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Chapter Four

Cisco stretched his arms out in front of him as he walked toward the main gate at Cowboy Country several days later. For the first time since the barbecue, he hadn’t gone to the ranch, needing a day to catch up on his work at Cowboy Country and unsure he could spend one more moment with Delaney Fortune Jones and keep his hands to himself.

She tempted him in a way no other woman had before, and Cisco had been with plenty of women in his life. But Delaney was different, smart and sexy but also sweet and innocent. She was totally confident in who she was and wouldn’t let anyone steer her off course.

It was clear she was dedicated to the ranch and the values her parents had instilled in her and her siblings.

Cisco could relate to that as his father and mother had done the same thing for him and his brothers and sister. That was part of the reason he was so conflicted when it came to Delaney. He hadn’t exactly lied to her about his involvement in the luxury condos Cowboy Country had planned, but he’d definitely avoided giving any details of why he needed a Fortune for his business deal. Yet when she turned those cornflower-blue eyes on him, there wasn’t anything he could deny her, including the truth.

His hope was that as she and her family got to know him, they’d trust his judgment and give the planned community a chance. But the more Cisco understood about life in Horseback Hollow, the more he could see the design of the Cowboy Country condos and real life in this quaint town wouldn’t mesh. He figured it was up to him to bring the two closer in line. He had a lot riding on this deal, both his reputation and his own money. He wasn’t about to give up on making it work.

He waved to the security guard near the front entrance who was tasked with making sure no one but employees accessed the park until the official opening. He could see people in theme park uniforms milling about near several rides and attractions and took a quick turn down a path that led to the corporate offices of Moore Entertainment. He knew there weren’t many locals involved in the park at this point but didn’t want to take the chance on someone in the park recognizing him. Until he had everything worked out, he wanted to keep his relationship with Cowboy Country under wraps.

He heard shouting as he came up the steps to the building. The door banged open and an older man stomped out, muttering to himself. “You’re going to be sorry,” he shouted over his shoulder. “Horses aren’t mechanical. They’re smart, strong, living animals and you need to treat them with the respect they deserve.”

His angry gaze caught on Cisco and he shook his head. “Another suit,” he all but spit. “Just what this place needs.”

Cisco glanced down at himself. It was true that for his meeting with Kent Stephens this morning he’d traded his Western clothes for the more familiar feel of a tailored silk shirt and pressed trousers.

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

The man hitched his thumb toward the corporate office. “The problem is that any real cowboy worth his salt knows he’s only as good as the horseflesh he owns and how he treats his animals. Those fools wouldn’t know how to take care of a barn full of horses if their lives depended on it.” He shook his head. “They can find a new head trainer. I’m not putting myself on the line just so Alden Moore can make a fast buck.”

Cisco wanted to question him further, but the guy took off down the steps and toward the front of the park. Pulling open the door, Cisco glanced at the young receptionist who stared back at him with wide eyes.

“Hello, Mr. Mendoza,” she said calmly, her smile composed. “Mr. Stephens is expecting you.”

He raised a brow at her placid expression and hitched his head toward the door. “Everything okay this morning, Janie?”

“No different than most days,” she said in a softer tone. “I’m getting used to the sound of the door slamming.”

Cisco used two fingers to massage his forehead. He’d heard rumors in town of employee unrest at Cowboy Country but hadn’t wanted to believe they were true. If anything could kill a real estate deal before the financing was secured, it was dissension within the company. These days, investors didn’t want to promise their money if the business wasn’t smooth and successful. There was too much at stake and too many other projects vying for the same pool of funds.

“You do a wonderful job at the front,” he told the young woman. “Don’t give up on things yet. It will all work out.”

“Thanks, Mr. Mendoza.” Her eyes turned soft as she leaned forward over her desk. “It’s always a better day when you come to the office.”

He smiled automatically and opened his mouth to offer her some flirtatious rejoinder, then stopped himself. Delaney’s words about him being a lady-killer popped into his head. There was no doubt Cisco loved women, and flirting came as naturally as breathing to him. But now he held back, only nodding in response. He’d never given a second thought to how he’d come across before, but suddenly he wanted to save his banter for a tiny blonde cowgirl.

Before he could decide what that meant, Kent Stephens stuck his head out of the door to his office. “Mendoza, in here now. We need to talk.”

Kent paced back and forth on the far side of his desk as Cisco entered. Although the building was cooled with central air, a fine sheen of sweat shone on the man’s forehead as he talked into his cell phone. “I don’t care. Send her out now.” He hit a button and tossed his phone onto the desk. “I’m pulling more help from our other locations.” He shook his head, running his hands through his hair, leaving it flopping over his wide forehead. “At this rate, Cowboy Country is going to be completely run by people from out of state. It’s like no one in this godforsaken town needs a job.”

“Who was the man leaving?”

“The guy we’d hired to manage the Wild West show. He’s got decades of experience with horses but doesn’t want to do things the way we expect.”

“But wouldn’t you defer to him as the expert?” Cisco asked, taking a seat in front of the desk.

“All we defer to is the bottom line.” Kent dropped into the wide leather chair on the other side of the desk. “Everything Alden Moore touches turns to gold. Every park, every investment, each new idea. All of them have been a success until now.”

“Cowboy Country hasn’t even opened yet,” Cisco argued. “You can’t know it isn’t going to be a success.”

Kent pointed a finger at Cisco. “That’s why I like you, Mendoza. You’re confident. We need more of that attitude around here.” His hand curled into a fist. “What we need less of is country-bumpkin locals stirring up trouble for us. Hasn’t anyone in Horseback Hollow ever heard of progress?”

“I don’t think it’s progress they’re against,” Cisco answered carefully. “But there are traditions here—authentic cowboy traditions—and the people who value them don’t want to feel like some big corporation is making a mockery of the life they hold dear.”

“We’re not making fun of anyone,” Kent practically growled in response. “We just want to make some damn money.” He shook his head. “Mr. Moore doesn’t like the bad publicity. We need a shot in the arm to turn the tide of public sentiment in our favor.” He stood and crossed his arms over his chest. “The condos could do it for us. They’re a clean slate. No one has any preconceived notions, so if we handle the announcement right, it could help the whole operation. How’s it coming with the Fortunes?”

“It’s coming,” Cisco answered. “I’ve been spending time with some of them and—”

“Priming the pump, right?” Kent looked hopeful.

Cisco inwardly cringed. “I wouldn’t describe it that way.” He could only imagine how Delaney would react if she heard Kent’s words. “They’re good people, Kent. But like most of the town, the Fortunes have concerns surrounding anything to do with Cowboy Country. I’m in the process of building relationships. These things take time.”

“I don’t care what you call it,” Kent said quickly. “As long as you get them on board. You’re our rainmaker, Cisco. Right now we could use a typhoon-level storm.”

“I’ve got it under control.” Cisco nodded. “I’m meeting with a group of investors down in Lubbock next week. Even if the Fortunes don’t pan out, I’ll get the backing for the condos.”

“Whoa there.” Kent held up his hands. “Other investors are fine, but we need you to pull in the Fortunes. The family has a ton of money, and they’re going to put some of it into Cowboy Country. That was the deal when we hired you. Don’t forget it.”

“No chance of that with you reminding me every chance you get.”

“Sorry. Like I said, we need some good news around here. It would go a long way toward solidifying your place with Moore Entertainment if you were the guy to bring it.” He pushed a stack of papers forward on his desk. “Take a look at these. Moore Entertainment has a lot of plans once Cowboy Country is solid. This company has a bright future and there’s a lot of opportunity for someone like you, Cisco. Don’t blow it before you even get started.”

At the moment, Cisco was more worried about how his involvement with the theme park was going to affect his relationship with Delaney once that news became public. In a very short time, she’d become an important part of his life. More important than he could remember a woman ever being for him.

But he had to keep his head on straight. He’d stayed in Horseback Hollow for business, and he didn’t fail once he put his mind to something. He had too much at stake, both professionally and financially, to let this be the first time. He’d figure out how to handle Delaney and do this deal. He was certain he could make both things work.

He just had no idea how.

* * *

“You’re really staying in Horseback Hollow for the long haul?” Cisco glanced at his brother as he parked his truck in front of the building that housed the Fortune Foundation.

“Absolutely,” Matteo answered without hesitation. “This is where Rachel wants to be, so it works for me.” He gave Cisco a light poke to the shoulder. “I’m not going to let her too far out of my sight and have some slick charmer like you try to put the moves on her again.”

Cisco was relieved to see Matteo’s grin as he said the words. “You two are a great match,” he told his brother. “No other man would have a chance with her.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Cisco paused before turning off the ignition.

“I’m surprised you’ve lasted here so long,” Matteo said. “Aren’t you missing some important shindigs this time of year in South Beach? I can’t imagine how all the movers and shakers are surviving without you.”

“I don’t actually miss it that much,” Cisco said, surprised the words were true. “The clubs and parties all run together after a while, you know?”

“I know,” Matteo said, climbing out of the truck. “But I can’t believe you’re saying that. You don’t have any big deals in the works? It’s not like you, man.”

“I have deals going,” Cisco said. “You’ve heard of cell phones and the internet, right?”

“You’re even looking more Texas than Miami.” Matteo pointed to Cisco’s boots. “That looks like genuine dirt on your heels.”

“I’ve been helping out a little on the Fortune Jones ranch,” Cisco answered evenly. He took a few more steps before realizing his brother had stopped. He turned to see Matteo practically doubled over, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

Matteo straightened and wiped a sleeve across his cheeks. “You mean to tell me you’ve become a ranch hand?” He shook his head. “I don’t believe it. You’re a city slicker through and through, Cisco. What gives?”

Cisco lifted his hands, frustrated at his brother’s reaction. “I’m not a stranger to real work. Dad always had plenty of jobs for us around the house. I wanted to get to know the Fortunes a little better. Gabi’s married into the family now and Dad works with them. I’ve got some time on my hands and this seemed like a good way to understand more about the Fortunes and the town itself. From what I understand, ranching is a big part of Horseback Hollow.”

Matteo nodded. “It makes sense but I’m not sure I buy it.” He held up his hand when Cisco would have argued. “I’m not going to push you, bro. You do what you need to do. This is a great little community.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m happy to have a chance to spend some more time with you.” He clapped Cisco on the back. “We’ve been at odds for too long.”

“It’s good to hang out with you, too, Matteo.” Cisco hadn’t realized how much the contentious relationship with his brother had hurt him until they’d begun to heal the rift between them. He paused at the entrance of the Fortune Foundation. “Are you sure it isn’t going to be weird for Rachel to have me here with you?”

“We’re solid,” his brother assured him. “Even though she’s with the right brother, she still likes you.” Matteo rolled his eyes. “Cisco Mendoza and his legendary charm. It never fails.”

For Cisco there was only one woman he was interested in charming these days. And when he stepped into the offices of the Horseback Hollow branch of the Fortune Foundation, he found himself looking right at her.