Gambling It All

Chapter Six

"What's your position on marshmallows?" Nicky asked as he knocked on the doorjamb leading into Dixie's room.

She whirled around, several shirts in her hand, her suitcase open on the bed in front of her. "Not that I've given it hours of thought or anything, but overall, I give them a favorable rating, why?"

Nicky thrust his hands into his pockets and leaned against the doorframe, the picture of casual. "We're going to have a bonfire tonight and I figured we might be able to roast some hot dogs, some marshmallows, down a beer or two. You in?"

Dixie grinned happily. "I'm so in!"

Over the last few weeks, Dixie had gotten to know Earl and his ranch hands much better, sharing meals and laughter with them all. Though Nicky was still an enigma, he too had opened up and they had gotten to know each other at least a little better. Plus, as a bonus, Cade was due in to the ranch either tonight or tomorrow, making for a festive atmosphere for her temporary send off.

Nicky smiled, watching with a feeling much like dismay as she continued to pack her suitcase. Dixie had been on Gamble Ranch for several weeks, and he'd become accustomed to their routine, and to her presence. To know she was leaving for several weeks tomorrow felt... weird.

He was going to miss having her around, he realized. She brought a spark to the place...

"How long will you be gone?" He asked, almost shyly.

She looked up with a small smile. "A few weeks. I have some stand alone clients who need work, and you have the routine down now, I hope. You'll be glad to be rid of me, I can bet on it. But I'll be back before Qatar testing to give you the once over. Cade told me if he isn't pleased, he might drag my ass around the world with you guys."

"Would you do that?" Nicky asked, surprised. It was the first he'd heard of that plan; he'd have to ask Cade about it when he arrived tonight or tomorrow.

Dixie shrugged, noncommittal. "I love the life on the road and the racing atmosphere, and miss being out with my brothers, but it would definitely be an upheaval. I'd have to think about it pretty seriously before I committed one way or the other."

"Sure," Nicky said easily. "I get that."

Dixie paused, studying him. "You're going to be fine while I'm gone, you know. I know you aren't one hundred percent, health-wise, but you're getting there. You don't need me here to hold your hand for a couple of weeks. You can hold Cade's instead."

Nicky snorted. "Gee. Thanks."

Dixie laughed. "When's the conflagration due to start?"

"Sundown," Nicky said. "Just follow the big glow of fire in the back field. I'll bring the beer and brats; you bring the blankets in case your delicate little soul takes a chill."

"You can get out now," Dixie said easily, smiling as she heard Nicky's laugh echo down the hall.

**

He was right, though, Dixie thought, tucking the blanket under her arm and walking briskly towards the enormous tower of fire in the near distance. The temperature had dropped when the sun did, and she was grateful for her sweater and the promise of a blanket.

And, you know, a huge fire by which to keep warm.

"Hey," Nicky said by way of greeting, handing her a beer and taking the blanket from her arms and setting it aside.

"I was picturing a little campfire," Dixie said, looking around. "This is more like Dante's Inferno," she noted as Earl tossed another huge branch onto the burning stack.