Two To Wrangle (Hotel Rodeo #2)(6)

Chapter Three


Monica left Las Vegas on Evan’s Gulfstream, bound for Oklahoma. She hadn’t wanted to fly with him, but it was the most practical solution. Tom’s place had a private airstrip for the Beechcraft Bonanza he liked to pilot, while the nearest commercial airport was almost two hours away. On top of that, the housekeeper, Rosa, had informed her there wasn’t a hotel within fifty miles of the ranch.

“Do you plan to stay at the ranch tonight?” Monica asked.

Evan’s gaze met hers with a suggestive look. “It depends on what kind of invitation you’re offering.”

“Not that kind,” she replied, eager to quash any suggestion of intimacy.

“Then no,” Evan replied. “I’ve been away from New York long enough. Just let me know as soon as you’re ready and I’ll send the plane back for you. In the meantime,” he took her hand, caressing her knuckles with his thumb, “I’ve got something for you to think about.” He reached his other hand into his pocket and retrieved a small velvet box.

“No, Evan.” She jerked her hand out of his grasp. “I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t accept your ring.”

Only weeks ago she’d believed her future was safe, secure, and wrapped in a neat bow. She had a dream job and one of New York’s most sought-after bachelors as her fiancé. Evan was the best her world had to offer—handsome, rich, powerful, and successful. They were a perfect match, two of a kind, she and Evan—or so she’d believed—until he’d revealed an ugly, selfish, and manipulating side. She’d known then that she could never tie herself to him.

“C’mon, Monica,” he cajoled. “I meant it when I said I need you back. Just wear it for a while. The ring suits you, and we suit each other. Please don’t disappoint me again.”

In the next breath he pulled her into his arms for a deep kiss. Taken off guard, she didn’t fight it, but she didn’t reciprocate either. She’d never thought of Evan as a bad kisser, but that was before Ty. She never would have believed that a cowboy’s kisses could make her head spin. But they could and they did. Every single damned time.

It seemed like forever before Evan released her. She was irritated that he’d take advantage of her vulnerability to re-stake his claim, but Evan had always been an opportunist.

“Please don’t pressure me like this, Evan. I’m not ready for this kind of decision right now.”

“What is it, Mon? I need to know.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“You’re so cagey and aloof. You were never like that before. There’s something different about you, and it’s not just since your father passed away. I noticed it as soon as I saw you. Do you have a thing going with that cowboy?”

Evan wasn’t stupid. Although she’d denied all along that they were involved, he’d picked up on the vibe between her and Ty. She didn’t know if it was more jealousy or possessiveness, but once he’d identified the cowboy as a rival, he’d taken every opportunity to interpose himself as a buffer between them. Rather than comforting, Evan’s continued presence had become increasingly annoying, but he knew as well as she did that once he left, she’d be alone again with Ty.

The idea of that had her in agony. She knew better than to spend any more time with him, especially after last night, but how could she avoid it? Thankfully, Ty was driving to Oklahoma because Rosa refused to fly, which gave Monica time to steel herself.

“No, Evan. There’s nothing between him and me.” She voiced the present tense with a clear conscience. Whatever had been between them was definitely over, or so she kept telling herself. “I just need some space, all right? I just lost my father. We’ll talk about everything once I get back to New York.”

“All right.” Evan backed off, palms raised in surrender. “You need some time, I’ll give you that, but you know I’m not a patient man. When you get back to New York, I’m going to expect an answer.”





Tom’s attorney, Bob Wright, was there to greet Monica when she stepped off the plane. She’d met him once before, years ago, when Tom had legally adopted her and again when he’d rewritten his will.

“Ms. Brandt.” He offered his hand. “Good to see you again, although I heartily regret the circumstances. Tom was a good man and a true friend. We’ll all miss him.”

“Yes. We will,” she agreed, fighting the lump in her throat.

“Is this your first time on the ranch?” Bob asked.

“It is, actually,” Monica answered. “Tom invited me several times, but I never came. Now I wish I had. I feel like a total stranger here.” She almost wished she’d waited for Rosa and Ty before coming, but she was on Evan’s timetable and he was eager to get back to New York.

“Maybe you’ll feel more at home once I introduce you around,” Bob suggested.

“That’s kind of you, but it really doesn’t matter,” she said. “I don’t plan to stay long.”

“Gettin’ itchy for the big city already, Ms. Brandt?” he teased.

“I admit feeling very much out of my element,” she confessed.

“Since we have some time, why don’t I show you the place?” Bob suggested.