The Taming of Delaney Fortune (The Fortunes of Texas: Cowboy Country)

by Michelle Major

  “Then put me through the paces, Delaney.” He clasped the necklace together and turned her to face him. “I’m all yours.”

  Delaney tried to ignore the satisfying warmth that traveled through her at his words. A man like Cisco wasn’t for her, she reminded herself. This wasn’t his real life. He didn’t belong in Horseback Hollow even if he’d shown up this morning looking the part. His boots might be sturdy, but they were brand-new.

  * * *

  By midday his boots were already broken in, along with the rest of him. When Cisco had told Delaney to put him through the paces, he hadn’t realized what he was asking. As he loaded a final bale of hay onto a truck in one of the far pastures at the ranch, every part of his body ached. This was definitely different from a five-mile run around South Beach and an hour at the gym. The sun shone high in the western sky, spreading patterns of golden light through the clouds.

  They’d been working steadily since the morning. Delaney had saddled up a couple of horses first thing, and they’d started their day checking the fencing on the north end of the ranch. Cisco could hold his own on a horse, but Delaney rode as though she’d been born in a saddle. As he closed up the truck’s gate, the ranch hand behind the wheel gave a short wave and the truck slowly made its way back toward the barn.

  He lifted his hat off his head and wiped one sleeve across his brow. It felt as if the temperature had risen several degrees just in the past hour.

  “How are you holding up?” Delaney asked as she hoisted herself on the large horse she road. She looked more amused than concerned.

  Cisco swung his leg into the saddle. “I’ll survive,” he said with a smile. “I knew running a ranching operation was a lot of work, but I didn’t appreciate how much until today.” He brought his horse to the side of hers. “The men have a lot of respect for you, Delaney.”

  It was true. Deke Jones had greeted them on their way to the barn earlier this morning, but Delaney’s father had been heading to Lubbock to check out some new equipment. He hadn’t officially put Delaney in charge in his absence, but it had been clear the ranch workers looked to her for guidance.

  She was a mighty force wrapped up in an adorably tiny package.

  “My dad keeps this place running like clockwork. The men know what they’re supposed to do without much input from me. My brothers used to help out quite a bit but they’ve all got their own lives and families now. Well, Galen doesn’t have a family, but he’s busy.”

  “Don’t downplay your role on the ranch.”

  For the first time, she looked really flustered. “I’m not, but I think you’re giving me more credit than I deserve.”

  “Or maybe, cielo, you give yourself less.”

  Her eyes tracked to his for a moment and he saw a rare flash of uncertainty there. He realized Delaney Fortune Jones might not be as sure of herself as she led people to believe.

  She looked up to the blue sky then, holding her straw cowboy hat to her head. “Let’s race back. Mom wants us to eat lunch with her and she’ll have it ready by now.”

  “Did you just tell the time by looking at the sun?”

  A hint of color crept up her cheeks. “It’s a habit. I don’t wear a watch when I’m out on the property.” She adjusted the horse’s reins in her hands. “Ready?”

  He nodded and gave his horse a short kick with his boot heels, but Delaney was already off and running. Cisco didn’t bother to try to catch her. Instead he enjoyed the view of her moving across the pasture, the rhythm of her body perfectly matched to the animal beneath her.

  When he’d first arrived in Horseback Hollow, he’d missed the BMW coupe he drove in Miami and the sports car’s power at his fingertips. Now he realized he’d underestimated the adrenaline rush of horseback riding. There was something about moving in sync with another living being that beat the excitement of even the fastest engine.

  He’d totally forgotten about bringing up the idea of the Cowboy Country condos in casual conversation with Delaney. His plan going into this deal was to drop enough hints about the planned luxury community so she’d be amenable to supporting them when the time came. Instead he’d been so busy keeping up with her he hadn’t been able to think of anything else.

  That was a mistake he couldn’t afford to continue. Cisco had a lot riding on this deal with Moore Entertainment. As delightful as he found Delaney, she wasn’t his reason for staying in Horseback Hollow. He had to stick to the plan, make this deal happen and move on to bigger things. He might enjoy women, but Cisco had never let himself get sidetracked by one before. He wasn’t going to start now.

  * * *

  Delaney couldn’t imagine why she’d ever thought to insist Cisco spend time on the ranch with her. She could barely keep straight in her mind her jobs for the day when he was at her side. That was part of the reason she’d pushed him so hard most of the morning. It helped distract her from her constant reaction to him.

  But not enough. Every time he looked at her or gave her that half smile, Delaney got a little weak in the knees. When he was so close she could smell the mix of spice and soap she’d now always associate with Cisco, she couldn’t remember her own name, let alone what she was supposed to be doing.

  She finished brushing down Flapjack and looked over to the next stall, where Cisco had groomed the bay she’d given him. Big mistake. His long fingers scratched behind the horse’s ears as he bent close to her head, whispering words Delaney couldn’t hear. She got an immediate mental image of what it would be like for him to touch her so gently and her body thrummed to life in a way she’d never experienced.

  Delaney hadn’t exactly set out to “save herself” for the right man, but it seemed to be working out that way. She’d never had a truly serious boyfriend and all of the guys in town were too afraid of her overprotective brothers to look at her as casual fun. Eventually, she’d come to realize she didn’t want to be with a man until it felt truly right. She’d always thought her heart would guide her, but watching Cisco made her body want to take the lead.

  He looked up at her then and color rushed to her face, although he couldn’t possibly read her thoughts. Still, it felt as though his dark eyes saw her in a way no one else had before. Delaney loved how he focused on her even as she reminded herself that this was how Cisco Mendoza operated. He was a lady-killer, and Delaney was sure he could charm any woman with his sexy grin and smoldering eyes. Delaney wasn’t special to him, no matter how he made her feel.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, as if he could sense her jumbled emotions.

  “Fine,” she answered quickly, striding out of the stall. “Just hungry. We can wash up at the house and see if Mom needs any help.”

  He looked as if he wanted to question her further but simply followed her across the driveway and up the steps to the kitchen.

  “You two were busy this morning,” Jeanne Marie commented as she came into the kitchen.

  “Just a normal day,” Delaney said, throwing her mother a pointed look as Cisco turned on the water at the kitchen sink to wash his hands.

  “If you say so, sweetie.” Her mother must have realized how hard Delaney had been pushing Cisco this morning, but she didn’t mention it outright. “I’m sure you’ve both worked up an appetite.”

  “Thank you for having me to lunch, Mrs. Fortune Jones.” Cisco dried his hands on a towel and gave her mother that killer smile.

  Delaney watched as her mother fluttered her fingers near her throat. Clearly no woman was immune to that smile. “Call me Jeanne Marie. I’m happy to have you here. The house is quiet now that Delaney’s the only one left at the ranch. I miss having a big crowd around all the time.”

  Delaney finished washing her hands and walked over to give her mom a hug. Today Jeanne Marie wore a pale yellow shirt, long faded denim skirt and her favorite turquoise necklace around her throat. “Be careful wh
at you wish for, Mama. You’ll have them dropping off the grandkids all the time.”

  “You love a busy house as much as I do.” Her mother gave her a gentle squeeze, then picked up a plate of sandwiches. “When Delaney was a little girl, she told us she planned to have a dozen children. She wanted her own football team.”

  “Mom,” Delaney said, shaking her head. “That was a long time ago.”

  “I come from a big family, too,” Cisco said as he took the pitcher of lemonade and followed them into the dining room. “Having three brothers and Gabi was a help with the way we moved around for my father’s career in the air force. We were a pack and could watch out for each other.”

  “Does that mean you want lots of kids, too?” Jeanne Marie posed the question casually, then laughed as Cisco’s eyes went wide. “I’m only teasing. Come and sit down, Cisco. Tell me about what you think of Horseback Hollow so far.”

  “It’s quiet compared to what I’m used to in Miami,” he said as he took the seat Jeanne Marie indicated across from her.

  As Delaney slid into the chair next to him, she couldn’t help but wonder if quiet was another word for boring.

  “But there’s a definite charm to it,” he continued. “You don’t easily find places anymore where most everyone knows each other. I understand why my dad and sister feel so at home here.”

  “Horseback Hollow is a special place,” Delaney’s mother agreed. “There’s a lot of history and tradition in this town. Which is why it’s so upsetting to have those Cowboy Country outsiders coming in with their gaudy theme park.”

  Out of the corner of her eye Delaney noticed Cisco’s fingers tighten around his glass.

  “It might not be so bad,” Delaney said quickly. “The rides look fun and it will give people around here something new to do as entertainment.”

  “That’s one of the problems.” Jeanne Marie took a sip of lemonade. “Local folks aren’t the ones Cowboy Country is trying to attract. Those people haven’t given one thought to how this is going to affect life here or what it even means to be a real cowboy. The whole theme is the Wild West but all they’re planning is some commercialized, demeaning version of it.”

  “Won’t the influx of money be good for the town?” Cisco asked as he picked up his sandwich. “I’d think Horseback Hollow could benefit from additional resources.”

  “Not if it means giving up our simple way of life,” Jeanne Marie told him.

  “Just because change comes to Horseback Hollow doesn’t mean it has to change the people who live here.” His dark gaze went from Delaney to her mother. “When you found out you were related to the Fortunes, that was a big change. Did it change who you are on the inside?”

  “Not at all,” Delaney answered quickly. “He has a point, Mom.”

  “We were a solid family before I knew I was a Fortune,” Jeanne Marie said with a nod of her head. “But I’m not sure the entire town can withstand the influence of Cowboy Country and the people who might come with it.” She turned to Delaney. “As a matter of fact, your father and I were talking about your rides to where they’re building. We think you should stop that, Delaney. The opening is just around the corner, so there’s too much activity out that way.”

  There were moments when Delaney loved the feeling of safety that came from being part of a large family and moments when she was stifled by her parents’ overprotectiveness.

  “You’ve been visiting Cowboy Country?” Cisco asked.

  “A few times a week I take my horse out toward the land around the amusement park to see the progress. It’s a good stretch of land for riding.”

  She saw his mouth drop open. “That was—” He stopped himself and shook his head. “I agree with your mother. It doesn’t seem like a good idea.”

  “I’m not a kid,” Delaney said, aware she sounded petulant.

  “We only want what’s best for you,” Jeanne Marie said quietly.

  “I know, Mama.” Delaney stabbed a grape with her fork. “I’ll be careful.” She glanced down at her watch. “We need to get back to work. We’re supposed to meet the guys at the lower pasture in a few minutes to finish some repairs on the fence.”

  “Thank you for another wonderful meal,” Cisco said as he stood.

  “I hope you can join us again.” Jeanne Marie led them back to the kitchen. “We spent the whole time talking about Cowboy Country.” She set her plate on the counter and turned to Cisco. “I still want to hear more about your plans in Horseback Hollow. I wouldn’t want you to think we’re against new people coming to town. We just want to make sure they’re here for the right reasons. Like you and your family, Cisco.”

  Cisco’s shoulders stiffened but he gave her mother a warm smile. “Thank you, Jeanne Marie.” He took her mother’s hand and brushed a soft kiss on her knuckles as he gave her an almost courtly bow. “Your hospitality is matched only by your beauty.”

  Delaney watched as her practical, old-fashioned mother blushed like a schoolgirl. “It was my pleasure. You’re welcome to join us anytime. In fact, Deke and I would love to have you over for dinner one of these nights. We don’t get a lot of time for individual visiting during our family barbecues. It isn’t often Delaney brings a boy home.”

  “Oh, my gosh,” Delaney said with a gasp. “We’re getting back to work now.” She grabbed on to Cisco’s arm and tugged him toward the door. “Let’s go, Cisco.”

  She dragged him, laughing, into the midday sun.

  “It’s okay, Delaney,” he said when they were halfway to the barn. “I know your mother is only teasing. It’s obvious how much she loves you.”

  She realized her fingers were still wrapped around Cisco’s muscular arm. She could feel the heat of his skin through his shirt and pulled away as if touching him for too long might actually burn her.

  “Weren’t you laying it on a little thick in there?” she asked as she stepped away.

  “Your mother is a lovely woman.” He lifted one finger and trailed it along her jaw. “You look like her, you know?”

  How did he always throw her off balance? Delaney wanted a man in her life to hold her steady, but she couldn’t deny the way Cisco made her feel.

  “You’re a lady-killer.” She shook her head. “I can’t tell if what you say to me is the truth or just another one of your well-rehearsed lines.”

  His thick brows drew together and a look of actual pain crossed his face before his practiced smile was in place once more. “You are beautiful, Delaney. That’s the truth.”

  She didn’t want to respond to him, didn’t want to lean in as he brought his face closer to hers. Then the door to the barn slammed shut and Delaney jumped back. Just because Cisco had agreed to spend time on the ranch, it didn’t change the fact that he was a big-city jet-setter. But change was inevitable. It was coming to Horseback Hollow and maybe she could change Cisco Mendoza, as well. Eventually Cisco had to fall for one woman and change his ways.

  Delaney had no doubt she was strong enough to be that one.

  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.