A Moment To Love (14 page)

You mean other than the ability to go back in time and take the phone off the hook?

“No. Nothing that I can think of. Cord has taken care of everything.” Almost… “I just feel bad for imposing on him.”

“I…I’m sure he’s enjoying your company.”

At this particular moment, she wouldn’t want to wager any money on that one.

Before she could think of something to say, the mayor continued, “The other reason I called is to let you know that I’ve spoken with the other council members. They are receptive to your idea and would like to hear more. Could you present your ideas at the next town meeting?”

“Certainly.” At least something was going right for her. “When is it?”

“Next Tuesday evening. I’m looking forward to it.”

The mayor rushed off the phone while Alexis reconciled herself to the fact that she needed to modify her presentation to include ways the resort would be beneficial to Whistle Stop.

Her mind was buzzing with ideas. It was just as well, because Cord’s closed bedroom door spoke volumes. He no longer wanted her. They were adversaries, and he was not going to be happy when the entire town was involved in their negotiations. Guilt gnawed at her. Public pressure was not a new concept for pushing through a struggling sale, so why was she letting it bother her now?

She didn’t want to examine her evolving feelings for Cord. She was afraid of what she might find if she did. Because she’d promised herself she wouldn’t risk her heart—it wasn’t worth the pain of rejection. Because in the end, those she loved abandoned her. For one reason or another, she wasn’t worth their effort.

And Cord obviously wasn’t going to be any different.

♥♥♥

Late the next morning, as promised, Cord drove Lexi into Whistle Stop. He’d been avoiding her ever since the phone call. He didn’t need to ask why the mayor had called. He knew the call was about more than Lexi’s health—it was about the proposed resort. It was a project that could potentially help the town’s sagging bottom line.

What had gotten into him to forget all of this and get swept up in the moment? He usually kept his wits about him, but there was something special about Lexi and her very tempting kisses that had him willing to take a risk. He couldn’t let that happen again. That’s why he’d been up and out the door before sunup. He’d avoided her until it was time to drive her into town for her doctor’s appointment.

And now silence hung heavily in the truck. He didn’t know if she was quiet because she regretted their intimate moment or if it had something to do with her plans for his land. Whatever it was, Cord was certain of two things: One, he wasn’t going to like it. And two, it wasn’t going to change his mind.

When they walked into the doctor’s office, the waiting room was empty. They’d barely sat down when Mrs. Willard smiled and waved Lexi back to an exam room.

Lexi paused in the doorway and glanced back at him. “Aren’t you coming?”

“Me?” He couldn’t believe she’d want him around.

She nodded and sent him a hesitant smile. The fact she wanted him by her side meant a lot to him. He followed her down the hallway. Maybe he’d been all wrong about everything. Maybe she was quiet because she was worried about her hand. And maybe the mayor had called only out of concern for her health—as he should have.

As she sat on the papered exam table, Cord couldn’t help but notice how she appeared vulnerable. “I don’t like doctors’ offices,” she whispered. “They make me nervous.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’m sure everything will be just fine.”

She held out her hand and examined it. “I hope you’re right. If I’d listened to you in the first place, I wouldn’t be here.”

“But you’d have missed seeing an authentic ghost town.”

“True.”

“Not to mention hearing the ghost story.”

“I really liked the story.” Her eyes lit up. “I could just imagine that distraught young woman pacing back and forth in front of the mine entrance, waiting for her true love. But it’s such a sad story. Can you imagine being so close to having a life with your soul mate and then having it snatched away?”

What in the world was he supposed to say to that? He wasn’t even sure there was such a thing as soul mates. The happily-ever-after thing certainly hadn’t worked out for him.

Doc Willard strode into the room, wearing his white coat and his reading glasses propped high on his balding head. “Good morning. How are you feeling?”

“Much better.” Lexi’s face reverted back to a worried frown.

After an exam and some questions, Doc smiled. “You can relax. You’re on the mend.” He turned to Cord. “And I hereby release you from nursing duty.”

With a couple of warnings, Doc sent them on their way. Cord knew it was ridiculous, but he was going to miss having Lexi around the house. He’d forgotten how nice it was to share a meal with someone and to make small talk.

Acting on impulse, Cord held the front door for Lexi. “How about an early lunch?”

“I’d like that.” She stepped out onto the sidewalk.

Before he could say more, he heard his name being called. “Cord! Cord!”

It was a familiar female voice. He wanted to keep going—in the opposite direction—but Lexi stopped and glanced around. He stifled a frustrated groan and turned.

Mimi Ortiz smiled broadly and waved as she tried to walk quickly in pink heels that matched the purse dangling from her arm and the tiny flowers on her snug sundress. “Oh, I was worried you hadn’t heard me.”

“Hello, Mimi. You look nice today.” She had an insatiable ego, and he knew it was easier to feed it than to have her work for the compliment.

“Oh, thank you. This old thing is nothing special.” She smiled broadly, failing miserably at being modest. “I can’t believe I ran into you. You don’t come into town nearly enough.”

“Only when I have business to tend to.”

That’s when Mimi’s gaze strayed to Lexi. “I see.” Mimi’s smile dimmed considerably. “Hi.” She held out her hand to Lexi, who hesitantly shook it. “I’m Mimi Ortiz. The mayor of Whistle Stop is my father.”

A light of recognition shone in Lexi’s eyes. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you’re that lady who wants to buy Cord’s land.”

“Um…yes. I’m Alexis Greer.”

“I know.” Mimi’s tone was short and clipped. “Daddy mentioned you—”

“We’ve got to go.” Cord wrapped his fingers around Lexi’s arm and guided her away from Mimi toward the truck. He sensed that this conversation was about to take a bad turn, and he wasn’t about to play referee.

“What’d you do that for?” Lexi asked once they were seated in the truck.

“Let’s just say I was doing you a favor. Mimi isn’t all sweet and innocent—”

“And you were afraid that I couldn’t handle her.”

“No.” He was quite certain Lexi could handle herself. He admired that about her. “The truth is, I do have someplace to be.”

“Oh. So I guess lunch is off.”

“Not at all. As long as you don’t mind waiting for me.”

“Will it take long?”

“Nope.”

“Then you have yourself a date.”

An awkward silence ensued as he guided the truck across town to the Green Chile Cantina. He assured himself this offer for lunch didn’t constitute a true date. His invitation had been an impulse—nothing more. After all, they both had to eat, so why not do it together? And he did have something to ask her—something important.

He pulled to a stop in front of the adobe building. “This place has the best food in the state.”

“I’ve had all of my meals at Tilly’s Café. It’ll be nice to try something different.” She reached for the door handle. “I’ll see you soon, and maybe you can tell me some more about Mimi. She seems…interesting.” With her laptop in hand, Lexi climbed out of the truck and headed for the Cantina.

The very last thing he wanted to discuss was Mimi. He didn’t want to explain how he’d briefly dated her before he’d met Susan. No way. Things with Lexi were already complicated enough. And right now, he had one last chance of stalling the foreclosure, of clinging to the only world he’d ever known.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

W
hy in the world had she referred to this as a
date
?

Alexis paused in the restaurant’s entryway and sighed. She’d noticed how her slip of the tongue had made Cord stiffen. There couldn’t be any more slipups. She had to stay focused. Her chance to carve out a delicious memory in Cord’s arms had passed her by. She told herself it was for the best, but she still wasn’t convinced. There was something different, something special about him. And she wanted to help him save his home, if only he’d listen to her and really hear what she was saying.

Inside the spacious dining room a large ceramic Native American Indian chief solemnly greeted her. While she waited to be seated, she glanced around, taking in the details of the quaint restaurant. Her gaze scanned the dining room with its red tile floor and white walls. Though the furniture was basic and a bit on the old side, the colorful red chile ristras, brightly painted Southwestern folk art, and Native American paintings brought life to the place. The decorations were almost as colorful as the town in which the restaurant resided.

A petite, dark-haired woman showed her to a corner booth. “Hi. Have you been in here before?”

“No. But I’ve heard great things about the place. And I’ve been anxious to try your food.”

The young woman smiled brightly. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ana.”

“Hi, Ana. I’m Alexis.”

“So what brought you to our little corner of the world?”

“I have some business in town.” She wasn’t about to tell this woman about her plans for the resort. There would be time enough for that later, when she could properly present her ideas.

But this was an ideal time to learn more about Cord’s corner of the world—more than the statistics and data she’d already collected. She wanted to know more about the people who lived here, what their lives were like. Sure it would help her pitch, but it was more than that. This town and its residents were growing on her. She truly wanted to do what she could to help revitalize Whistle Stop.

“Would you mind telling me a little about the area?”

Ana walked to the front door and grabbed a pamphlet. She returned to the table and set down the canary-yellow paper. “This lists most of the area’s highlights. You’ll love the homey feel of the town. Now, what can I get you?”

“How about some coffee to start with?” After the waitress moved toward the kitchen, Alexis flipped through the pamphlet. There were numerous community activities listed for Whistle Stop, such as the dart league and the quilting guild and many events.

When the waitress dropped off the steaming cup along with a basket of chips and some salsa, then moved to a nearby table to refill the salt and pepper shakers, Alexis said, “Thanks for the information about the area. It’s surprising how much a small town can offer. The Whistle Stop Labor Day Picnic sounds like a big deal.”

“It’s more important around here than Cinco de Mayo or the Fourth of July.” Ana screwed the cap on a refilled saltshaker. “There’s a rodeo, a best-shot competition, and lots of kids games.”

“No sporting events? Or concerts?”

“In this area, rodeo and shooting are considered sporting events.”

She could easily imagine Cord taking part in both events. Too bad Labor Day had already passed. She’d love to see him bull riding…on second thought, it sounded too dangerous.

“Did you grow up here?” Alexis asked, taking a liking to the woman who appeared to be about her age.

“Born and bred.” Ana turned her attention to screwing the lid back on a peppershaker. “And you’re from New York.”

“Good guess.” She didn’t think she had much of an accent.

“No guessing involved. Mr. Forbes has been talking about a woman who’s in town to build some fancy resort. I put two and two together.”

So much for keeping her project low-key. She took a tortilla chip still warm from the deep fryer and scooped up some of the chunky salsa. “This is exceptionally good.”

“Thanks. It’s homemade from an old family recipe.”

“I’m impressed. It’s the best I’ve ever had.” Alexis took another bite. “So what’s a person to do around here for evening entertainment?”

“The cinema’s new releases run a couple months behind the rest of the world.”

“I’m not much into movies.”

“There are a couple of saloons scattered around town, but nothing to rival Albuquerque’s night life. You could try bingo at the town hall on Wednesdays. But go early to get a seat. A large number of Whistle Stop’s residents play.”

“Really? I’ve never played, but I just might give it a try.”

“Meet me here on Wednesday at six, and we can go together.”

Alexis smiled. “Sounds good—”

“What sounds good?” Cord asked, approaching the table.

Ana’s gaze moved from Cord to Alexis. “I’ll stop back to get your order.”

After Ana moved on, Alexis turned to her lunch date—erm, her, uh…
to Cord
. “She was just telling me a little about Whistle Stop and what there is to do around here.”

He hung his hat on a post at the end of the booth, combed his fingers through his unruly hair, and slid into the seat. “You made friends with Ana already?”

“Would there be a problem if I had?”

“Not at all. I just didn’t think you’d be making friends since you’ll be leaving town soon.”

His comment struck her as odd. What exactly was he saying? Was he trying to usher her out of his life? The thought saddened her. Surely she hadn’t understood him correctly. “But you and I are friends, aren’t we?”

His gaze met hers. “I don’t know what we are.” He fidgeted with the menu. “It’s complicated.”

She couldn’t argue. When it came to Cord, there were no easy answers. Perhaps they were better off not trying to define their relationship.

Thinking Ana looked to be about Cord’s age, Alexis asked, “How well do you know Ana?”

His brows rose. “We were in the same grade in school. She was always nice to me.”

Always nice to him…Definitely not a normal thing to say about a friend. Was he implying that other kids weren’t so nice? One by one, pieces of Cord’s life started to fall into place. She’d bet he’d learned at an early age to keep to himself. And the ranch probably provided a buffer between him and the rest of the world. Her heart went out to him.

When she found herself staring into his eyes for much too long, she turned away. Her gaze stumbled across something on the floor. “What’s that? A penny?”

He glanced down at the floor. “Yep.”

“Aren’t you going to pick it up?”

“Nope. Don’t need a dirty old penny.”

She hustled out of the booth and picked up the coin. “Find a penny, pick it up. All day long, you’ll have good luck.”

He chuckled. “You sound like a little kid.”

Heat warmed her cheeks. “Maybe, but guess who’s going to have a good day and who isn’t?”

“We’ll see about that.” He pulled a folded document from his back pocket. He laid it on the table and smoothed the creases with his palm. “I just picked this up at the Realtor’s office, and it needs your signature.”

“Dare I ask what it is?”

“It’s an intent-to-purchase form, giving the bank holding my mortgage proof of your interest in buying the couple hundred acres.”

“I see.”

So that’s where he’d gone. He was doing everything in his power to save his home—except accepting that the resort was the answer to all of his problems.

He slid the letter and a pen across the table. “It just needs your signature.”

“And if I don’t sign it?”

His lips pressed into a firm line. “Why wouldn’t you? It’s a non-binding letter. Besides, it’ll forestall the foreclosure.”

“So far you’ve sworn you won’t sell me Haggerty.”

“But I will sell you the other land. Land you could build a home on. You could buy your own horses. Heck, you could buy a stableful if you wanted. Just sign the paper.”

She wanted to help him, really, she did, but he’d presented her with a bargaining chip, and she intended to make the most of the opportunity. Now was her time to strike.

“I want something in return for signing this letter.”

He paused and shot her a suspicious look. “You don’t mean Haggerty, do you?”

She shook her head. This was much more personal. Alexis clasped her hands together and flashed Cord her brightest smile. She couldn’t believe this prime opportunity had landed in her lap. This was way too good to pass up.

Frown lines bracketed his eyes and mouth as he slouched back against the booth. “What’s your price?”

“Don’t look so worried. This won’t cost you a dime.”

“Spit it out.”

She placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “I want to go horseback riding.”

Disbelief reflected in his eyes. “Let me get this straight. All I have to do is take you riding and you’ll sign?”

She grinned before nodding. It was time she got over her riding accident…way past time. And with her hectic work schedule, this might be her only opportunity.

His facial muscles relaxed. “Okay, what’s the catch?”

“I want to go tomorrow—after lunch.” After her meeting with the railroad about its part in her pitch to Whistle Stop and before she lost her nerve.

He rubbed his chin. “I was planning to check the progress on the new fence line then, but I guess I can do it another time. Anything else?”

“I want to ride Midnight Star.”

“I don’t think so.”

She crossed her arms. “Those are my terms. Accept them or take your paper back.”

He sighed. “Are you always this difficult? No wonder you aren’t married.”

His words stabbed at a tender spot in her chest. She blinked away the stinging sensation at the backs of her eyes. She remembered how her ex-fiancé, Steven, had said something quite similar when she hadn’t been willing to toss aside her career at HSG and leave her father to follow him across the country. Steven never understood her need to please her father or her inability to abandon him—for so many years, it’d been only the two of them.

“I’m sorry,” Cord muttered.

Her chin jutted out. “My marital status has nothing to do with this. If you want the papers signed, you’ll have to let me ride your horse.”

“What about your hand?”

She held up her injury. “Good enough to hang on to some reins.”

“You haven’t been on a horse since your accident—that must have been some fall. Mind telling me about it?”

She worried her bottom lip. He’d get the wrong idea. He’d react like her father and insist she had no business riding a horse. She didn’t want to hear it all those years ago, and she didn’t want to hear it now. But with Cord staring at her with an expectant look on his face, what choice did she have? Besides, it wasn’t a secret or anything.

“If you must know, I was competing at a district horse show when my horse unexpectedly stopped. I didn’t.”

“And…”

Why did he push? Was he still looking for an excuse to keep her from riding? If that was his intent, he wouldn’t get her signature. Armed with that thought, she continued, “My arm ended up with a compound fracture, requiring surgery and months of physical therapy.”

“Why haven’t you ridden since?”

“My father canceled my association membership and sold my horse. He said he wouldn’t pay for me to break my neck riding some fool horse.”

The long-ago argument and her subsequent sobbing echoed in her mind like the continual wave sounds from a conch shell. She’d been devastated by the loss of something else she loved dearly—her Black Beauty.

“That had to be tough for a kid.” Sincerity rang out in the somber tones of his voice. “I remember the first time I got bucked off. After my father knew I was okay, he laughed. A big old belly laugh. I refused to let the horse get the better of me and climbed right back on. I think that’s the day I won my father’s respect as a cowboy.”

If she’d learned anything about Cord, it was that he definitely didn’t give up. He kept trying until he got it right. Kind of like how he’d defend his family’s land until the bitter end—she just hoped he didn’t wait too long to make the right decision.

“So now you see why this ride is so important to me?”

His brown eyes warmed to a milk chocolate. “Yes, I do. I just don’t think you’re ready to ride Midnight Star.”

Before Lexi could respond, Ana approached the table. “You two ready to order?”

They both ordered the same thing—huevos rancheros with a sunny-side-up egg and red sauce. Alexis’s stomach rumbled at the thought of food. She hadn’t bothered this morning with anything more than coffee. With Cord up and out of the house before she’d even opened her eyes, she hadn’t seen any point in messing up the kitchen just for herself. Besides, breakfast was never a big deal for her. Toast and coffee usually covered it.

“You aren’t going to change your mind, are you?” He leaned back in his seat, but his eyes never left her.