Monroe half expected a knock on his door and a sheepish look on Aria’s face. But that didn’t happen. He was still half aroused by the encounter and it was killing him to know she’d actually taken off on him. He’d been in high-powered business acquisitions with billionaires, and Aria’s performance topped any bravado he’d seen. He was intrigued by what she’d eluded to in their first conversation, but he was far more interested in the kind of woman it took to walk away from him and his offer.

When his phone rang he shook off thoughts of Aria and remembered the issue at hand.

“Asher, man, where the hell have you been?” He launched into his questions before either of them bothered with a greeting.

“I know,” Asher replied, about as close to apologetic as a man like him could get. “I’m dealing with some family issues right now.”

“You asked me to put all my energy into this. I pulled out of other projects,” Monroe reminded him, dismissing the idea that family trumped an epic business opportunity. “This joint venture has unlimited opportunity for growth and would greatly diversify both our dealings.”

“It’s not going to be a joint venture,” Asher replied coolly. “At least not with me. I’m well aware of the opportunity I am walking away from. I get it. But when this goes down, you’ll need to move fast. I can’t commit to that. I’m going to be out of pocket.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Monroe scolded. “I flew down here to figure out what we’re working with.”

“And no one is better at that than you,” Asher said, a blatant attempt at flattery to soften the blow. “You’re like a pig searching for truffles. No one roots out vital information like you.”

“Are you done?” Monroe asked, calling him on the bullshit.

“I am,” Asher sighed. “The timing’s off. I’m out.”

“You know the price tag on this,” Monroe reminded him. “It’s a joint venture for a reason. If you pull out I’m left on the hook.”

“I have a guy who’s interested in investing. He’ll take nearly all of my half of the deal. Do you know James West?”

Monroe thought for a moment. “The oil guy who got nailed for bad business practices?”

“No,” Asher corrected. “That’s Senior. I’m talking about James West Junior. He’s taken over West Oil. He and his current organization are solid. Anyone who can save a sinking ship like that is worth talking to.”

“I can reach out to him,” Monroe groaned. “You’re walking away from something with enormous potential here.”

“Trust me”—Asher grunted—“I know. It’s killing me, but I have to stay focused on what’s happening with my family right now. I’m glad you’re interested in talking to James. He’ll be there in two days.”

“What?” Monroe barked. “He’s coming here? I haven’t said I’m interested in working with him yet.”

“I may have implied you were ready to roll,” Asher replied with a chuckle. “If the word gets out about the impending tax changes on the island, you know property is going to be snapped up quicker than we can keep up with. This is a power play, and you know better than anyone how quickly you have to move to be successful.”

“There might be a snag down here,” Monroe said flatly. “I’m still a pig rooting out the truffles, but I’ve heard some rumblings at the resort. I’m not doing anything until I find some answers.”

“You just got there.” Asher laughed. “Do you already have a source giving you information?”

“I haven’t validated it yet,” Monroe cautioned.

“I’d try to work it out before James gets there,” Asher suggested. “There’s a pretty big price tag on this deal. He’ll want to know that you have your arms around any issues.”

“Thanks,” Monroe bit out sarcastically. “I appreciate the extra gasoline you poured on the fire I’m trying to put out.”

“Anyone else and I’d feel bad,” Asher replied. “But I know you. You’re not happy unless there’s an impossible challenge in the mix. This deal was probably feeling too easy, so you’re welcome.”

“Whatever you have going on with your family must be pretty important if you’re willing to walk away. I’d put my own mother’s calls to voicemail if a deal like this was on the table.”

“Save the bravado for someone who doesn’t know you bought your mother a house and car with your first million. You may have a tough as nails reputation, but I know better.”

“Good luck with your family stuff, whatever it is,” Monroe offered reluctantly, anxious to change the subject.

“I hope this deal pans out,” Asher said, seeming distracted by something on his end of the phone. “We’ll get the next one.”

When they disconnected Monroe dropped into the leather chair in the corner of the luxurious suite. He’d worked his ass off for the life he had. Nothing was handed to him. It was built inch by inch, mile by mile. But this deal, securing property prior to a change in the tax code, it would be his biggest success yet. And the key to that success might be Aria.

The light knock on his door was enough to temporarily shake the image of Aria from his mind.

“Mr. Redson,” Buckley said, still a thread of apology in his voice, “we’ve found your luggage.”

Monroe pulled the door open and eyed Buckley closely. He was a wiry man with deep set wrinkles and a scowl. He hated him. He wasn’t sure why. He just did.

“I wanted to personally deliver it to you,” Buckley said haughtily, looking like a puppy who’d just performed a trick. But Monroe wasn’t handing out treats. He raised the handle of his suitcase and wheeled it through the door into his room. He was done with this guy. Well, all except one thing.

“I want to get back in touch with Aria, Monroe demanded, watching a look of worry wash over Buckley’s face. His new favorite hobby was making this guy squirm. It was too damn easy and so fun to watch.

“Uh,” Buckley stuttered, looking uncharacteristically unprepared. Monroe could tell he was the kind of guy who liked to have all the answers. “I can have a housekeeper come up. Is there an issue with your room?”

“I don’t want a housekeeper; I want Aria.” Monroe looked expectantly at him as though Buckley should spring into action, but the man didn’t budge. His eyes went wide and his mouth pursed shut as he thought over what Monroe was aksing.

“I understand,” Buckley said flatly, giving a tiny nod. “You should know Aria has been here for some time, and I can assure you she isn’t the type of woman you’d have any interest in. We have guests here, some lovely women with appropriate pedigrees. There’s going to be a mixer tomorrow night in the ballroom. I would be happy to have some women there for you to speak with. Lovely women who don’t work here.”

“I want Aria,” Monroe repeated, setting his jaw angrily. “Send her up.” He stepped back from the door and closed it in Buckley’s surprised face. Asher had been right, Monroe had the capacity to be a nice guy, but he was always sure to hide it well. Assertiveness was a mask, a very effective one.

A few more seconds passed before Monroe heard the footsteps disappear down the hallway. He’d get what he wanted. It wouldn’t be long now.