“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry.”
“I wanted a man who would keep me steady and Cisco shakes my world to its foundation.”
Her mother’s brows drew together and suddenly Jeanne Marie looked more like a ferocious mama grizzly bear than the nurturing soul Delaney knew so well. “Did he do something to hurt you, Delaney? Did he take advantage? Or say he didn’t want to see you again?”
Delaney shifted in her chair, balling up the tissue her mother had given her. “Not exactly.” She darted a glance at her mother, then back to the table. “He kissed me,” she whispered.
“You didn’t want him to?” Jeanne Marie asked softly.
“Oh, I wanted him to.” She shook her head. “In fact, I kissed him back like my life depended on it. I’ve never had a reaction like that to a guy. It’s so embarrassing. He made me feel...things I don’t understand.” She dropped the tissue on the table and covered her face in her hands. “Then I left. I freaked out and ran away. He probably thinks I’m a lunatic or the most pathetic girl he’s ever met.”
“I doubt that.” Her mother gently peeled away Delaney’s fingers. “Strong emotions can be difficult to manage at first. I’m sure Cisco understands that.”
“But I haven’t talked to him since then. I’m sure he wants nothing to do with me.” Delaney hated that her voice sounded like a whine.
“Didn’t you tell me he’d texted yesterday to say he had a meeting in Lubbock?”
“Yes, but I bet that was a big fat lie.”
“Delaney, now you’re being silly.”
“I’m not, Mama. I don’t see him showing up today. Chances are he’s having a good laugh over the little Fortune Jones girl who got all twitterpated over him.”
“Twitterpated,” Jeanne Marie repeated with a chuckle. “That’s how your grandma used to describe my feelings for your dad.”
“But Dad felt the same way about you. It’s different. Cisco isn’t like that.”
As if on cue, the sound of an engine rumbled up the driveway. From where she sat, Delaney looked out the kitchen window as a black truck parked near the barn.
Jeanne Marie lifted an eyebrow. “Are you expecting a visitor?”
Delaney jumped up from the table, smoothing her hands over her shirt. “It’s him. He’s here.”
“I’m not surprised,” her mother said simply.
Delaney darted toward the door, then turned back and gave her mom a quick hug. “I love you, Mama.”
“You, too, sweetheart,” Jeanne Marie answered.
Delaney reached for her plate but her mother waved her away. “I’ll take care of things in here. You go on, now.”
“You’re the best,” Delaney said, breaking into a wide grin. She tried to school her features as she walked out into the bright morning sunlight. Today was going to be a hot one, with the temperature already climbing.
Cisco turned as the door to the house shut. His mouth widened into a grin as he caught sight of her. This morning he wore a pair of dark jeans with a subtle Western shirt and his cowboy hat perched on the top of his head. He looked so handsome and so happy to see her that Delaney forgot her inner deal with herself to play things cool and collected.
Instead she bolted toward him, throwing her arms around his neck as her legs wrapped around his waist. She squeezed him as tight as she could, loving the feel of his warmth underneath her and the clean scent of him winding through her senses. He held her up as she clung to him, her face turning hot as she realized that she’d once again made a fool of herself in front of this man.
“I could get used to a greeting like that,” he said with a soft chuckle. She tried to unwind from him but he held her fast, giving her braid a gentle tug until she leaned back enough for him to look her in the eyes. “Good morning.” He kissed her mouth, just a brush of his lips, then rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve missed you.”
“Really? Even after how the other night ended?”
“Really.” His fingers found the space between her shirt and jeans, their warmth on her bare skin making her tingle. “But I’m going to put you down before your father sees us and comes after me with a shotgun.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Delaney said with a laugh before untangling from Cisco’s embrace.
He let her go but kept his hands on her waist, tracing small circles on her skin. “I had a great time when you came for dinner, Delaney. I’m sorry if I caught you off guard or moved too fast.”
She shook her head. “You didn’t. This is going to sound silly but I just haven’t felt...” She trailed off, not sure how much she wanted to reveal.
Cisco bent his head, kissing her again. “I haven’t felt this way, either.”
She looked into his melted-chocolate eyes and saw that he was both sincere and unsure, something she hadn’t expected from him.
“I brought you something,” he told her, stepping back and leaning into his truck. He handed her a stainless steel travel mug. “The best coffee you’ll ever have.”
“Made with the most complicated coffeemaker I’ve ever seen.”
She took a sip. The coffee was nutty, rich and the perfect temperature. Although Delaney normally doctored her coffee with cream and sugar, she realized this cup didn’t need any help to make it go down smooth. “I’ll admit, the fancy gadget makes a great cup of coffee.”
Cisco smiled. “I get a little credit, right?”
She wiggled her eyebrows and took another drink. “Maybe. I just want you to know that when you’re ready to talk about the meeting, about what you need from me, I can handle it. You can trust me, Cisco.”
To her surprise, the color drained from his face. He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair before meeting her gaze. “Delaney, I want—”
“Are you two going to spend the morning gabbing or are you ready to get to work?”
Delaney turned to see her father standing by the open barn door. “Coming, Daddy,” she called, then turned to Cisco. “I’m going to ride out to the southern tip of the ranch to check on the irrigation system. Are you up for it?”
He tipped his head. “Lead on, fearless cowgirl.”
Chapter Eight
Cisco stood near the paddock next to the barn a few minutes later, holding the reins of both his and Delaney’s horses. She’d gone back to the main house to gather a few snacks in case they were out longer than expected.
He closed his eyes and let the sounds and smells of the ranch wash over him. The fresh scent of hay and animals was quickly becoming something he looked forward to each morning. He’d spent most of his adult life in the big city, rushing from meetings in stuffy conference rooms to site visits in various urban settings. The constant noise and hustle was what he knew, but the appeal of the open plains in Horseback Hollow was quickly growing on him.
“Being on the ranch gives you time to think.”
He opened his eyes to find Deke Jones walking toward him.
“It does,” Cisco agreed. “It’s a welcome change.”
“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” the older man said in his deep, craggy voice. Delaney’s father was a true cowboy who represented everything about this town Cowboy Country was trying—unsuccessfully, in Cisco’s opinion—to capture about the West.
“Some people don’t understand this lifestyle,” Deke continued, as if reading Cisco’s thoughts. “They think the cowboy way is about flashy belt buckles and blazing guns. There’s decades of tradition around these parts. I hate the thought that out-of-towners are going to come in and make a mockery of them.”
Cisco swallowed. “I have a great respect for what you do on the ranch, sir.”
Deke’s gaze flicked to Cisco as if he’d forgotten he was speaking out loud. “You’ve done good work around here. I saw your dad the other day and told him he should b
e real proud of you for trying to understand what this town is all about. That’s important and shows a good deal of character.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jones. It means a lot to me.” Cisco felt the warring emotions of pride that a man like Deke Jones would speak so highly of him and guilt over his reason for staying in Horseback Hollow. His professional goals had never been so at odds with his personal desires. He was struggling to figure out how to keep them both moving forward.
“Delaney’s had a rough adjustment watching her brothers and sister settle down with their own families. It’s left her at loose ends.” Deke’s blue eyes locked on to Cisco’s. “It’s made her happy to spend time with you out here on the ranch.”
“Your daughter is a special person.”
Deke gave a hearty chuckle. “That she is, son.” He tipped his hat, his face turning serious. “As long as you treat her as such, we won’t have any problems.”
“I don’t plan to have any problems,” Cisco answered with a nod. His life was becoming more complicated by the second. He was going to have to find a way to explain the whole situation to Delaney before things went any further.
She came bounding around the side of the barn at that moment. “Are you riding out with us, Daddy? It’s a beautiful day for it.”
“No, darlin’. I need to stay close to the main pasture today.” Cisco watched as Deke ruffled Delaney’s hair. “Be careful out there. I want you to take a look near the gulches and see if there’s any damage from the thunderstorms that rolled in last week.”
“You know I can handle it.”
Deke shook his head. “It’s still smart to be cautious, no matter how good you think you are. Cisco doesn’t have as much experience as you.”
One side of her mouth curved. “We’ll see if he can keep up.”
“I mean it, Delaney,” Deke said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Take care.” He pointed to Cisco. “Keep an eye on her, son. She can be a handful when she puts her mind to it.”
Cisco hid his smile as Delaney’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t need anyone to keep watch over me. I’m a big girl and plenty capable of taking care of myself.”
She stepped away from her father and swung herself into the saddle. Without waiting for Cisco, she gave Flapjack a nudge with her heels as she kissed into the air to spur him on. The big horse took off toward the open field next to the paddock.
“Good luck out there,” Deke called as Cisco mounted and turned his horse to follow Delaney.
Cisco waved as he headed away from the barn. “Looks like I’m going to need it,” he muttered under his breath.
It took him almost fifteen minutes to catch Delaney. She was never out of his sight but kept a breakneck pace as she wound through the network of trails that led toward the far end of the massive property. He knew it was only because she slowed her horse that he was finally able to come up beside her.
“Your father cares about you,” he began, but she held up one hand to stop him.
“I know he cares. I know my family loves me.” She adjusted her straw hat lower on her head. “But I’ll always be the baby of the family and that’s how they still treat me.”
“You have more responsibility on the ranch than anyone except your dad.”
“Because I’m the only one of the kids left at home.”
Cisco shook his head. “There are plenty of people he could find to run things. He trusts you, Delaney.”
She brought her horse to a halt. “Thank you,” she said, her chest rising and falling with a deep breath.
“It’s the truth,” he answered.
“I still appreciate you pointing it out. Sometimes my emotions get the best of me.”
“I’m happy to remind you of how great you are anytime.”
The light in her eyes as she looked at him made his chest tighten. Cisco settled into the saddle as she led him farther along the plains toward the edge of the ranch. He was happy to be with her today, to enjoy her company and forget about everything else that weighed on him for a little bit. Out here with the land and sky both stretching for miles in front of them, Cisco felt as though he and Delaney were the only two people on earth. He knew life wasn’t that simple, but it was nice to pretend for a few hours.
* * *
The sun shone directly overhead as Delaney hopped off Flapjack and let his reins drop to the ground. The heat today was nothing compared to where it would be in a month or so, but after several hours in the saddle, she’d led them to a copse of pecan trees for a rest.
As Cisco dismounted, she took a blanket and the bundle of food out of her saddle pack, then gave her horse a small pat on the rear. Flapjack moved a few feet to join Cisco’s horse grazing in the meadow.
“Drink?” Cisco held out a canteen to her.
The water was cool to her parched throat and she took a long drink, not even caring as a few drops dripped down her chin. She felt Cisco’s finger trace the liquid as it soaked into her skin. She choked a little and he patted her back, taking the blanket from her and spreading it on a flat patch of ground.
“You okay?” His voice held a hint of amusement.
She nodded, embarrassed that the heat she suddenly felt had nothing to do with the warm breeze and beating sun.
She knelt on the blanket, busying herself with unwrapping the foil package. “Mama and I made cinnamon bread last night,” she told him, clearing her throat. “It’s my favorite.”
He eased himself down next to her and took a slice. “Very good,” he said, resting back on one elbow as he bit into the bread. “Do you often bake?”
She shrugged. “Not as much as I used to, but it’s something my mom and I like to do together.” She tore off a bite of the bread. “And I like to eat, so it helps to have yummy food around.”
“I’d guess that’s not a problem at your mother’s house?”
Delaney laughed, shaking her head. “She almost always cooks for a crowd. Now that the house is mostly empty, our freezers are full. She also feeds the ranch hands some days. It’s a part of who she is.”
“A remarkable woman,” Cisco supplied, then lay back on the blanket, tipping his hat to shade his eyes.
“She’s the best. Everyone in my family is great.”
“Tell me more about them.”
It was easy to talk about her brothers and sister, their misadventures from childhood and the paths each of them had taken as they grew up. Cisco listened, asking questions occasionally and adding corresponding stories about his family from when they were growing up.
Delaney wrapped the leftover bread as she spoke, trying to keep her hands busy so she wasn’t tempted to throw herself on top of the man sprawled out next to her.
She was very tempted. After all, they were alone on a remote part of the property and a coil of awareness simmered between them even now. She half hoped Cisco would reach for her, but he kept his strong arms crossed behind his head as he listened. He seemed totally at ease, which wound up Delaney all the more. Maybe he wasn’t as affected by their mutual attraction as she’d thought. Perhaps his interest in the stories from her youth was just so that he could continue to collect more information on the Fortunes, although if that were the case, she still wasn’t sure why he didn’t go after a wealthier branch of the family.
She wanted to ask him almost as much as she wanted to kiss him again, but neither option seemed appropriate for the moment. Instead she stood and repacked her saddlebag. When she turned, Cisco was standing right behind her, the blanket now folded in his arms.
“These remind me of you,” he told her, handing her a small bouquet of wildflowers.
“Thank you.” She tucked them in under one of her saddle straps, not wanting him to see the color that rose to her face.
He secured the blanket behind Flapjack’s saddle as she moved behind him. �
�This was a nice break in the day.”
“We don’t get a lot of them during calving season,” she told him, unable to take her eyes off the way his shirt stretched over the muscles in his back as he moved.
He turned at the same time she leaned forward, and she took advantage of the moment to rise onto her toes and brush her mouth across his. He took off his hat, then deepened the kiss but didn’t pull her closer. She bunched her hands in his shirt to get nearer to him.
He broke the kiss too soon, blowing out a breath as he ran one hand through his hair.
She wanted more and didn’t let him go. She wouldn’t let him go.
“Delaney,” he whispered. “I don’t want to move too fast for you.”
“What if you’re moving too slow?”
That brought a hint of a smile to his face. “I’ll say it again—you are precious to me. But the situation is complicated.”
“Why?” she demanded, her fingers holding tighter in the fabric of his shirt. “Because of your big meeting and the fact that you’re using me for my connection to the Fortunes?”
His mouth dropped open. “It isn’t—”
“Don’t bother to deny it, Cisco. Yes, I want to know more about this business deal, but not if it’s going to ruin what’s between us.” She shook her head. “I’ll help you with whatever you need, Cisco. Because I want to, not because you’re manipulating me into it. I want to get whatever it is over with so we can move on with us.”
She expected him to kiss her or put his arms around her or maybe do a little happy dance. Something to let her know that he felt the same way she did.
The Taming of Delaney Fortune (The Fortunes of Texas: Cowboy Country) Page 8