Michelle Major - The Taming of Delaney Fortune

That was the kind of adrenaline rush Cisco had been missing in his life, and he hoped pushing through this deal on the Cowboy Condos would reignite the fire that he’d been seeking.

* * *

Climbing into a booth across from his sister, Gabi, at the Horseback Hollow Grill an hour later, Cisco decided there was no time like the present to start making his future dream a reality.

“How’s it going, Mrs. Fortune Jones?” he asked with a wink. “I hope that husband of yours knows how lucky he is to have you and treats you accordingly. He’ll have big brother to answer to if not.”

Gabi rolled her eyes, but Cisco saw her mouth curve into a reluctant smile. “Jude and I keep each other happy,” she said. “I’m really glad you came in for the wedding and that you’ve stayed, Cisco.”

For a moment he forgot his reason for wanting to speak with his sister and took the time to enjoy the pleasure of her company. As the only girl in a family of four boisterous boys, Gabriella was always special, but her big heart and sweet soul made her even more so. It was good to reconnect with her now that he was in Horseback Hollow.

“It’s a cool town,” he answered. “For now, anyway.”

“Speaking of, what are your plans? The Cisco I know is always moving, working an angle or the next big deal. Do you plan to stay long enough to find a job here?”

He made the conscious effort not to cringe at her question. He hadn’t actually told anyone in his family that he was working for Moore Entertainment on the Cowboy Condos. It had quickly become clear his sister and father weren’t overly thrilled about the amusement park’s presence in town. He didn’t want to open himself up to their comments just yet.

“I’ve got some irons in the fire,” he said, avoiding a direct answer. “I also have loose ends to wrap up on a couple of Miami projects.” He paused as a waitress stopped by the table, giving him a friendly smile as she took their orders. He wiggled his eyebrows at Gabi as the young woman walked away. “Either way, I bet I can keep myself busy.”

Gabi blew out a frustrated breath. “Someday you’re going to find the right woman, Cisco.”

“I’ve found a lot of right women, Gabriella. Why limit it to one?”

“Because you have a huge heart under all that macho bravado.” She wagged a finger at him. “You’re more than a skirt chaser. Mama would have wanted you to find someone special.”

A place in his chest ached at the mention of their mother. Luz Mendoza had died three years ago. She’d been the heart and soul of their family and Cisco knew Gabrielle and their brothers still felt the loss of her as much as he did.

“Dad seems happy in Horseback Hollow,” he said, trying to subtly change the subject.

He figured Gabi was wise to his tactic, but she played along. “He fits here. It’s given him a way to feel a part of the community and taken away some of his loneliness.”

“He seems to be pretty close to some of the Fortunes, as well.”

Gabi nodded. “They’re a wonderful family. In fact, Jude’s parents, Jeanne Marie and Deke, are having a barbecue out at their ranch this weekend. I’m sure they’d love for you to join the fun. It would mean a lot to me for you to get to know Jude and his family.”

Cisco did an internal fist pump. He’d meet more of the Fortunes and make his sister happy in the process. Nothing like multitasking. “That sounds great. Text me their address and the details on when to be there.”

“I will.”

“I’ve been hearing a lot about the new amusement park in the works. They call it Cowboy Country, right?”

Gabi’s smile dimmed. “I wouldn’t bring that up at the barbecue. Most of the Fortunes aren’t too pleased about it.”

Cisco took a casual sip of coffee. “Really? Why?”

“A lot of locals like Horseback Hollow just the way it is,” Gabi told him. “Besides, from everything I hear, the company in charge doesn’t care about the history of the area. The place is hokey and utterly lacking any authenticity. People around here take the cowboy lifestyle seriously. It’s not just a carnival show to be exploited.”

“But won’t it mean more jobs?”

His sister shrugged. “True, but the cost of that sort of progress may be more than Horseback Hollow wants to pay.”

“So are all the Fortunes against it?” Cisco’s gut felt as if it had taken a direct hit with a sledgehammer.

“Jude thinks it’s an awful idea and so do his parents. In fact, I’d say the only member of the family who’s the least bit excited about it is Delaney, Jude’s baby sister.”

“Delaney,” Cisco repeated quietly, trying to picture her from the wedding. “Tiny thing, lots of blond hair?”

“That’s her, but add in a thousand-watt smile and the energy to match. The topic of Cowboy Country came up at dinner a couple of weeks ago, and Delaney mentioned she thinks the park might be fun. She’s a total sweetheart, but Horseback Hollow is all she knows. I think she wants a little adventure in her life.” Gabi cocked her head, looking at her brother. “And why are you interested in Cowboy Country, anyway?”

He busied himself with adding cream to his coffee, avoiding his sister’s shrewd gaze. “Just want to keep up on the local business news. And if Delaney Fortune is looking for adventure...”

“No way, Cisco. She’s not your type of girl.”

“What’s my type?”

“Brainless and shallow,” Gabi snapped.

He’d made the comment to sidetrack her but had to admit his sister’s assessment of his taste in women stung.

Gabriella’s smile turned sympathetic. “Speaking of women, Matteo and Rachel will probably stop by the barbecue for a bit. Are you okay with that?”

Before Cisco could answer, the waitress brought their food. As she put the plate down in front of him, she also slipped a piece of paper under the edge. “You’re new to town, right?”

“All the way from Miami,” he said with a practiced smile.

“Give me a call sometime,” she answered. “I can show you the sights.”

Gabi let out a delicate snort. “Horseback Hollow doesn’t have ‘sights.’”

The waitress ignored her. “Call me,” she whispered to Cisco, then turned on her heel, her hips swaying gently as she headed back toward the restaurant’s kitchen.

Cisco’s smile widened as he gave his sister a quick wink. “I’m happy for Matteo. He and Rachel are great together.” Before his younger brother had claimed Rachel Robinson, Cisco had gone on a date with her, more to spark Matteo into action than because of any deep feelings between Cisco and Rachel. “You know I’m not going to settle down anytime soon, Gabi. It’s not who I am.”

His sister only studied him, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “Famous last words, Cisco. Famous last words.”

* * *

“I’m here, Mom.” Delaney Fortune Jones rushed into the kitchen of the house she’d been born and raised in, snagging a chocolate-chip cookie from the counter as she did. Her parents were hosting one of their big family barbecues tonight, so there would be plenty to be done to get ready.

“Put the cookie down and wash your hands, young lady.” Her mother, Jeanne Marie Fortune Jones, had her back turned toward Delaney as she reached in the pantry. Delaney was pretty sure her mother had eyes in the back of her head, not to mention some psychic ability. She seemed to always know exactly what was going on with each of her children no matter where they were.

At twenty-four, Delaney was the youngest and the only one still living with her parents, but she was in no hurry to move into a place of her own. She loved her childhood home and the hustle and bustle that went with living on a working ranch.