if he said anything else she couldn’t hear, not when his fingers circled and plunged and made it hard for her to breathe.

She had the vague thought that she should make him stop. Need burned too hot inside her and it had been so long since she’d been with a man. And to make things worse and better at the same time, this was Trace.

God, he had great hands. She leaned back against his strong chest and closed her eyes, moaning when he cupped the weight of her breast. It took her a moment to realize that with both hands busy he was no longer trapping her body against his. But as soon as she tried to move, he released her breast and again banded his arm across her ribs. His fingers between her thighs hadn’t let up even a little.

“Let me take your jeans off,” she said, her voice a notch above a whisper.

In answer he intensified the pressure of his circling thumb on just the right spot to keep her submissive. The strength to argue was slipping away, replaced with an overwhelming need to let him take her to that surreal place where she couldn’t think. Only feel the amazing things he was doing to her body. And knowing that if her weakened knees gave out, Trace was a man she could count on. He would never let her fall.

His sure and unrelenting fingers hit a new plateau, and the sound that escaped her lips was more whimper than moan. Heat surged through her, melting her bones and willpower and the last of her resistance.

“Come on, baby, let go,” Trace whispered. “I’ve got you.” His warm lips moved over her skin, down the side of her neck and brushed her shoulder.

She quivered, knowing it was coming, any second...any second...any...

Her climax hit with such force she rocked back against him. Still he wouldn’t let up on the pressure. He tightened his hold around her middle, his other hand anchored between her thighs, his fingers steady and determined as the most breathtaking sensation rippled through her. Each new wave of pleasure pulled her in deeper, surrounding her in a soft sensual fog and threatening to rob her of air.

His breathing came as fast as hers, racing over her fevered skin, making her want more and more. Wanting him to share the same dizzying experience. She was still weak but able to stand on her own. He didn’t fight her when she pried his arm away from her body, then moved her hips to disengage his fingers. She spun to face him and saw the desire burning hot in his eyes. She had the distinct feeling her stamina would be tested tonight. Well, she planned on testing his right back.

She went for his jeans again, but Trace seemed set on kissing her. He used his tongue to part her lips, then slipped inside her mouth and palmed her left breast. Nikki managed to shove his jeans down to the lower section of his thighs, and then she remembered his boots. That’s what had tripped them up the first time.

Her patience was gone. She broke away. “Sit down.”

“In a minute,” he murmured, trying to capture her mouth again.

She turned her head, but that didn’t stop him. He settled for kissing her jaw. “Now,” she ordered, then gasped when he sucked in her nipple. She let him have his way for a few more seconds because, God, it felt so good. Then she lowered herself to the blanket and he followed her down.

“Boots,” she said, shoving him away when he tried to lay her back. She grabbed one, and he tugged off the other boot.

After that it was easy to strip him of his jeans. She reached for his black boxers at the same time he tried to pull off her panties. They got tangled up for a second and started laughing, though neither of them would give in and let go. Finally they were both naked, and Nikki just stared at him.

How could he be so perfect? From the breadth of his shoulders to the thickness and length of his erection, to the ridges of muscle in his thighs and calves. She wanted him to stand up so she could get a better look. And his ass...she’d already felt it through the denim and knew it was perfect, too. She still wanted to see.

“I don’t suppose you’d want to get up and twirl around for me?” she said, grinning at how his brows shot up.

“Not as long as you’re willing to reciprocate.” His slow sexy smile distracted her.

She jerked at the feel of his hand sliding between her thighs. Clamping her legs together she stopped him from going any further. “Condoms? We should be ready.”

“Right here.” He reached behind to his jeans and produced a packet.

“Wow, you’re good. I didn’t even see you—” She’d forgotten about his hand. The startling invasion of his fingers made her tremble. She bit down on her lip, too hard, but at least it brought her to her senses. “No,” she said, wiggling backward. “Not yet.”

She came up on her knees and pushed on his shoulders, forcing him to lie back. He wouldn’t go down all the way, but braced himself on his elbows and watched her. She didn’t care. She had what she wanted. With the tip of her finger she lightly traced the hard silken length of his cock, then circled the crown. It leaped at her touch.

“This isn’t gonna work.” His voice was hoarse and his expression strained. His body had tightened, so that it seemed every muscle across his belly and down his thighs was clearly defined.

“Seems to be working just fine.” Nikki gave him a light squeeze then stroked upward.

His laugh turned into a groan. He briefly closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. Then he let out a slow exhale. “I’m serious.”

“About?” She took her time exploring, grateful for the bright moonlight, and ignoring his low moans, the occasional hiss. She already knew from the day he was at the Lone Wolf that his belly, shoulders and back were as tan as his forearms and face. He obviously worked a lot without a shirt. But now she also knew exactly how low he wore his jeans. The tan stopped two inches below his belly button. Still, he wasn’t lily-white, and she wondered if the McAllisters had Native American blood in them.