Kent seemed willing to take his advice and input. The Mendozas had roots in Texas, so Cisco capitalized on his family history to encourage some authentic Western additions to the project. By the time the other man rolled up the plans, Cisco felt more confident things would work out in this deal. He would make sure they did, no matter what he had to do to get the end result he needed.
He watched Kent drive away, then turned to climb in the truck he’d leased from a dealership in nearby Vicker’s Corners. As he did, he noticed a lone horseback rider in the distance, tearing across the land, horse and rider clearly in sync as the horse’s hooves thundered over the ground. He felt his mouth go dry and had to remind himself to take a breath. That was a real cowboy, or maybe a cowboy kid, by the size of the rider. Cisco knew enough about horses and the West to pass himself off as a cowboy to his coworkers at Moore Entertainment, but this rider was the real deal from the tip of his cowboy hat to the glint of the metal on his saddle. Talk about a thrill. He was too far away to be noticed, but he stood and watched until the horse disappeared behind an outcropping of rocks, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
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