Two to Wrangle by Victoria Vane Page B

he’d want to be here. Ty says he knows the perfect place.”
    â€œDown by the river?” Delaney asked.
    â€œYes.” Monica’s furrowed her brows. “How did you know?”
    â€œIt’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.
    â€œDo you ride?” Delaney asked.
    â€œYou mean horses?” Monica replied.
    â€œYeah,” Delaney grinned. “Sorry, that part’s implied in rural Oklahoma.”
    â€œNot really,” Monica confessed. “I’ve been on one a few times, but it’s been years.”
    â€œThat might present a bit of a problem,” Delaney said.
    â€œWhy’s that?”
    â€œ ’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.
    â€œI guess that means no,” Delaney remarked. “What size boot do you wear?”
    â€œSeven and a half,” Monica said.
    â€œI’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?”
    â€œSix or eight, depending on the designer,” Monica said.
    â€œThe 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.”
    â€œYou’re probably right about that,” Monica said. “But I hate to trouble you . . .”
    â€œIt’s no trouble at all,” Delaney reassured her. “My place is only fifteen minutes down the road if you’d like to give them a try. Otherwise, the nearest place to buy anything is going to be an hour away.”
    Monica chewed her lip. Although she hated to be indebted to Ty’s ex, she didn’t have the time or inclination for shopping. She also didn’t want to give Ty any excuse to leave her behind when he rode down to the river. “Thanks, Delaney,” she replied with a smile. “I accept the offer.”

    â€œWhat the devil?” Ty muttered under his breath. Gazing out Tom’s office window, he spotted Monica and Delaney looking like bosom buddies as they climbed into Delaney’s gleaming-white Escalade. He watched gape-mouthed as, wheels spinning and kicking up a spray of loose gravel, lead-footed Delaney turned and pulled out of the drive, leaving a long trail of dust in her wake. He had no idea what they could be up to—besides no good.
    Shaking his head in bafflement, he turned back to Bob. “So what you’re sayin’ is that I may have controlling interest of the hotel, but Monica still holds all the purse strings. What the hell good does that do me?” His prayer to finally have control of the hotel and a chance to fulfill his dream had been answered, but he still needed money.
    â€œHow about investors?” Bob asked.
    â€œTried that already,” Ty grunted.
    â€œAnd?” Bob prompted.
    â€œI found one. He came through with enough to buy Monica out, but not enough for the renovations.” Ty wasn’t about to mention Delaney’s insane proposal.
    â€œTom also willed you the ranch, Tyrone.”
    Ty blinked. “The Circle B is mine?”
    â€œIt took Monica by surprise too, not that she begrudges you. She said she has no interest in it and the ranch should rightfully