The rugged cowboy lassoed her heart

Will his secret change everything?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and poor Valene Fortunado is still single. Determined to take matters into her own hands, she signs up for a dating app that inexplicably pairs her with Jake Brockton. The sexy, down-to-earth “ranch hand” quickly makes Val forget what she thought she wanted in a man. But what will she do when she finds out her perfect, “penniless” beau is secretly a millionaire?

HELEN LACEY grew up reading Black Beauty and Little House on the Prairie. These childhood classics inspired her to write her first book when she was seven, a story about a girl and her horse. She loves writing for Mills & Boon, where she can create strong heroes with soft hearts and heroines with gumption who get their happily-ever-afters. For more about Helen, visit her website, helenlacey.com.

Also by Helen Lacey

Three Reasons to WedLucy & the LieutenantThe Cowgirl’s Forever FamilyMarried to the Mom-to-BeThe Rancher’s Unexpected Family AKiss, a Dance & a DiamondThe Secret Son’s Homecoming

A Fortunes of Texas Christmas

The CEO’s Baby Surprise

Claiming His Brother’s Baby

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Her Secret Texas Valentine

Helen Lacey

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09068-1

HER SECRET TEXAS VALENTINE

© 2019 Harlequin Books S.A.

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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Version: 2020-03-02

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For my parents,

who always encouraged me to read, to write and

to dream. I miss you both more than words can say.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Twenty-four-year-old real estate agent Valene Fortunado had no illusions about her love life.

She didn’t have one.

One lousy date after another over the past six months had made that abundantly clear.

It wasn’t like she needed a man to complete her. After all, she wasn’t the kind of woman to get caught up in grand gestures or romantic nonsense. Okay...maybe she was. Maybe she only acted as though she was a career woman, first and foremost.

Still...a good date every now and then would fill some of her lonelier nights.

And not that she was really lonely, either. It was just that since both her sisters and two of her brothers had found love, they kept insisting that her white knight was around the corner. Valene wasn’t so sure. Maybe her white knight had galloped past on his way through her neck of the woods and failed to notice she was standing there. Maybe she had been too wrapped up in her latest open house or contract negotiation to spot him riding by. She had been known to have blinders on when it came to the opposite sex.

Which was why she decided to log into My Perfect Match and let an app find her a date.

How bad could it be?

That was the question she should have asked herself two disastrous dates ago.

Date number one was so dull he could have been a cardboard cutout. And he spent the whole two and a half excruciating hours talking about himself, his license plate collection and his beloved mother. Date number two barely said a word and was so scruffy he looked like he’d been wearing the same clothes for a week. Not that Valene was hung up on appearances...but at the very least she expected her date to wear a clean shirt and take off his baseball cap during dinner. Novice mistake—first dates should be over coffee, not dinner. There was no easy escape during a three-course sit-down meal that might include a bottle of wine and several hours of conversation. Next time, she would meet someone over coffee and make sure she had a quick exit strategy in case it turned into a disaster.

Because there would be a next time.

Valene wasn’t about to give up simply because she’d made a few rookie errors.

She was mostly well behaved and did the right thing. Her parents adored her, and she wanted to make them proud. Plus, she’d always endeavored to be a proactive kind of girl and had never been accused of lacking gumption or courage. But she was determined to be more prudent in her choices. If both her sisters, Schuyler and Maddie, could find love with the men of their dreams, Valene expected nothing less for herself. As long as he ticked all the right boxes.

Looks...well, she wasn’t too fussy, but nice eyes and broad shoulders would be a bonus.

Money...enough that he didn’t expect her to pay for every meal and had a nice car.

Smarts...a college education and a good job were a must.

How hard could it be? Her sisters had managed it—so could she. Not that she was going to let the whole idea take up too much time or attention. She had more important things on her mind.

It had been a busy few months with way too much drama for her liking. And too much family. Hers and everyone else’s. Fortunados. Robinsons. Fortunes. Mendozas. Family life wasn’t simple anymore. She had relatives coming out of the woodwork. And things to do.

Like saving the family business.

Too many things had gone pear-shaped at Fortunado Real Estate in the past couple of months. Too many deals had been lost for it to be simple coincidence. And she loathed thinking it was merely bad judgment on their part. Sure, they’d lost sales and contracts to other real estate agents before, but this felt different. It felt...personal. As though someone was specifically targeting her family’s business. And Valene wouldn’t sit by and allow that to happen—not on her watch.

Still, she needed to make time for herself. Which was why she was on her way to meet date number three.

As she headed for the Houston coffee place, she caught a glimpse of herself in a flower shop window, pleased that she’d worn a dress and heels that flattered her curves and made her look taller than her five foot three. She glanced at her expression. Not too eager. Not too resistant, either. Just ready for whatever happened. And she was ready. She had her sister’s number on speed dial in her cell phone and knew every exit in the coffee place to escape in two seconds if need be.

Valene took a deep breath that added some resolve to her suddenly dwindling courage.

Third time lucky, she told herself.

She remained in the doorway and looked around. Blue shirt, she reminded herself. Look for a man wearing a blue shirt. That was the text message she’d received. She spotted three potentials. The first was a guy at the counter paying for two tall frappés. Right age. Tallish. Dark hair. Then she heard him haggling with the barista about a tip before he grabbed the drinks and walked directly past her without her being so much as a blip on his radar. Not him, thank God. Valene took another deep breath. She looked toward the second blue-shirted candidate. Not as tall, and thicker set. But he had a nice face and actually looked up and smiled at her. Okay...he looks normal enough. She was about to smile back when another woman passed her and headed for his table. The pair kissed briefly and then the woman sat down. Right. Not him, either.

She glanced toward the booth seat and saw candidate number three had his back to her. Broad shoulders and short blond hair, and a nice blue shirt. He looked so good from the back, she hoped it was him. From his online profile, she knew her date’s name was Jake and that he worked outside the city. The few texts they’d exchanged had been articulate and humorous enough to pique her interest and make her want to meet him.

Nothing ventured...nothing gained.

She’d always had gumption, according to her family. Now was the time to show some. And if it didn’t work out, so be it.

Valene pushed back her shoulders and walked through the coffeehouse.

* * *

Dating apps.

Jake Brockton figured that signing on to one was up there as one of the stupidest things he’d ever done. But he’d promised his sister he’d try it, and he was a man of his word. And it was just coffee. Not a date. Nothing that required too much time or attention. And he could bail as soon as felt the interaction going south.

He glanced at his watch. She was late. He hated that.

Jake had no tolerance for tardiness. He hadn’t gotten to where he was by being lazy or disorganized. It had been through grit and a steely determination to be the best version of himself he could possibly be.

Too bad his ex-wife hadn’t thought so.

He pushed the memory from his mind and tapped his fingers on the table. He really didn’t have time to waste on romantic entanglements. The ranch kept him busy 24/7 and he wasn’t about to get seriously involved with anyone. Still, he’d promised Cassidy, and he always kept his promises to his baby sister.

Conscious that someone was standing by the booth seat, Jake turned his head and quickly sucked in a sharp breath.

A woman stood barely two feet away. She was petite but surprisingly curvy, with long blond hair and brown eyes the color of Belgian chocolate. His gut recognized an instant reaction, and he swallowed hard, taking in her perfectly aligned features and lovely curves. She smiled, and her mouth curled at the corners.

His date.

They’d shared a few text messages the day before. Nothing too personal. Just their first names, interests and a time and place to meet. She’d seemed friendly and had added humorous emojis to her texts.

He got to his feet in a microsecond and held out his hand.

“Hi,” he said quietly. “I’m Jake Brockton.”

She stepped a little closer and took his hand, and he experienced an inexplicable tightening in his chest as their skin connected. Her eyes widened fractionally, as though she was experiencing the same reaction and then she quickly withdrew her hand.

“Valene Fortunado,” she said, her voice huskier than he’d expected. “But everyone calls me Val.”

Fortunado? He’d heard the name but wasn’t sure where. Jake nodded and signaled to the waitress. “Coffee?”

“That would be nice,” she said as she placed her small bag on the seat. “I’ve been here before. You?”

Jake shook his head. “But my sister told me the coffee is good.”

As small talk went, it was pretty benign, and he ignored the way his insides twitched. She was very attractive...more than he’d expected. More than he wanted. In his experience, beautiful women were nothing but trouble and potential heartache.

The waitress arrived and he listened, amused, as his date ordered a single-shot, low-fat, vanilla soy latte with extra cinnamon. He asked for a tall black and waited until the waitress disappeared before he spoke again.

“You’re very pretty.”

She raised one brow, clearly not expecting the compliment. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

Jake laughed softly. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded. “Sure.”

“Why are you using a dating app?”

“Why are you?” she shot back, smiling.

“My sister made me do it,” he admitted. “She thinks I spend too much time alone.”

Her lovely brow arched higher. “And do you?”

“Probably. Occupational habit.”

“What do you do?” she asked.

Jake expelled an even breath. “I work on a ranch.”

She sat back in her seat, her head tilted at a gentle angle. “Doing what?”

“Ranching stuff.”

She smiled slightly. “I’m a city girl, so I’ll need a little more information.”

“Ranching,” he replied. “Mustering cattle. Horse breaking.”

Her brows came together. “Like...a cowboy?”

He nodded. “Exactly.”

“I’ve never been on a date with a cowboy before.”

“Really?” He grinned. “Then you’ve led a sheltered life. This is Texas—cowboy capital of the nation.”

She laughed, and the sound reverberated in his chest. “I know that, too. I was born and raised in Houston. What about you?”

“I was raised in San Antonio until I was twelve, but I was born in Stafford, just outside Houston,” he said.

“That’s a nice spot. I sold a dude ranch there once,” she said idly. “Property values hold steady.”

Jake rested his elbows on the table. “You owned a dude ranch?”

She shook her head and grinned, waiting while the waitress approached with their order before speaking again. “No, it’s what I do for a living.”

“Selling dude ranches?”

“Selling real estate,” she corrected. “I work in my family’s business.”

He recalled seeing that she was self-employed on her profile. And now he knew why her surname seemed familiar. He knew of Fortunado Real Estate. They were one of the biggest in the city, and her family was connected to the famous Fortunes of Texas. “Do you enjoy it?”

“Mostly,” she replied. “I split my time between both the Austin and Houston offices and like any business, it has its ups and downs. It’s a little more down than up at the moment, but I always look on the bright side.”

Jake stirred a little sugar into his coffee. “I’m glad to hear it. So, you didn’t answer my question.”

“Which one?”

He met her gaze. “Why the dating app?”

She shrugged fractionally. “It’s simply a way to meet people.”

“People?”

Her cheeks spotted with color. “Guys. Or a guy. You know, Mr. Wonderful and all that.” She spooned the froth off her beverage. “But the truth is, if you’d turned out to be a cardboard cutout or one of the great unwashed, I was going to make this my third and last attempt.”

Jake laughed softly. “You’ve done this before?”

She held up two fingers. “And both disastrous.”

“I take it one was dull and the other had an issue with personal hygiene?”

She chuckled and he noticed that her brown eyes had flecks of gold in them. Damn, she really was pretty.

“Exactly,” she said on a sigh.

“And how am I comparing so far?”

Her eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip for a moment. “Well, from here you look very much like flesh and blood. And you smell nice.”

He laughed again and realized he’d done quite a lot of that since she’d arrived. “So, Valene, tell me about yourself.”

She didn’t break their gaze. “I’m twenty-four. Single, obviously. I work for my family’s real estate business. My parents are wonderful and still happily in love after thirtysomething years of marriage. I’m the youngest of six children and am considered to be somewhat spoiled. I have my own condo in the city and a fiercely protective bulldog. I’m allergic to passion fruit and I love chocolate. You?”

Jake drank some coffee and looked at her. “I’m thirty-two. Single, obviously,” he said, echoing her words. “I work on a ranch near Fulshear, outside Houston. My father died over a decade ago, and my mom still grieves him every day. I have a younger sister named Cassidy who is considered somewhat spoiled. I have a very unprotective collie mix called Sheba who tries to sleep on the end of my bed every night. I’m not allergic to anything I know of and I can take or leave chocolate.”

It was a vague introduction, since he wasn’t about to start saying too much about himself to a stranger. But she seemed nice enough, and what harm could a little flirtation do?

“It’s nice to meet you, Jake,” she said, still smiling.

“Likewise, Valene.”

“Do you like being a cowboy?” she asked.

“It has its up and downs,” he said, mimicking her earlier words as he smiled. “It’s physically hard work, but rewarding. It’s all I’ve done since I left college.”

“Where did you graduate?” She sipped her latte and looked at him over the rim of her mug. “The University of Houston?”

“No.”

“Rice University?”

“I dropped out before the second semester.”

Jake waited for her expression to change, for disappointment or censure to show on her pretty face. But to her credit, she didn’t appear fazed by what he’d described as his meager education. Or his occupation.

“Oh, I see,” she said and continued to sip her coffee. “And you said you’ve been working on the ranch ever since?”

Jake nodded. “We moved from San Antonio to the ranch when I was twelve. My father worked there for a long time.”

“And when he died you took over his job?” she asked.

Jake shrugged. “Someone had to fill his boots. So, Valene, why are you single?” he asked, abruptly changing the subject.

“I’m high maintenance,” she said and grinned. “Scared?”

“Not at all,” he replied, watching the way her mouth curled at the edges and thinking how sexy it was. It had been a long time since he’d been attracted to someone. But she was funny and flirtatious, and he was discovering that he enjoyed her company. “But I’m not sure I believe you.”

She shrugged. “I work long hours, and that doesn’t leave me a lot of time for socializing. But lately...”

Her words trailed off and he raised both brows questioningly. “Lately?”

“Both my sisters and one of my brothers have recently gotten married, and another brother got engaged,” she explained and sighed. “I feel left out, I guess, as if romance and love have passed me by.”

“And is that what you want?” he queried. “Romance and love?”

She shrugged again. “Doesn’t everyone?” She turned back and then made a face. “To be honest, I’d settle for someone to share a pizza, watch a movie and snuggle with.”

Jake smiled, trying to recall the last time he’d snuggled with anyone. His ex-wife, Patrice, hadn’t exactly been the snuggling type. But Valene Fortunado, with her lovely hair, soft brown eyes and subtle curves, made him think that it was time he got back to really living and reconnecting with the world.

“What kind of movies do you like?” he asked and finished his coffee.

She chuckled. “Ah...actually, I like a little zombie action.”

Jake laughed. “No chick flicks?”

She shook her head. “Not really. Just zombies and fright-night kinds of films.”

Jake winced. “Then I guess we’re not going to do that pizza and a movie thing,” he said, smiling as he shrugged. “Pity.”

Her lips curled. “You don’t like scary movies?”

“I don’t like clowns,” he admitted. “And one always seems to turn up in that kind of movie.”

She laughed again, so softly, so delightfully, that Jake’s belly rolled over.

“You’re scared of clowns?”

“Not scared,” he corrected quickly. “I just don’t like them all that much.”

“Tough guy like you,” she shot back, still chuckling. “In the movies, cowboys aren’t afraid of anything.”

“I’m not afraid,” he reiterated, enjoying her teasing. “Just...cautious. It’s those big feet and red noses...they’re kinda freaky.”

She laughed again. “Well, if we ever go on a date to a carnival or circus, I promise to protect you from the clowns terrorizing the midway.”

Jake stared at her, relaxed back in the booth seat and spoke. “Would you like to?”

Her head tilted fractionally. “Would I like to what?”

“Go on a date?”

* * *

Valene’s heart was beating like a jackhammer. Jake Brockton was utterly gorgeous. His eyes were clear blue, his face perfectly angled and proportioned, his blond hair the kind that begged for fingers to thread through it. And the rest of him was to-die-for hot. His shoulders were broad, his arms well muscled, and she was certain the rest of him would hold up to her and every other woman on the planet’s scrutiny. She couldn’t recall ever seeing a man fill out a chambray shirt the way he did. And he had nice hands—strong looking, with long blunt fingers, neat nails and a few calluses that signified hard work. Yes, Jake Brockton was about as masculine and attractive a man as she’d ever met.

Plus, he seemed to like her.

Unfortunately, the good-looking cowboy didn’t tick any of her boxes.

No career. No college education. And probably no money. She couldn’t be certain, but surely ranch hands weren’t paid extravagant salaries. She was disappointed through to her core.

But what harm could a single date do?

It wasn’t a marriage proposal. Or a lifelong commitment. And she didn’t have anyone else knocking on her door asking for her time and attention. She thought about it, looking at his handsome face again. And decided she’d live a little.

“Sure,” she said as casually as she could manage. “Why not.”

“Friday night?”

She nodded. “Where?”

He named a small Italian restaurant a few streets away. “Shall I pick you up?”

“I’ll meet you there,” she replied. “Um...that’s a popular place. I’m not sure we could get a reservation this late. Perhaps somewhere else would be easier.”

He looked amused by her caution. “I’ll text you a time once I make a reservation.”

She wasn’t convinced he’d get a table, but she agreed. “Ah...great.”

“Would you like more coffee?”

She smiled a little. The man certainly wasn’t short on manners, and she realized he was an intriguing mix of rough and smooth. There was no denying his earthy roots. His clothes were clean and tidy, but the closer she looked, the more she noticed how the shirt was frayed a little around the cuffs, and how the Stetson sitting on the seat beside him was clearly well used. And despite the air of civility oozing from him, there was nothing urban about Jake Brockton. He was country through and through. Not what she wanted. Not anything like what she wanted. Except...his blue eyes were unbelievably mesmerizing. And his clean-shaven jaw made her fingertips itch with the urge to trace a pattern along his cheek and chin.

Awareness and attraction mingled through her blood and she managed a tight smile, conscious that he was watching her intently. She tried to recall the last time she’d been as interested in a man, and the lingering memory of her first real boyfriend flittered along the edges of her mind. But Diego hadn’t hung around. And it turned out he was only ambitious and interested in her family’s money and connections rather than her. He wanted a career in real estate and thought she was his meal ticket, and he showed little shame in making it clear he deserved it after putting up with being her boyfriend for a year. After that, a little older and wiser, she’d dated Hugh. He was handsome and polite and from a nice family—his father was a friend of her father’s, and they’d been set up with the expectation that they would be perfect for one another. Yes, Hugh was perfect—he had perfect looks and manners and a career in the finance sector, and for five months she’d been convinced they would have a predictable happily-ever-after. But there was very little spark between them. Actually, no spark. Zilch. So it was an easy decision to end things between them. He was disappointed. She was wife material, he said. She shouldn’t have high expectations. After that, she’d begun to believe that maybe the spark thing was a myth. But then, over the course of the past year, both her sisters and two of her brothers had fallen madly in love and it got Val thinking that maybe that big love really did exist.

“Why are you single, Jake?” she asked bluntly.

“I’ve been too busy,” he said vaguely.

She gave him a disbelieving look. “Really?”

“That’s the truth, but I guess I’m still looking for my perfect match.”

She chuckled. “Do you think there’s such a thing?”

He shrugged lightly. “I’d like to think so. I’m not so sure anymore.”

“Do you want kids?”

His expression altered for a nanosecond, as though he was lost in thought. Finally, he spoke again. “Yes, one day. You?”

“I’m pretty sure I want kids...one day.”

“You’re only twenty-four,” he reminded her. “You have plenty of time to think about kids.”

Her belly did an odd kind of dive. “I know. But I think it’s more about being with the right person, rather than being the right age.”

He nodded. “I think you’re right. So, tell me about your two disastrous dates.”

She laughed lightly. “Oh, my God, they were unbelievably bad. The first guy collected license plates from every state and talked nonstop about his mother. And the second one—he wore a baseball cap backward. But,” she said and flashed him a smile, “third time’s the charm.”

He met her gaze. “I’m really glad your first two dates were duds.”

Valene kept the visual contact. “Me too. Anyhow, I should probably get going. I have an open house at noon and need to get back to the office beforehand. But it was nice to meet you.”

“You too,” he said and waited for her to stand before he got to his feet.

He excused himself for a moment and headed for the counter to pay the check before Valene had a chance to offer to pay her share. When he returned to her, she was halfway to the entrance. He opened the door and let her pass, and they stepped out into the sunlight.

“My car’s right here,” she said and used the beeper to unlock her silver Lexus, which was parked directly outside the coffeehouse. “Yours?”

He jerked a thumb in the direction of a beaten-up blue Ranger parked on the other side of the road. There was faded writing on the side of the truck that she couldn’t make out. Okay...so he had a crappy car. The fact that he was utterly gorgeous made up for that shortcoming. Valene tried to drag her gaze away but couldn’t help looking him up and down. It should be illegal, she thought to herself as her skin prickled all over, for a man to look that good in chambray and denim.

“Well, thanks for meeting me, Jake,” she said easily and held out her hand. “I had a nice time.”

He took her hand, and electricity shot up her arm. “Likewise, Valene. I’ll see you Friday.”

For a moment, she could have sworn he swayed a little closer. Of course, he wouldn’t try to kiss her. That would be outrageous, presumptuous and completely out of line. But still, her lips tingled foolishly and she let out a long and disappointed sigh.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, Val. It was just coffee and conversation.

He released her hand and she quickly got into her car. When she pulled away from the curb and caught a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror, her thought surprised her. She’d suddenly developed a thing for cowboys.

Chapter Two

“So,” Schuyler asked over brunch the following day. “How did it go?”

They were eating at the office, chowing down on gourmet chicken salads and freshly squeezed juice that their other sister, Maddie, had supplied. Her oldest sister commuted between Austin and Houston most weeks, and Schuyler had driven in from Austin the day before and was staying for a couple of days. They had ditched the break room and were seated around the big oak table in the boardroom.

“It was nice,” Valene replied and sipped on a guava and pineapple drink. “Like I said.”

“But he’s a penniless cowboy?” Maddie asked bluntly.

Val shrugged. “I didn’t ask to see his bank statements. He was nice, very charming and funny.”

Maddie, always the most serious of the trio, looked skeptical. “I can’t believe you got matched up with a ranch hand. Didn’t you say you specifically wanted an educated, white-collar kind of guy?”

She shrugged again. “I don’t know. Perhaps he fudged the questionnaire.”

“It’s possible,” Schuyler said and frowned.

“What a jerk,” Maddie added.

But the more Val thought about it, the less likely Maddie’s opinion seemed. There was something refreshingly candid and honest about Jake. Of course, it could be that she was still gaga over his broad shoulders and blue eyes and didn’t want to see the truth right in front of her. But she was convinced that he was exactly as he appeared—a workingman, honest and down to earth. And as hot as Hades.

“We could google him,” Schuyler suggested.

Val waved a hand. “Absolutely not. I’m not going to go stalker and start checking out social media profiles and that sort of thing. I want to be a grown-up about this. And I know this might sound silly, but I don’t want to jinx it, okay?”

“What do you mean?” Schuyler asked.

“It means,” Val said, a little impatiently, “that he was nice, and we had a good time over coffee, like I said. And we’re going out for dinner tomorrow night.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Maddie asked soberly. “I mean, if he’s not the kind of guy you think you could get serious about, why bother getting to know him?”

Schuyler laughed. “You’re such a snob, Maddie.”

“I’m a realist,” her sister defended. “And you’ve said it yourself, you want a man who ticks certain boxes. Sounds like he only ticks the ‘looks good in a pair of jeans’ box.”

Both her sisters laughed, but Val wasn’t amused. They were making fun, and for some reason, that bothered her. “We’ll just see what happens.”

“Well,” Schuyler said dramatically, “I think it’s great that you’re getting out. And if this one doesn’t work out, you can try again. But maybe redefine your criteria a little.”

Maddie had a serious look on her face. “I’m not trying to be a party pooper, but you need to tread carefully and slowly when it comes to romance.”

“Like you did?” Val shot back, brows up. “Weren’t you the one who took you and Zach out of the colleague and friend zone when you planted that kiss on him at the Thirsty Ox? How long did it take you to jump into Zach’s bed after that?”

Schuyler started wagging a few fingers and counting before Maddie shushed them both. “Okay...don’t take my lead. All I’m saying is, don’t be hasty. If he’s right for you, then he’ll wait. You’re my baby sister and I’ll always worry about you.”

“I know,” Val obliged. “And I appreciate your concern. But believe me, I’m not about to rush into anything. I know how everyone thinks I’m impulsive, but in this instance, I’m going to take my time and get to know someone before I make any big moves. Besides, I’m too busy with work to spend too much time on romance. If I don’t start closing more deals,” she said and glanced toward Maddie, who along with her überhandsome husband, Zach McCarter, had become joint CEO of Fortunado Real Estate since their father had retired, “Dad’s going to insist you fire me.”

“Ha,” Schuyler said with mock horror. “No chance. You’re Daddy’s girl. He’ll never allow Maddie or Zach to fire you. You are the golden girl and his number two protégée.”

Val laughed, because they all knew Maddie had been their father’s number one protégée.

“That’s true,” Val said and grinned. “I am Dad’s favorite.”

Maddie tossed a piece of lettuce in her direction. “And modest. Speaking of which, do our parents know you’re on the hunt for a man?” Maddie asked.

Val rolled her eyes. “I’d hardly call it a hunt. I met Jake for coffee, not a commitment ceremony. And Dad and Mom generally stay out of my love life.”

“Except for Hugh,” Schuyler reminded her. “He was handpicked.”

“Dad worries about gold diggers,” Maddie said on a sigh. “And since you’re so easily influenced and like to party, they probably thought they were doing the right thing.”

“Gosh, I have a terrible reputation,” she said tartly, trying to remember the last time she actually did go to a party. “Young and impulsive and likely to get into all kinds of trouble. Oh, hang on,” she said and smiled. “That was you, Schuyler, getting cozy with the Mendozas so you could wrangle an introduction to our newly discovered Fortune relatives. And then falling in love with one of the sexy Mendoza men.”

Of course, every word was true. Schuyler had integrated herself into the Mendoza family, specifically by getting a job working at the Mendoza Winery, and then by falling in love with Carlo Mendoza. It was a series of events, jump-started by discovering that the Fortunados were related to the infamous Fortune family. The very idea that they were connected to the Fortunes had sent a curious Schuyler on a mission to find out the whole truth. They discovered that their grandfather was actually Julius Fortune, and that their dad, Kenneth Fortunado, was one of his many illegitimate children dotted around the state and even the country. Their grandmother had signed a confidentiality agreement with Julius, but also being something of a free spirit, had changed Kenneth’s name to Fortunado as a way of not completely complying to Julius’s demands. Learning that, Schuyler had been determined to get acquainted with the Fortune branch of the family. That’s how she ended up at the Mendoza Winery, pretending to be a waitress. The Mendozas and the Fortunes were interlaced by marriage. Turned out Julius’s son Jerome Fortune, who was known as tech billionaire Gerald Robinson—their uncle—had a daughter who was married to one of the Mendoza cousins. The link was enough to get Schuyler’s crazy mind into thinking she could somehow bring the families together.

Valene hadn’t taken much interest at the time, since she’d been neck-deep in work and wanted to prove she could be as ambitious and successful at Fortunado Real Estate as her sister Maddie. But now the truth was out. They were really Fortunes—as their free-spirited grandmother had enjoyed an affair with the philandering Julius. Valene had learned to accept the fact that she had an incredibly complicated family tree. It wasn’t unusual to see an article on the internet or in the paper about the family. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that a journalist named Ariana Lamonte had done an exposé on all of Gerald Robinson’s children, including the ones he’d sired out of wedlock. Yeah, complicated didn’t really cover it. Particularly now that Gerald Robinson, aka Jerome Fortune, had left his embittered wife, Charlotte, and had sought refuge in the arms of the first and only love of his life, Deborah—who had borne him three illegitimate sons decades earlier.

Yes, the Fortunado/Fortune/Mendoza connection was about as complicated as it got.

“Okay,” Schuyler said and grinned. “I’ll admit that I’m the flake in the family.”

“What does that make me?” Maddie queried.

“The workaholic,” Val said lightly. “And I’m the spoiled brat. I know, since our brothers have told me that repeatedly over the years.”

“You’re not spoiled,” Schuyler defended. “But you’re the youngest, and since we’ve already established that you’re Daddy’s favorite, you know you have to get labeled as something. But now I think we should check out this Jake on social media and see what he’s hiding.”

Val rolled her eyes. “He’s not hiding anything.”

“Everyone is hiding something,” Maddie said, her mouth flattened. “What’s his last name?”

“I’m not saying,” Val replied, standing her ground. “I’m not going to do anything other than go on a nice and respectable date with the man.”

Schuyler made a dramatic sound. “Oh, I see, you actually like him.”

Val waved an impatient hand. She loved her sisters...but sometimes they were impossibly bossy and interfering. “We spent an hour together. I’d hardly call that enough time to form any kind of opinion.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Maddie said seriously. “I was pining for Zach for years after the first time I laid eyes on him.”

“But underneath your corporate and workaholic demeanor, you’re a soppy sentimentalist,” Val said and chuckled. “And I’m a realist.”

They all laughed, and it was so nice to spend some quality time with her sisters. Since both of them had married, and Schuyler had moved to Austin to be with Carlo, she’d missed their company. Of course, she still regularly saw Maddie at both the Houston and Austin offices, but that was work. She had friends, but other than her bestie, Adele, no one came close to the affection she felt for her siblings. She even missed hanging out with her brothers. Particularly Connor, who lived in Denver and was always a great source of advice and counsel.

Growing up as the youngest Fortunado child had had its difficult moments. For one, her parents were overprotective of her and often treated her as though she were eighteen and not twenty-four. Since her father had retired and he and her mother had begun traveling, their stranglehold had lessened a little, but she still spoke to both her parents every few days. Case in point: she hadn’t told her parents she was using My Perfect Match to find a man, otherwise she knew her father would start handing out her number to people he thought were suitable for his youngest, beloved child.

She packed up what was left of her lunch and gave each of her sisters a hug. “I have to get back to work. I’m showing an estate in Bunker Hill this afternoon.”

“The McGovern place?” Maddie inquired, quickly in CEO mode.

“That’s the one,” she said and shrugged. “I have a buyer from Arizona, a couple who are transferring to Houston for work. We video chatted last time I did an open house, and they seem interested in the property.”

“But?” Maddie asked, always picking up on Val’s body language.

“They’re going in at under three fifty per square foot.”

“Median price is what?” Maddie queried. “About four hundred?”

She nodded. “Yeah...so we’ll see. The husband really likes the place, but his wife is a banker and is naturally going to try to screw the owners with a lower offer.”

Maddie’s brows rose quickly. “Please tell me you’re not using that terminology with the clients?”

Val laughed. She loved Maddie, but sometimes her oldest sister was too uptight. “Of course not,” she assured her boss and smoothed a hand over her perfectly tight chignon. “I am always at my professional best when I’m with a client.”

“Well, as long as you let your hair down with your hot cowboy on Friday night,” Schuyler said and chuckled.

Your hot cowboy...

Her skin turned uncharacteristically warm at the thought of Jake Brockton.

“Would you stop encouraging her to be as reckless as you?” Maddie scolded her sister.

Val was still smiling as she left the boardroom and headed up the hall. She passed her brother-in-law Zach McCarter and hiked a thumb in the direction of the boardroom. He nodded and grinned, clearly amused that she knew he would be looking for the wife he obviously adored. Val liked Zach; he was a good boss and a great businessman. She’d learned a lot from him since he’d moved to Houston from the San Antonio office. The transition had been at her father’s behest, of course, before her dad had retired. Kenneth had pitted Maddie and Zach against one another in a contest to secure the top job once he retired, and over the course of the rivalry, they had fallen crazily in love.

She was still smiling as she entered her office and was moving around her desk when her cell phone beeped. She checked the text message instantly.

It was her hot cowboy.

Toscano’s. Seven o’clock. Looking forward to it. Jake.

She grinned when she noticed the smiling emoji, wondering how he’d wrangled a reservation at one of the most popular restaurants in Houston. She texted back quickly and tucked the cell into her pocket.

She had a date.

And for the first time in a long time, Val didn’t feel quite so alone.

* * *

“Seriously, could you be any more evasive?”

Jake made an impatient sound at the whiny voice rattling in his ear. The same voice that had been demanding answers to a barrage of personal questions for the last five minutes.

“Cass,” he said quietly, “I told you, it’s none of your business.”

“But it was my idea,” she wailed and came around his left side, ignoring the fact he was hitching up the cinch on his horse and she was very much in the way. “I suggested the dating app to begin with.”

The big gelding sidestepped and stomped its foot. Jake loved his baby sister, but sometimes she was as annoying as a buzzing mosquito. And about as relentless. She’d been at him the moment she got home from college for the weekend, demanding to know how his coffee dates went. Well, date, in the singular, because he’d canceled the two other dates he’d made once he’d met the vivacious and beautiful Valene Fortunado. He’d never been a player, and dating more than one woman didn’t sit right.

“Cassidy,” he said, calling his sister by her full name, “button up, will you. I’ve got work to do.”

She huffed and swished her flaming-red ponytail. “Sometimes you are such a killjoy, Jake. If you hadn’t taken my advice, you never would have met this goddess.”

He turned his head and frowned. “And not once did I use that word,” he reminded her. “Remember that when you start telling Mom how you’re playing cupid.”

His sister laughed. “You said she was pretty.”

“She was. She is. But I don’t want to make more of it than it was. Coffee and conversation,” he said, his voice sterner. “That’s it.”

“But you’re seeing her tonight, right?”

He nodded slowly. “Right.”

“You should take flowers,” Cassidy suggested. “Women love flowers. And wear a suit. And don’t take that crappy old truck of yours. Make sure you drive the Sierra. I don’t know why you bought the thing—you never take it out of the garage. You’d rather drive around in that old Ranger that you’ve had since you were sixteen.”

Jake wasn’t about to argue, since Cassidy had a point. He did prefer the Ranger. But he often had business dealings that required more class than the beat-up Ford that his father had taught him to drive in so many years ago. Sentiment made him hang on to the old truck. And memory. And the acknowledgment of where he had come from, where his roots were, and how far he’d come since his dad had been the foreman of the Double Rock Ranch.

Jake had been raised on the ranch since he was twelve and Cassidy a newborn. Along with their mother, they’d lived in the cottage behind the main house, and their life had been happy and fulfilling. Jake loved the land and the work, but he’d also gotten good grades in high school, so college was the obvious next step. But when his father had died suddenly from a heart attack when he was eighteen, he’d quickly hightailed it back home from school and stepped into his father’s boots. If he hadn’t, his mom and sister would have been forced to leave the ranch, and that was unthinkable.

But he understood why Cassidy made the comment about the suit and the truck. Jake had no illusions. Valene was city while he was country. But he wasn’t an uneducated hick, even though she might think he was. True, she hadn’t made any condescending remarks when he’d admitted to dropping out of college, but he sensed some level of disappointment. He did admire the way she’d kept that feeling to herself, though. And he liked how she had asked him about his work and hadn’t made any negative remarks about his occupation. He knew from experience that some women measured a man’s worth by the weight of his wallet.

Like Patrice...

He’d pined for her through high school, but she was with the it crowd, and Jake was definitely not on her radar. Years later, that changed. Patrice did notice him. And because he was still stuck on her, Jake didn’t hesitate in falling head over heels in love with her, not realizing she was cold and calculating and not to be trusted. He learned his life lessons the hard way. Through Patrice’s betrayal and humiliation, his heart hardened, and he was determined he’d never be made a fool of again.

Jake gently grabbed Cassidy’s shoulders and ushered her out of the way. He checked the cinch, grabbed the reins and effortlessly sprang into the saddle. “Try to stay out of trouble, will you. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

“We haven’t finished this conversation,” she reminded him, hands on hips.

Jake shook his head. “See ya, kid. Don’t forget to study while you’re here this weekend.”

Cassidy was in her third year at college, but she was easily distracted. He loved her, though, and would walk through fire for her and his mom. He reined the gelding and headed from the corral, meeting up with two of the ranch hands who’d been waiting patiently by the stables.

“Sorry, boys,” he said, though no apology was necessary. They all knew how irritating and adorable Cassidy could be.

“No worries, boss,” the older of the duo replied. Kris had been on the Double Rock Ranch longer than he had. Jake still winced every time one of the ranch hands called him boss, but he’d worked hard to get where he was, and everyone on the Double Rock knew it and respected him for it. “I got a younger sister myself. Nothin’ but trouble.”

They all laughed as they headed off. When they passed the main house, Jake slowed down a fraction. The renovations were finally being finished, something that was a long time coming. For years the previous owners had let the home fall into disrepair, but things on the Double Rock were slowly changing. The ranch, situated in Fort Bend County, was a forty-minute drive to Houston and just under four hundred acres. Prime land, dotted with oak and pecan trees, it was predominantly cattle and horses and operated a highly lucrative Wagyu beef business. Jake loved the Double Rock and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

He spent the following hour checking the perimeter fences on the west side of the property, ending up down by the creek. From there he had a great view of the rear of the house and the back deck that was currently being redone. Several contractors were working on the place, and he waved to a couple when they spotted him.

By the time he was finished with the fences, it was past four o’clock. He headed for the office in the stables and did paperwork for an hour and then made his way to the bunkhouse to shower and change. Since Cassidy was staying for the weekend, he’d planned on bunking with the ranch hands for a couple of days, giving up his room in the cottage to his sister. He’d been staying with his mom for the last few weeks while the upstairs rooms in the main house were painted and the new flooring went down. Their mother had turned the third bedroom in the cottage into a craft room a couple of years earlier, and he wasn’t about to let his baby sister sleep on the couch.

He showered and dressed, dismissing the idea of a suit and settling on dark jeans, a white shirt and a jacket. Suits and ties were not his thing. Sure, Valene was a sophisticated and educated woman, but Jake wasn’t about to become someone he wasn’t to impress her. He was a rancher, a cowboy, more at home in his Stetson and denim than hand-tailored suits. He kept the suits for business and the denim for pleasure.

And a date with Valene Fortunado was definitely about pleasure.

For two long days he’d been thinking about her, remembering her lovely brown eyes and the perfectly shaped mouth he was hopeful he’d get to kiss at some point.

He drove the Sierra, despite some misgivings, and had to park down the street from the restaurant because the vehicle was so big. Toscano’s was a nice place, well regarded and hard to get a reservation at. But he’d been there a lot, with Patrice when they were married and many times for business lunches and for dinner. The owner, Serge, knew him, since the Double Rock supplied their beef, and he’d been happy to make a reservation for Jake.

Jake lingered by the door a few minutes to seven and felt relief pitch in his chest when he saw Valene’s familiar-looking Lexus pull into a newly vacant parking space down the block. He met her by the driver’s side and closed the door once she got out.

“Evening,” he said and held out his hand.

Her fingers curled around his and she met his gaze. It was dark, and a chilly February night, but he felt the connection between them instantly. She wore a long coat, and her beautiful hair was down and framed her face. She was, he thought, as lovely as he remembered. Attraction skittered down his spine, and he experienced an unusual shortness of breath. It had been a long time since he had been so aware of a woman. Too long. And he liked the sensation that being around her evoked. It made him feel as though he was alive, and not the version of himself he’d allowed to take the lead since Patrice had left.

“Hello, Jake, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Valene.”

She smiled and withdrew her hand. “You can call me Val.”

“I kinda like Valene,” he admitted and waited until she’d moved onto the sidewalk before discreetly placing a hand beneath her elbow and ushering her toward the restaurant. “Is that okay?”

She smiled. “Only my dad calls me Valene. And Glammy.”

“Glammy?”

She nodded and suddenly looked a little sad. “She was my grandmother. When we were kids, my sister Schuyler had a lisp and couldn’t say Grammy...so the word Glammy sort of stuck. She died last year.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman. One of a kind. I miss her a lot. How did you manage to get a table?” she asked as they reached the door, changing the subject. “Did you bribe the maître d’?”

He smiled and led her inside, speaking close to her ear. “Something like that.”

Once they were inside, she took off her coat to reveal a stunning black-and-white dress that was modest but enhanced her lovely curves. It took about ten seconds for them to be seated and for Serge to seek Jake out. The owner, a Sicilian in his late sixties, greeted him with a friendly handshake.

“So good to see you again, Jake. It’s been too long. I saved the best table for you.”

Jake could only agree and figured the restaurateur had probably shuffled reservations around to give them the table situated between the small front window and the bar that was away from other diners and offered plenty of privacy.

“Thank you, Serge,” he said and then introduced Valene.

The rakish Sicilian grasped Valene’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “A pleasure, lovely lady. I have seen you here before, yes?”

She nodded and briefly met Jake’s gaze. “Yes, mostly for business lunches. However,” she said and smiled warmly, “I have never sat at the best table before.”

The older man gave a flirtatious laugh. “Ha...nothing is too good for my friend Jake. I shall leave you the wine list and come back soon.”

Once Serge left, Valene stared at Jake, brows up questioningly. “So...how?”

“How what?”

“How did you get to be on a first-name basis with the owner of one of the most popular restaurants in the city?”

Jake perused the wine list for a second and then met her inquiring gaze. “I told you I work on a ranch. It supplies the beef for the restaurant. Serge is simply a satisfied customer. Good beef equals the good table.”

Her mouth curled at the edges. “You’re full of surprises.”

Yeah, he thought, to a woman like Valene Fortunado, it would seem like that.

And then he wondered how she’d react if he told her that the beef the Double Rock Ranch supplied to the restaurant actually belonged to him. Because everything on the ranch—the house, the stables, the cattle, the horses—was his, and had been since he’d bought the place eight years earlier.

Chapter Three

Yes...he is as gorgeous as I remember.

Valene couldn’t think of anything else as she watched him look over the wine list. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen eyes his color before. They were an old movie-star blue—deep and glittering and framed by the most unfairly long lashes she’d ever seen on a man. And he smelled so good—not some fancy and expensively overpowering and cloying cologne, but a woodsy, totally masculine scent that was wreaking havoc on her dormant libido.

Sex...

How long had it been since she’d thought about sex in any real terms? A long time. Even when she was with Hugh, their relationship had been so lukewarm she rarely gave intimacy a thought. But right now, sitting opposite Jake, admiring his broad shoulders and bedroom eyes, she was suddenly thinking about it. Big-time.

“Do you have a wine preference?” he asked, looking at her over the list.

She shrugged lightly. “I prefer white.”

He nodded, and within seconds Serge returned and Jake ordered a vintage from the Mendoza Winery. She wondered if he knew of her connection with the family and then figured it didn’t matter. He could easily find out her background by going online. She had several social media accounts and often posted frivolous things about food and clothes and the latest pair of must-have shoes she’d purchased. It certainly wouldn’t be difficult to trace her family tree and figure out she came from the Fortune family. A very rich family. Maddie’s warning suddenly pealed inside her head. Don’t go too fast. Don’t trust too easily.

A waitress arrived and handed them a couple of menus. Valene was looking over the selection when he spoke.

“Everything okay, Valene?”

She looked up and nodded. “Fine. So, what’s good here?”

“The beef,” he replied and grinned. “Although I may be a little biased.”

Valene chose the ravioli and pursed her lips. “I shall take you to task if it’s inferior to my palate.”

He chuckled at her playful banter. “I look forward to it.”

The waitress returned with the wine and to take their order, and once they were alone, Valene spoke again. “So, Jake, have you ever had your heart broken?”

His gaze narrowed fractionally. “Yes. You?”

“Sort of.”

He gave her a quizzical look. “Sort of?”

She shrugged. “Not broken...just cracked a little. It turned out my first boyfriend, Diego, was more interested in courting my father than me.”

He sat back. “Well, I can assure you that your father isn’t my type.”

Valene laughed. He had a lovely sense of humor and she was discovering that she liked that quality very much. “I’ll have you know that my dad is very charming.”

He chuckled. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“And he’s a good judge of character,” she added and sipped her wine. “He saw through Diego long before I did.”

“It’s good he’s there to watch out for you.”

“Or smother me,” she said and sighed. “My parents can be a little...overprotective.”

“You’re their youngest child, correct?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Natural then,” he said quietly, “that they would want to protect you from jerks and gold diggers.”

“I suppose,” she said and sighed. “And I shouldn’t complain about being loved so much, I know. Tell me about your parents.”

He shrugged loosely. “Not much to tell. My parents had a happy marriage. My mom never found anyone else after my father died.”

“He was the love of her life?” Val suggested, thinking how wonderful it would be to feel such devotion for someone.

“I guess he was. She works three days a week at the local elementary school and has a small circle of friends. She’s happy enough, I suppose. What about your mom?” he asked, turning the conversation back to her.

“My mother’s name is Barbara. She and my dad love one another like crazy. She works in a charity organization that helps women and children. I’ve always envied the way she can do that.”

“Do what?” he inquired.

Val pressed her lips together for a moment. “Help people unselfishly. Without an agenda. She was never overly ambitious for a career—I guess my dad made up for that. But she always seems to be the best version of herself. Maybe doing things for other people makes a person their authentic best.”

“I’m sure it does,” Jake said evenly. “But I think when we’re young, most of us are wrapped up in ourselves. It’s not a character flaw...just part of growing up. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Valene, I’m sure you do more for others than you realize.”

Val stared at him. There was something about the rich timbre of his voice that soothed her. It also occurred to her that he wasn’t the roughneck that men who worked the land were often assumed to be.

“You know, you’re very...nice,” she said and drank some wine. “You said you’d had your heart broken. Will you tell me about it?”

His gaze didn’t waver. “There’s not much to tell. We went to high school together but weren’t in the same crowd. A few years after school we met up again. I loved her. I thought she loved me in return. I was mistaken. We split up.”

Val knew there had to be more to the story, but she wasn’t going to pry any deeper. They barely knew one another, and she had to respect his privacy. If he wanted to say more about it, he would.

Their meals arrived, and for the following hour, Valene was entertained by Jake’s quiet humor and easy conversation. They talked about movies and music; he entertained her with stories about working on the ranch and she did the same with tales of selling houses and dealing with clients. She told him about Maddie and Zach’s rivalry and how they fell in love. She talked about Schuyler’s whirlwind romance with one of the Mendozas, and he didn’t flinch at the mention of anyone’s name. If he knew of her connection to the Mendozas or the Fortunes, he had a great poker face.

“Do you enjoy selling houses?” he asked once their plates had been cleared away and she was perusing the dessert menu.

Valene nodded. “Yes. But I travel a lot between Houston and Austin at the moment and the hours can be long. Not as long as yours, I imagine, from sunrise to sunset. But I often work weekends doing open houses or catching up on paperwork. In fact, I’m working tomorrow morning for a few hours.”

“What’s your favorite part of your job?”

She let out a long breath. “My favorite part is when I show someone a house and they have that ‘this is the one’ look on their face. The funny thing is, sometimes the house they finally choose is nothing like what they were originally looking for.”

“I imagine it’s a competitive industry.”

“Fiercely,” she replied. “Even among people working in the same office. Landing an exclusive listing is so important but often difficult in today’s climate. Different agents offer different incentives, but I try not to get wrapped up in the theatrics. I simply match up my listing and prospective buyers the best I can. I mean, buying property is a considered purchase, not something people do on a whim. So I get to know the clients as real people. Their history, their family, their dreams. Buying a home is usually the biggest financial commitment someone will make in their lifetime, so I try to make the experience as stress-free as possible.”

As she spoke, she longed to feel a surge of passion for what she did. Val liked her job. But she didn’t love it. She enjoyed working in the family business and strove to be the best she could be. She wasn’t as ambitious as Maddie and had little interest in climbing the corporate ladder or being in charge, but the selling, the brokering of deals, the influence she had when she clinched a sale, were challenging and had their rewards.

“I imagine you’re very good at getting people to trust you,” he remarked, sipping his wine.

Val smiled. “I’d like to think so. And you’re right, my clients, both buyers and sellers, put a lot of trust in my hands. So I’m always up front about what the home is worth, how it presents, how it feels. And I believe they appreciate that. Honesty is the key.”

His blue eyes glittered brilliantly. “You’re right. And since we’re on the subject of honesty, I should come clean and tell you that I never order dessert.”

Val smiled. “Well, I don’t see how this is ever going to work, then.”

There was something hypnotic about his gaze, and she couldn’t have dragged her eyes away from his even if she’d wanted to. With every look, every word, Valene felt herself getting dragged further into his vortex.

“You can order dessert if you want,” he told her. “I hear the cheesecake is good.”

She shook her head. “I like my sweets in the morning. There’s this place down the road from my office, the Moon Beam Bakery, that does the most amazing blueberry and cream cheese bagels.” She moaned her delight.

“So, then, instead of dessert, would you like to go dancing?” he asked.

Oh, God, he danced, too.

The man was perfect. Well, except for every other way that he wasn’t. The clothes, although neat and well fitted, were cowboy garb, and of course there was his beat-up truck and the fact he was a ranch hand. But still...he really was incredibly attractive. And smart. And funny.

She nodded. “I would.”

“Let’s go.”

He signaled the waitress, paid the check with a credit card and said a quick farewell to Serge before helping her into her coat. It was chilly outside, and she pulled up the collar around her neck.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they stepped onto the sidewalk.

“Just down the block,” he replied. “Are you happy to walk or would you prefer we drive?”

She looked down at her pointy shoes and nodded, thinking that Maddie would blow a gasket if she agreed to get into a car with a man she barely knew. But Valene didn’t feel as though she was in any danger with Jake. There was something unwaveringly trustworthy about him. He possessed an aura of enviable integrity, as though it was ingrained within his DNA.

Still, it was such a short distance, she opted to walk.

He grasped her elbow, and even through the woolen coat, she could feel the heat coming off his skin. They walked down the block and then across the road, passing several couples along the way before they reached their destination. She’d been anticipating the fashionable jazz club a few doors down from where they stood. But no. This wasn’t the jazz place.

Valene came to an abrupt halt once she heard the music emanating from the very country, very cowboy bar and grill. Of course, she’d passed the place many times, but she had never ventured through the doors of the Red Elk. It was honky-tonk style, with a bar and booth seats and a dance floor toward the back. The place was surprisingly subdued and nowhere near as rowdy and noisy as she’d imagined.

“Ah... I don’t really know how to dance to cowboy songs,” she said as he ushered her through the doorway and toward a table near the dance floor.

He was smiling. “It’s easy,” he replied and took her coat, hanging it over the back of a chair. “You just hold on and sway.”

Val wasn’t convinced. There were a few other couples on the dance floor, and the song changed just as Jake took her hand. Electricity rushed up her arm and she was sure her cheeks spotted with color. And then like magic, she was in his arms. He didn’t grope her, didn’t do anything other than hold her one hand and then place his other respectfully at her waist. Val reached up and placed her hand on his shoulder and then followed his lead. Of course, he knew what he was doing, and slow dancing clearly came to him as easily as breathing. And the song, a romantic Brett Young number, was exactly the right kind of melody for the mood she was in.

He might be a penniless cowboy, but Jake Brockton knew how to dance. In fact, she was pretty sure he was one of those men who mastered everything he did. And then, of course, she knew he’d be a spectacular kisser. Which was why she looked up, her lips parted slightly as she met his gaze, her eyes clearly betraying her.

Because what she wanted in that moment, more than anything, was his mouth on hers, and she was absolutely certain that he knew it!

Jake had never in his life wanted to kiss anyone as much as he wanted to kiss Valene Fortunado. Of course, he wouldn’t. But he was tempted. It didn’t help that her slumberous chocolate-brown eyes were regarding him with seductive invitation. Or that every time she moved, her lovely curves brushed against him.

But it was too soon.

He liked her. He liked her a lot. More than he’d been prepared for when he’d asked her out to dinner. Or suggested they go dancing. But Jake wasn’t a hasty man. And even though Valene was delightful and beautiful, he had to show some sense and some self-control.

“See,” he said easily, ignoring the way his heart was beating, “you can dance to a cowboy song.”

She smiled. “I’m just swaying.”

“That’s all you gotta do, sweetheart.”

She smiled again, and the expression reached him way down low. It had been forever since he’d danced with a woman, and he’d forgotten how much he liked it. There was something intoxicating about the way they moved together, and he suspected she felt it, too. Valene was unashamedly honest and the knowledge caused a jolt of shame to slice between his shoulder blades. He needed to come clean, to tell her the truth about himself. But his resistance lingered. He’d already had one woman rip his heart out—he wasn’t ready to allow someone else in to do the same. Not just yet.

And he didn’t want to ruin the mood or change the dynamic of the evening. He liked that she hadn’t made a big deal about his life or occupation. He liked that she hadn’t balked outside the honky-tonk and refused to go inside, even though he was sure she’d never set foot in a place like it before. She had gumption and spine and was a strong, independent woman, probably stronger than she knew.

They danced for a while, all slow numbers that suited him and the mood that had developed between them. When the music finally changed to an upbeat number, he took her hand and led her back to their table.

“There are peanut shells on the floor,” she remarked when he returned with a drink for them both, light beer for him and bottled water for her.

“It’s a cowboy bar,” he said and smiled. “Goes with the territory.”

“Until someone slips on a shell and then sues the proprietor.”

Jake watched her over the rim of his glass. “That wouldn’t happen.”

“Cowboy code, huh?” she suggested, brows up a little.

“I guess you could call it that. You know, we’re not so different from you city folk. We eat, dance, make love...do all the things that the urban dwellers do.”

She smiled so sexily he had to shift in his seat. Damn, she was hot.

“That’s reassuring,” she said quietly and unscrewed the lid off her drink. “We’ve mastered two out of three.”

She was flirting. Unabashedly and provocatively. And Jake was so turned on he could have hauled her into his arms and kissed her without hesitation.

“You’re very beautiful, Valene,” he said quietly. “Probably more than you know. But I’m not going to rush into anything, okay?”

He felt like a conceited fool for saying it...but he wanted the air clear between them. He didn’t want her thinking he was some randy cowboy who simply wanted to get laid and have a little fun. Well, of course he wanted to have fun, and he wanted to get laid...but he also wanted to get to know her. The real Valene Fortunado. Not just the sweet, if somewhat spoiled, party-girl image she had on social media. He’d checked her out, of course, having no choice once he’d told Cassidy who she was. His sister had brought up page after page of highlights from Valene’s life and lifestyle and forced Jake to take a look.

He wondered if she’d done the same. He didn’t have any personal social media accounts, but if she dug a little deeper, she’d find him easily enough, through articles and interviews and local business affiliations. Valene was a smart and resourceful woman, and it occurred to Jake that she might know exactly who he was, and all about his portfolio and net worth. It unnerved him a little, since she’d bleated on about honesty and transparency. But he didn’t think she was underhanded. On the other hand, he hadn’t believed Patrice was a liar or a cheat, either—until his life and marriage spectacularly blew up in his face.

“Okay,” she said softly. “To be honest, Jake, I’m not the rushing type. I don’t jump into bed with every man I meet.”

He knew that, of course. There was a sweetness and an innocence about Valene that simmered underneath the surface. And she was young, just twenty-four. Plus, she’d clearly been protected and watched over all her life. He was glad about that, hating to think that she’d ever suffered adversity or real heartbreak.

“Then we agree...slow is best?”

She nodded and smiled in a way that made his insides contract. “Sure...just not too slow, okay, Jake?”

Laughter rumbled in his chest, and he spent the next half hour listening to her talk about dancing, the best places to get coffee in town, her beloved dog, and her close relationship with her sisters and how much she missed them since one had moved to Austin to be with the man she loved, and the other had recently married and commuted between Houston and Austin.

“Maddie and Zach are the perfect couple,” she said. “He gets her need to be in charge of everything and everyone, and even though he’s as business focused as she is, he has a good sense of fun. And Carlo and Schuyler are perfect for one another, too. He knows how to deal with her craziness. All my siblings are either married or engaged now...well, except for Connor. I think he’s determined to never fall in love.”

“What about you?” he asked, knowing her answer even before she replied. But caution told him that Valene Fortunado might be in love with the idea of being in love.

“Of course I want to be in love,” she replied. “But I don’t want it to be too distracting. With everything that’s going on with the family business, I need to stay focused.”

“Is something wrong with your business?” he asked, his gaze narrowing.

She shrugged, looking as though she’d said too much. “Nothing we can’t handle.”

“Big business can be tough.”

She nodded. “But I like the challenge. And Maddie is giving me more opportunity to shine, which is great. In fact, she and Zach have recently let me take the lead on signing a really important client. Which we need.”

Jake backed off, but he made a mental note to do a little investigating. From all accounts, the Fortunado family was wealthy and successful. If that was a facade, he figured he needed to know before he got in any deeper with Valene.

“You father is a self-made man, I presume?” he asked quietly.

She shrugged. “Kind of. He was lucky enough to have had a lottery win some years ago. He invested wisely, made a few good decisions and started the real estate business. The business grew, and we now have offices in San Antonio and Austin as well as Houston.”

It occurred to Jake that Kenneth Fortunado was much like himself. Jake had invested the sum he’d inherited from his father’s life insurance, plus the money he’d earned working at the ranch and also packing shelves at Mason’s Minimart just outside Fulshear. Five years later he had enough to make an offer when the ranch came up for sale. A few years and some sound business decisions later, including his investment in the lucrative Wagyu beef market, and he owned the ranch outright and had more money in the bank than he could ever spend.

“You admire him a lot?”

She nodded. “I admire people who make their dreams come true. My dad did that and created a legacy that will continue to grow. My sister Maddie is now CEO alongside her husband, so the business is in good hands.”

“And what are your ambitions?”

“To be the best I can be,” she replied. “At whatever I do. When I graduated college, I went directly into the business and haven’t regretted it. I enjoy the work and get to spend my days helping people find the home of their dreams. It’s a win-win.”

Jake realized he could easily get hooked on her passion for life. She was definitely a glass-half-full kind of girl. He liked that about her. The truth was, he liked everything about her.

They stayed for a little while longer, but by ten she said she’d had enough. Jake helped her into her coat and then walked her from the bar and back down the street. Once they reached her car, she fished inside her small bag for her keys and unlocked the vehicle.

“Well, thank you for a lovely evening,” she said and held out her hand.

He stared down into her face, watching as her mouth parted slightly and his own mouth tingled in response. She was eminently kissable. But he wasn’t about to have his first kiss with Valene Fortunado in the middle of a busy street with people walking past.

He took her hand and enclosed his fingers around hers. “Good night, Valene. I’ll call you.”

“Are you sure?” she asked quietly, almost nervously.

“Positive.”

She nodded fractionally. “Okay, see you soon.”

As she stepped into the car and drove off down the street, Jake remained on the sidewalk, hands on his hips, staring after the fading taillights. And he knew one thing. He fully intended on seeing Valene again.

And the sooner, the better.

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