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that he really needed light. He knew the layout of the house like the back of his hand. Finding his way to his old room, Ty threw his hat and phone on the chair, kicked off his boots, and stripped down to his boxers.
    Feeling his way to the bed, he flung himself full-length onto the mattress with an exhausted groan, startling the moment his outstretched arm made contact with a solid form. He bolted upright with an exclamation and reached for the bedside lamp. The light flicked on just as Monica sprang from his bed in a break for the door, and then tripped over his cast-off boot.
    Half a second later he was glowering down at her. “Monica? What the hell were you doing in my bed?”
    She blinked sheepishly into the blinding light. “I . . . ah . . . was exploring the house and got a little sleepy. Must have been the scotch,” she said, her cheeks flaming.
    â€œThere are six bedrooms in this place. I can’t help wondering why you picked mine. You couldn’t make it ten more feet down the hall to the guest bedroom? Not that I’m complaining, mind you, I just don’t like this ‘come hither, go away’ game you seem to be playing.”
    â€œThat’s not what this is,” she protested, even as her gaze slid slowly over his near naked body. “I came in here because I was curious. I wanted to know what it was like for you growing up here.”
    He held out his hand to help her to her feet, his weary body coming back to life the moment his fingers closed over hers. “If there’s something you want to know, all you have to do is ask me,” he said. “Didn’t I prove that just one night ago?”
    â€œYes,” she agreed. “You did, but I thought it was mostly the booze talking. Sometimes people under the influence say things they really don’t mean.”
    â€œMaybe the booze unlocked my lips, but I remember every word I said, Monica. I not only remember it, but I meant it. Do you need to hear it again to believe me? I still want you,” he continued. “You’re the only one I want, and it’s damned near making me crazy.”
    â€œMe too, but I don’t want to do this again, Ty. We’re no good together.”
    He stroked his hands down the length of her arms, watching a trail of gooseflesh form. “I don’t know if you’re trying to convince me or you. Either way, it’s not working. If you want me, all you have to do is say so.”
    â€œPlease Ty, I really can’t.” She pressed her hands against his chest.
    The contact with his body only made him itch to have her hands slide up and around his neck. He tamped back the powerful urge to wrap his arms around her and pull her in close.
    â€œYet you’re here. In my room.” He added softly, tracing a finger over her lips. “Waiting in my bed.”
    â€œI wasn’t waiting for you!” she protested. “I told you I just wanted to know more about your life here with Tom. I can’t help feeling a little jealous that you had him for all those years and I didn’t.”
    â€œThere’s no need to feel that way,” he said. “Sure, Tom was like a father to me but you’re his flesh and blood.”
    â€œI feel so resentful,” she confessed. “I lost something that I can never, ever replace.”
    â€œThat makes two of us,” he said. “But it’s time to move on. You know as well as I do that Tom would have wanted that.”
    â€œAnd that’s why I came here,” she said. “To say goodbye and then to move on.”
    â€œBack to New York?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd that asshole, Evan? Are you back with him?”
    â€œNo, I’m not back with Evan. When I left Vegas with him it was only to return to my job. We’re not back together as a couple.”
    His gaze narrowed. “But you’re thinking about it?
    â€œI haven’t decided,” she