Two To Wrangle (Hotel Rodeo #2)(15)

“A nanny?” Ty repeated blankly.

“Yes. Rosa practically raised me. There’s no one else I’d rather have.”

“Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse?”

Delaney set her chin. “One way or another, Ty, I’m going to have a baby. I’ll give you a few more days to mull over my offer, but after that, consider it off the table.”

Ty watched Delaney flounce off with a rueful shake of his head. He’d shackled himself to her once before, and that was one time too many. He wondered now what he’d ever seen in her besides a pretty face and a hot ass. Although she’d put on about twenty pounds since they were together, the curves seemed to go with her sass. He was quick to shake that thought away—he wasn’t going to sleep with her again. No. Way. In. Hell. Although they’d screwed like rabbits their first few months together, when it was over, it was well and truly over. He didn’t have a f*cking clue where else to turn, but Delaney’s price was higher than he was willing to pay.



Replaying the events of last night, Monica rolled out of bed with a groan. What the hell had she been thinking when she threw herself at Ty? She didn’t know how she was going to face him in the light of day, so she avoided it for as long as she could. After taking a longer than normal shower, she skipped breakfast and then decided to look for Bob. It would be best just to get all the legalities over with and then leave. She should text Evan too. He’d offered his plane. She fully intended to take him up on it. Yesterday was none too soon to shake off the Oklahoma dust.

Not finding Bob in the office, she decided to try the kitchen. Rounding the corner, she collided smack into a buxom blonde in a Western shirt and skin-tight jeans.

“Omigod! So sorry,” the blonde exclaimed. “I was too pissed off to even see where I was going.”

It took only a few seconds for Monica to recognize Delaney. Although they’d never been introduced, she’d seen the other woman in Vegas once before.

Delaney stepped back, eyeing her appraisingly. “So you’re Monica. No wonder Ty’s all twisted up. Please pardon my lack of manners.” She offered her hand. “I’m Delaney, Ty’s—”

“Ex?” Monica supplied.

“Yup.” Delaney grinned. “But there’s no love lost on either side, believe me on that. Least not anymore,” she added ruefully.

Did Delaney still carry a torch for Ty? Her expression suggested it, even if her words didn’t. Not that Monica could blame her. She hadn’t quite kicked the Ty habit yet either.

“I came by to offer my condolences,” Delaney said. “Tom was a damn good man. They don’t make ’em like him anymore.”

“Thank you, Delaney,” Monica replied stiffly. While she appreciated the sentiments, their meeting like this was awkward as hell.

“How long are you staying at the ranch?” Delaney asked.

“Not long. I’ll probably leave as soon as I’ve scattered Tom’s ashes.” Monica averted her gaze with a blink. The tears still threatened to come down at unexpected moments. “And gone through his effects.” She still hadn’t been able to start that process. How would she ever get through it? Especially with Ty by her side.

Delaney looked surprised. “You brought his remains back with you?”

“Yes. I know he’d want to be here. Ty says he knows the perfect place.”

“Down by the river?” Delaney asked.

“Yes.” Monica’s furrowed her brows. “How did you know?”

“It’s where Tom used to take Ty fishing. They both loved to fish.”

Monica felt a surge of jealousy mixed with resentment that this near stranger knew more about her father’s life than she did.

“Do you ride?” Delaney asked.

“You mean horses?” Monica replied.

“Yeah,” Delaney grinned. “Sorry, that part’s implied in rural Oklahoma.”

“Not really,” Monica confessed. “I’ve been on one a few times, but it’s been years.”

“That might present a bit of a problem,” Delaney said.

“Why’s that?”

“ ’Cause there’s no other easy way to get to that spot. They always went out on horseback.” Delaney gave her another once-over and frowned. “You at least got some jeans and boots?”

Monica’s jaw dropped. She was wearing navy slacks and her customary heels. It hadn’t even occurred to her that she’d need more appropriate clothes. It wasn’t that big of a deal when Bob had driven her around on the golf cart yesterday, but riding a horse was impossible in heels.

“I guess that means no,” Delaney remarked. “What size boot do you wear?”

“Seven and a half,” Monica said.

“I’m an eight. You can wear some thick socks. Looks like I’ve got you covered in that department. I probably have some jeans you can borrow too.” She eyed Monica with drawn brows. “What are you, about a six?”

“Six or eight, depending on the designer,” Monica said.

“The only designer ’round these parts is Wrangler. I still have a pair or two from my skinnier days that might fit you. I think you’ll be a lot more comfortable out here in the right clothes.”