Hell on Heels (Hotel Rodeo #1)(50)

“Sure. I wouldn’t miss it.” She laid a hand on his arm with an inviting smile that he once would have responded to, but that was before Monica.

After his brief meeting with Cassie, Ty made a trip to his office to drop off the sketches and then headed down to the saloon. Although he had a powerful craving for something strong to ease his growing tension, he chained up that old demon and settled for a beer.

“How’s it going, Ty?” Gabby asked. “Haven’t seen you around much this week.”

“Been real busy,” he said.

“I haven’t seen much of Boss Lady either,” Gabby said with a meaningful look. “I like her, Ty.”

“Do you now?” he remarked noncommittally.

“At first I thought she was a real tight ass,” Gabby continued, “but she’s really not like that at all once you get to know her.”

“That so?” He took another sip.

“C’mon, Ty,” Gabby cajoled. “I know you’re seeing her, and I’m glad about it. I think you could be really good for each other.”

He laughed outright. “Why the hell would you think that?”

“Because it’s that whole opposites attract, yin-yang thing, you know?”

He shook his head. “Been there, done that. I don’t buy into that shit.”

“Monica is nothing like Delaney, Ty, Gabby said. “You need to stop thinking every woman is out to screw you over.”

He speared her with a dark look. “And you need to tend your own pastures, Gabby. My love life is none of your business.” He up-ended his glass and beckoned for a refill.

“I’m just saying—”

“You got everything you need for the after-party?”

She blinked at his abrupt change of subject. His message had come through clear.

“Yes, we do. I ordered several kegs of Lone Star and the caterer’s specialty is Texas barbecue.”

“Good thinking, Gabby. Uncle Phil loves his brisket.” He downed the second beer and tipped his hat. “I’ll see you tonight between ten and eleven.”



Monica entered the Encore Lobby Bar in new heels and a formfitting little black dress from Prada. Evan spotted her right away, rising from the bar and meeting her halfway, his dark eyes sweeping over her appreciatively. “You look fabulous, Mon.” He greeted her with a kiss. Although he’d aimed for her lips, she gave him her cheek.

“Hello, Evan. You look great too.”

That much was true. Even while casually dressed, Evan was always impeccably groomed, from his freshly cut hair to his buffed nails. She’d always found that look most appealing. Until now. Was she really starting to prefer whisker shadow and a cowboy hat? Or worn wranglers over an Armani power suit? The thought almost boggled her mind.

She suddenly conjured a vision of Evan in the hat and boots and almost laughed aloud. The image of Ty in the power suit, however, made her mouth water. Even with two-day beard bristle and untrimmed hair, the clothes wouldn’t make the man. Ty would make those clothes.

“C’mon. Let me buy you a drink.” Evan’s hand landed on the small of her back. She reacted with an urge to shake it off. It wasn’t aversion to his touch that put her off but the possessiveness of the gesture. He seemed to have presumed this meeting was more than just business. She’d have to set him straight right away.

A waitress appeared almost immediately to take their order. “Balvenie Double Wood neat,” Evan ordered. They lady will have Calvados.”

Evan knew all her likes and dislikes. Or at least he thought he did. “Make that a bourbon,” Monica said, just to be contrary. “Jim Beam Devil’s Cut neat.”

“Sure thing,” the waitress nodded and left.

“My tastes seem to be changing,” she said, answering Evan’s questioning look. It was true. Many things had changed in the month since she’d left New York.

“Mine haven’t,” Evan said. “If anything, maybe I finally appreciate how good I had it.”

“What are you saying?” she asked.

“I’m talking about us. You and me. We were damned good together, Mon. I realize now what I’m missing, and I want it back.”

“Some things can’t be undone.”

“I already admitted I was a dick. I know that. You gotta understand, I’m used to getting what I want. I didn’t get where I am by taking no for an answer.”

“So when you don’t get what you want, you resort to tantrums and threats?”

He shrugged. “It usually works. This time it didn’t. I should have used more finesse.”

“Is that what this is now? A show of finesse?”

“Damn it, don’t twist my words. I’m trying to make it up to you. Come back to New York with me. Let’s start over. I’ll even buy you a new ring. Anything you want. We can leave here and go straight to Tiffany’s.”

“A ring isn’t going to miraculously make everything better, Evan. The relationship wasn’t working.”

“The hell it wasn’t,” he protested.

“Maybe I should rephrase—it wasn’t working for me. I realize that now.” It had taken Ty to make her see the light—or, more precisely, the sunrise. She couldn’t even imagine waking up to watch the sun come up wrapped in Evan’s arms.