Read Online Hell on Heels by Victoria Vane - Free Book Online Page B

Tom—”
    â€œMy father recently suffered a stroke,” Monica volunteered.
    â€œI’m so sorry,” Cassie offered sympathetically. “How is he doing?”
    â€œNot well, I’m afraid, which puts me in charge of his business affairs for the foreseeable future.”
    â€œI see.” Cassie nodded. “If that’s the case, perhaps you’d like to join Ty and me for dinner. We were going to review some conceptual sketches I made for the new hotel.”
    â€œI’d really hate for either of us to waste your time, Cassie.” She slanted a pointed gaze at Ty. “The renovation project has been shelved. There’s a strong possibility I’ll be selling this property.”
    â€œOh.” Cassie looked to Ty as if seeking confirmation.
    Ty cleared his throat with a forced smile. “There’s still a possibility of moving forward. But I’ll have to make a few calls about lining up some investors.”
    â€œSo the project isn’t completely dead?” Cassie asked.
    â€œNot completely,” Monica interjected, “but I wouldn’t advise you to hold your breath waiting for a contract.”
    â€œRight, then. I quite understand.” Cassie collected her drawings. “Another time then, Ty?”
    â€œSure, Cassie,” he replied, tight-lipped and silently cursing Monica for making him look like an ass. “I’ll call you.”
    â€œGreat,” Cassie replied. “I’ll look forward to that. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Brandt. Let me know if you’d like to do lunch one day. Ty has my number.”
    â€œOh, I’m sure he does,” Monica replied as Cassie headed back toward the elevator.
    Ty waited until the doors closed before he spoke. “Resentful, Ms. Brandt?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œAfraid I’d get what you didn’t?”
    â€œWhat do you mean by that?”
    â€œYou didn’t want me seeing her.” He jammed the express elevator button, annoyed as hell that Monica had purposely sabotaged the dinner date. He had no doubt it was intentional, and by God, he’d make her pay.
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” she snapped. “I’d never be so petty. Besides, I’m the one who called it off, remember?”
    Whether she wanted to admit it yet or not, their almost encounter counted. Maybe it was even worse because they’d left the personal side of their business unfinished.
    â€œYeah, I remember all right, but something tells me we need to revisit the situation we left unresolved in your office.”
    â€œI assure you there isn’t any situation .”
    â€œYou’re a bad liar, Monica. If you’ve changed your mind, just say so. We don’t have to go far. It’s a hotel, after all.”
    â€œI haven’t changed my mind. I just explained to her how things are, which you should have already done.”
    â€œI would have—over dinner—but you didn’t give me the chance.”
    â€œYou should thank me that I saved you the trouble.” She smiled smugly. “And her the disappointment.”
    â€œI don’t ever disappoint a lady, Ms. Brandt. It’s a point of honor.”
    â€œYou mean ego.”
    He shrugged. “You’re splitting hairs. The motive doesn’t matter as long as she’s satisfied.”
    â€œSo you did have designs on her,” she accused.
    â€œI’m not the one who issued the dinner invitation. Maybe she had designs on me .”
    â€œYou really do think a lot of yourself, don’t you, cowboy?” she snorted. “It takes more than a big dick to please a woman.”
    Her mention of size was very telling. She still wanted him, all right.
    â€œIt sure doesn’t hurt,” he chuckled. “But for the record, sweetheart, I’ve never had any complaints about my hands or my mouth either, and I’d be mighty glad to prove it to you.”
    The