Two to Wrangle by Victoria Vane Read Free Book Online Page A

she replied.
    â€œThe hotel is what I want, Monica.”
    â€œLook, Ty, even if you don’t want to, I’m still selling my interest. You see how this alters everything? I’m not in the picture anymore, so you can drop this whole seduction routine.”
    â€œIs that what you think?” he asked. “That I was just using you?”
    â€œAren’t you?” she asked. “Not that I really mind all that much.” She stepped closer and ran her hands slowly up his chest. “I want this too, Ty.”
    He scowled, all his former playfulness fading. “I don’t play these kinds of games.”
    As much as he wanted to want someone else, Monica was the only woman he desired. He’d taken her to his house, something he’d never done, making an exception—for her. But even after he’d confessed as much to her, she’d flat out walked on him the next day. From that morning until the night he’d gotten shit faced, she’d given him the cold shoulder. Even explaining about Cassie and Delaney hadn’t helped. It was as if everything that had happened between them had never taken place. He still couldn’t figure out where he’d gone wrong. Hell, he’d never tried so hard with a woman before.
    Hands on her shoulders, he backed her toward the door. “I’m sorry for you and me both, but you’re right that things have changed. I need more from you than just sex.”
    Her gray eyes widened in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re serious.”
    â€œAs a heart attack, sweetheart.” With mouth compressed, he gently but firmly propelled her out of his room. “My terms are nonnegotiable. I suggest you sleep on it.”
    Cursing the whole while under his breath, Ty closed the door. Instead of a warm, soft bed, he was now looking at an icy-cold shower. Although it sucked, sometimes short-term sacrifice was necessary for long-term gain. As much as he hated to admit it, he still needed Monica.
    Â 
    Feeling as if she’d been doused with ice water, Monica found herself staring at Ty’s closed door. She couldn’t believe his sudden about-face. Was it only last night that he’d begged her to stay with him? But now, when she’d offered herself on a silver platter, he was discarding her like yesterday’s leftovers?
    The same guy who never committed to anyone expected her to give up a month of her life for him? What was he risking? Nothing. While she had everything to lose. Her feelings for him went well beyond lust, but given his history with women, she just couldn’t take that kind of gamble. That thought still did nothing to console her as she lay awake in bed aching with deep, unsatisfied need.

Chapter Five
    B leary-eyed from lack of sleep, Ty dragged his sleepy ass out to the kitchen and straight to the coffeepot. Judging by the burned smell, it was already several hours old, but he didn’t care. He needed a big dose of something thick and strong to thin the cobwebs in his head.
    â€œHey, Ty. When’d you get in?” asked a perky voice that made him shudder.
    â€œEarly this morning,” he answered without turning around.
    â€œThen you drove straight through?”
    â€œYup,” he said.
    â€œI was really sorry to hear about Tom. I know how much he meant to you.”
    â€œThanks, Delaney.” He finally turned to acknowledge her. “Now may I ask what the hell you’re doing here?” He’d dreaded any encounters with his ex, but he should have known she’d come by the minute he arrived at the ranch. Here in Oklahoma, she was as unavoidable and inevitable as a springtime tornado.
    Setting her cup down, Delaney rose from the table to park herself squarely in front of him. “Came to offer my condolences, of course. It’s the civilized thing to do.”
    He cocked a brow. “Since when do you and me abide by any kinda rules of