Hell on Heels (Hotel Rodeo #1)(49)

Sorry for being a miserable PITA.

“You’re not a pain in the ass,” Monica replied with a head shake. “You’re just frustrated. We all understand that, and we’re trying to make this as easy on you as possible, but it’s going to be an adjustment. And that’ll still take some time. Tom,” she hesitated, feeling a huge pang of guilt, but there was no easy way to do this. It was time to bite the bullet. “There’s something important we need to discuss. I know you aren’t going to like it, but you still need to hear me out.”

What is it? He tapped out.

She took a breath and blurted it out. “Evan’s here in Vegas. He wants to make an offer on the hotel. I think you should reconsider selling.”

Tom’s eyes hardened. He pounded his index finger on his iPad. Don’t like that a-hole.

“Please Tom, this is business. If you’re worried about Ty, he’ll walk away with millions. With that kind of money he can do whatever he wants.”

Ty wants hotel.

I don’t understand, Tom. If it’s so important to you, why not just sell it to him? Name the price you want. I’ll get him the lowest interest rate and easiest terms.”

Ty can’t do it alone. Needs you.

“Me?” She gave a wild laugh. “No, Tom. You’re quite mistaken about that. Ty has made perfectly clear that Ty only needs Ty.”

Don’t let him fool U.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t do this. This isn’t the life I want. It isn’t me. I want to go back to New York. I need to get my life back.”

Back with a-hole?

“I don’t know. I haven’t decided any of that yet.”

Evan no good 4 U. Need man like Ty.

She looked away with a forced laugh. “Me and Ty? He’s not my type at all. It could never work between us,” she added softly, “even if I wanted to try.”

Tom typed. I need you Monica.

Her heart wrenched at the tears in his eyes.

“No, Tom. You don’t. You have both Rosa and Ty here. I love you, but I just can’t stay any longer.” Her throat tightened as she clasped his hand between hers. “Please try to understand. I don’t want the responsibility of the hotel. I just need your decision on what to do about it. Either sell it to Evan or sign it over to Ty. I’ll do whatever you want me to do, but either way, I’m returning to New York.”

Tom typed two words. You decide.



Monica left Tom with a huge knot in her stomach. She knew what she had to do, what she’d promised all along she was going to do. Nevertheless, calling Evan felt like she was betraying Ty.

Although texting would have been easier, she took the bull by the horns and hit Evan’s number on speed dial. Although she’d steeled herself for the conversation, she was almost relieved to get his voice mail four rings later.

“Hello, Evan. It’s Monica. If you’re really interested in making a deal, meet me at the Encore Lobby Bar at eight.”



Ty spent the bulk of the day entertaining Delaney and “Just Call Me Phil.” Luckily, the ol’ man was a big fan of bull riding, and Ty knew all the cowboys. He also had close connections with the event promoters and was able to obtain tickets to a number of private functions, all of which seemed to score him some points with his potential investor. One of these was a tour-sponsored golf tournament. Ty hated the game, and was glad to leave early with the excuse of a lunch date with Cassie.

“So sorry I’m late, Cass,” Ty apologized and joined her at the table. “It’s been a hellish day.” Except for the sunrise with Monica, his entire day had sucked. He could only hope tonight would be better.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Ty.” She offered a sympathetic look. “I hope what I have for you will make it better.”

“Can’t make it worse. That’s for damned sure.”

The server appeared. They both ordered the Pad Thai. Cassie then reached under her chair to pull out her portfolio. Here are the renderings I promised.” She produced several sheets from inside. “When you mentioned bulls, I immediately thought of this. Of course, these are just conceptual, but if you like the idea, I’d be thrilled to take it to the next stage.”

Ty pushed his empty plate aside to peruse the sketches. He hadn’t been real specific about what he wanted, maybe because he wasn’t all that certain yet, figuring he’d know it when he saw it, but what she’d come up with didn’t even come close.

“This is a real interesting concept, Cassie, but not exactly the kind of design I had in mind for the new hotel complex.”

Cassie countered. “I know you were thinking along the lines of traditional rodeo, but that’s what South Point offers just five miles down The Strip. Didn’t you say you wanted something different? There’s a certain cachet to Old World. Look no further than the Bellagio and the Palazzo.”

She had a point, but this really wasn’t what he’d envisioned at all. He tried to let her down easy. “I appreciate your efforts and promise to think on it. I should know after this weekend if we’re going to be able move forward with the redesign or not. If things look promising, we’ll talk about it again.” He checked his watch. “I’ve gotta run now. See you later this evening? If you’d like to meet me at the hotel bar at seven, we can all drive over together. I’ve hired a limo for the night.”