“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 cl
ubs 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.
* * *
Delaney swallowed a gasp as Cisco walked into the Fortune Foundation office. She whipped her head around, afraid if she was caught looking at him, her gaze would give away her feelings.
“Hey there, sweetie,” Rachel Robinson said from her place behind the reception desk.
Delaney’s eyes widened and she turned again, relieved to see Cisco’s brother Matteo follow him in.
“Hello, gorgeous.” Matteo stepped up to the desk to give Rachel a short kiss.
Cisco continued to look at Delaney, one side of his mouth quirked.
“Hi, Delaney,” Matteo said as he straightened.
“What...? Oh...hi, Matteo.” She forced her gaze away from Cisco, then glanced back to him with a look she hoped was casual. “Hi, Cisco. What are you two doing here?”
“I came to take Rachel to lunch,” Matteo told her. “Cisco tagged along. Suddenly he’s interested in all things Fortune.”
“Not all,” Cisco clarified, his eyes on Delaney. “But I find some things about the Fortunes fascinating.”
She felt Rachel and Matteo looking between the two of them. At that moment, the door swung open again and her brother Christopher walked through along with her sister, Stacey. Delaney bit her lip and tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. She’d never been able to hide anything from Stacey and worried her older sister would immediately guess at her growing feelings for Cisco. Feelings she wanted to both ignore and deny.
Cisco Mendoza wasn’t good for her. He was the opposite of the type of man she needed in her life, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Each day he came to the ranch to help seemed brighter and more exciting just because of his presence. He made her feel things she’d never imagined and she wanted more from him. She still wasn’t ready to settle down and when she eventually did, she knew it would be with a man who was more like her. But she couldn’t deny that she wanted to explore her reaction to Cisco, although not with two of her siblings looking on.
He’d met both Christopher and Stacey at her parents’ recent barbecue, so everyone said hello and Stacey came over to give Delaney a hug.
“I feel like I haven’t seen you forever,” her sister said. “Mom says you’ve been working extra hours on the ranch. Piper’s been asking for Aunt Delaney. I tried calling you the other day. One of Colton’s old friends is coming into town in a few weeks. I thought we could all go out to dinner.”
“No way, Stacey.” Delaney shrugged out of her sister’s grasp. “I told you no matchmaking for me. I’m not settling down anytime soon and when I do, it will be on my own terms.”
Stacey flicked a look at Christopher over her shoulder. “Tell your baby sister how great it feels to be in love.”
“It’s great,” Christopher said with a smile.
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” Delaney protested, hands on her hips.
Christopher held up his hands. “I am on your side. I’m only telling you the truth, but you don’t see me trying to set you up with any eligible bachelors.”
“Because you don’t know any,” Stacey said.
“I know plenty,” their brother countered. “In fact, we’ve got one right here. Cisco’s an eligible bachelor. But I’m not pushing Delaney toward him. She’ll find her own way, Stacey, when the time is right.”
Matteo let out a laugh. “Cisco’s the last man on earth you’d want to set up with your sister,” he told the group. “Unless you want her courting trouble.”
Delaney saw a muscle twitch in Cisco’s jaw. “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he muttered, shaking his head.
“Just think about it,” Stacey said to Delaney, ignoring the exchange between the Mendoza brothers. “Text me if you change your mind.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
“Is your necklace new?” Stacey pointed to Delaney’s throat. “I haven’t seen you wear it before.”
“I noticed it, too,” Rachel added. “I love the charm.”
Stacey nodded. “It’s perfect for you. Where’d you get it? I hope you didn’t take a trip to Vicker’s Corners without me.”
Delaney shook her head and flicked her gaze to Cisco. He was deep in conversation with Christopher and Matteo. She brought her fingers to her throat, touching the outline of the state of Texas. “I picked it up when I was out one day with Mom,” she lied. “I don’t remember where, but I’ve had it for a while.”
“If you think about where it came from, let me know,” Stacey told her. “I’ve got to get back home.” She gave Delaney another hug. “I really want you to go to dinner with us. No pressure, just a fun night out.”
Stacey said goodbye to everyone else and walked out.
“Are you okay if I head out to lunch?” Rachel asked Christopher. “Kinsley should be back soon.”
“I can hold down the fort.” Delaney watched as Christopher turned to Cisco. “Give me a call if you want to get more involved like we discussed at the barbecue. There’s a lot to be done in this community and we can use all the help we can get. In fact, if you have a few minutes now, I can give you more details about the elementary school project I mentioned.”
“Sure.” He turned to Matteo. “I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast with Dad and Gabi?”
Matteo nodded, wrapping his arm around Rachel’s shoulder. “I’ll be there.”
“Good to see y
ou, Rachel.” Cisco nodded at the other woman. Delaney studied him as he said the words, trying to decide if there was any lingering regret or sadness over the girl he’d loved and lost. But if Cisco harbored any feelings for Rachel, he kept them hidden.
“Delaney, do you want to join us for lunch?” Rachel asked kindly.
Delaney shook her head, having no desire to be the third wheel on Matteo and Rachel’s lunch date. “I have a few things to take care of in town. I’ll give you a call later this week about getting together.”
Rachel smiled. “I’d like that.”
As Matteo and Rachel left, Christopher wrapped her in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. “Don’t let Stacey get to you, Flapjack. She thinks now that the rest of us have found love, you and Galen need to fall in line.”
“I don’t fall in line for anyone,” Delaney answered, squirming out of his grasp.
“Did you call her Flapjack?” Cisco raised his brows. “Like her horse?”
Christopher looked between Cisco and Delaney. “How do you know she has a horse named Flapjack?” Suddenly he was her overprotective big brother again.
“He’s been helping Dad at the ranch,” Delaney said quickly.
Christopher’s shrewd gaze narrowed. “You don’t seem like the cowboy type.”
“That’s why I wanted to get some experience, to see what real life is like in Horseback Hollow.” Cisco gave Christopher an easy smile. “I have a lot of respect for your father and the operation he’s built.”
“He’s got a damn strong work ethic,” Christopher agreed. “So does this one.” He ruffled Delaney’s hair, and she rolled her eyes in response. “It’s true. What you lack in size you make up for in spunk.”
He flashed Cisco a grin. “She has an appetite to match. That’s how she got the nickname Flapjack. She could eat more of our mother’s pancakes than any of the boys even when she could barely see over the table. Her horse has an appetite just as big, so we started calling him Flapjack in her honor. The name stuck.”
Cisco nodded, looking like he was trying to hold back a laugh. “That’s cute.”
The Taming of Delaney Fortune (The Fortunes of Texas: Cowboy Country) Page 5