Loe raamatut: «The Fortunes of Texas: The Secret Fortunes»

Chapter One

“It’s time to break out the Fuzzy Handcuffs, Mike.” Olivia Fortune Robinson gave the sexy bartender her most flirtatious smile.

He cocked a brow and grinned. “It’s my pleasure to hook you ladies up.”

“Excuse me?” Her sister Sophie frowned at him and then her eyes went wide as realization seemed to dawn. “Oh, no.” Sophie held up her hands as if to ward off Mike. “Please tell me you are not a stripper.” She pinned her panicked gaze on her sister. “Olivia, Dana and I specifically told you we didn’t want strippers at our bachelorette party. No offense, Mike. I’m sure you’re very good at what you do. You just can’t do it here. Not tonight. Not for us.”

She looked at her sister-in-law-to-be, Dana Trevino, and the other Fortune Robinson sisters seated on the plush love seats and overstuffed armchairs grouped around a glass cocktail table in a cozy corner of the Driskill Hotel bar.

Sophie’s brown eyes were huge and color blazed high on her cheekbones. By contrast, Dana seemed to have gone pale as she perched hesitantly on the edge of her seat, as if weighing whether or not to bolt. Watching the pair of them squirm was worth all the effort Olivia had put into planning this sisters’ weekend. Olivia almost hated to burst their horrified balloons.

“Unfortunately, Mike is not a stripper,” she said, pausing to let them sit with thoughts of what they would be missing.

Her sister Rachel sighed. “Aw, that’s too bad. For one glorious moment, I thought we had our very own Magic Mike.”

Zoe, another sister, nodded in agreement.

Mike laughed. “Sorry, ladies. It’s true, I’m not a stripper. Although I will be tending to your every need tonight.”

The innuendo was thick.

“Does that mean you’re a gigolo then?” Rachel asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mike laughed. “No, not a gigolo, either. I am your personal bartender and I am happy to be at your service.”

Sophie’s mouth formed a perfect O before her brows knit together. “And exactly what were you planning to do with the fuzzy handcuffs?”

Olivia and Mike exchanged a conspiratorial look.

“Forgive them,” she said. “They don’t get out much.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” he said. “Would you like to tell her about the Fuzzy Handcuffs or shall I?”

“Please, do the honors,” Olivia said.

“Your sister commissioned me to create a signature cocktail for your bachelorette party.” He stopped and looked at Sophie. “I’m guessing you are one of the brides.”

“Yes, I’m Sophie.”

He took her hand and lifted it to his lips before he asked, “Which one of you is Dana?”

“That would be me.” The pretty redhead gave a hesitant wave before she tucked her hands into the fabric of her flowing gypsy skirt. Mike winked at her. Rachel and Zoe promptly introduced themselves, laughing as they made a dramatic show of extending their hands for a kiss. Mike didn’t disappoint them.

Mike was a very good sport. As Olivia made a mental note to tell the manager how he’d gone above and beyond, her gaze was snared by a tall, dark, good-looking man walking into the bar. Though she only caught his profile before he turned and sat down with his back to her, he reminded her of someone. Who, she couldn’t place, but Olivia hadn’t gotten a very good look at him.

“Congratulations, ladies,” Mike said. “I’m honored to serve you on your special night. I understand you’re staying at the Driskill?”

“We are,” Sophie said. “We checked in this afternoon. Olivia has planned a fabulous weekend for us.”

“Nothing but the best for my sisters,” Olivia said.

“When is the wedding?” he asked.

“Next weekend,” Dana said. “Right here in this hotel in the ballroom. But there will be a full week of events leading up to the ceremony. This girls’ get-together is a nice way to kick off the festivities.”

“Well, don’t let me hold up the party,” Mike said. “One round of Fuzzy Handcuffs coming right up.”

“Fuzzy Handcuffs.” Rachel shook her head. “Only you would come up with a name like that, Olivia. Only you.”

They all laughed.

“Originally, Mike wanted to call the drink the Bride’s First Blush, but that was boring.”

“No it’s not,” Sophie said. “It’s pretty.”

Olivia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The name Bride’s First Blush was too sweet for such a potent cocktail. The drink itself was perfect. It was festive and fizzy, but it also had just the right amount of something stronger to pack a pop. It needed a name that was just as strong, not one that sounded like a virgin cocktail. Fuzzy Handcuffs was perfect.

Olivia had gone to the ends of the earth to ensure that every single detail of this sisters’ weekend was perfect. And of course, it had been perfect so far. She may have been a computer programmer by trade, but if she ever found herself in need of a career change, she did have a knack for event planning.

Sophie and Dana weren’t party girls, so they’d been ecstatic with the plan of a weekend of pampering. After they’d checked into the suite at the Driskill, a limousine had whisked them away to the spa where they’d enjoyed hot stone massages, facials, seaweed wraps, special conditioners that had brought out the shine in their tresses and luxurious aromatherapy soaks in jetted tubs. At noon, they’d taken a break from the pampering to enjoy a light lunch complete with mimosas. Afterward, they’d returned to the spa for mani-pedis before adjourning to the pool to sip fruit-infused reverse-osmosis water while they relaxed and soaked up just enough sun so not to burn, but to give them a healthy glow.

“I wanted my sister and sister-to-be’s last weekend of freedom to be something you two will never forget. Since you nixed the strippers, I had to sneak in something edgy somewhere else. Voilà—Fuzzy Handcuffs. At least I didn’t call it the Ol’ Ball and Chain.”

“No, that’ll be the name of the drink we serve at your bachelorette party,” Zoe quipped.

“Hell Froze Over might be a more apt name for my bridal cocktail, since that’s what would happen if I ever got married.”

“Don’t be so cynical,” Zoe said. “You reap what you sow.”

“I beg your pardon?” Olivia knew exactly what her sister meant, but she wasn’t going to give in that easily. Zoe was the consummate Pollyanna when it came to love and romance—despite every bad example their parents’ screwed-up relationship and sham of a marriage had set for them.

“You know exactly what I mean.” Zoe sighed and looked at Olivia as if she was hopeless. “You draw to you exactly what you put out into the world.”

Olivia blanched, but now wasn’t the time to get into a philosophical discussion about the realities of love and happily-ever-after. Besides the fact that this was supposed to be a happy occasion celebrating Sophie and Dana’s imminent wedding, her other two sisters were newly married. Zoe was still in the honeymoon phase of her own marriage, having just wed Joaquin Mendoza last year. Rachel was married to Joaquin’s brother Matteo.

Wait a minute—

Olivia’s gaze found the tall guy at the bar. Was that the other Mendoza? The single one—what was his name?

She turned to her sisters. “See that guy over there? Isn’t that your brother-in-law?”

They turned in unison and looked.

“Is that Alejandro?” Rachel said.

“I think it is,” Zoe said.

“I didn’t realize he was coming to town early,” Sophie said. “We should say hi and invite him to join us for a drink.” She started across the bar toward him and the next thing they knew, she was walking back arm-in-arm with him.

“Look who I found,” Sophie said, triumphantly. “Alejandro, I’m sure you remember my sisters, Olivia, Rachel and Zoe. And this is Dana, the other bride-to-be.”

They exchanged hellos.

“When did you get in?” Rachel asked.

“A couples of hours ago. I came in early to take care of some business before the wedding.”

All of the Mendoza men had been blessed by the tall, dark and handsome Latin gene, but Alejandro seemed to have gotten an extra helping of good looks. Olivia wondered how she’d failed to notice that before now. Of course, she’d only seen him on two other occasions: Rachel’s and Zoe’s weddings. She’d brought dates both times, so she hadn’t exactly been looking.

“You came in from Miami, right?” Olivia asked. She did remember that much.

He turned his sultry gaze on her.

“I did.”

“I didn’t realize you had business ties to Austin,” Sophie asked. “What do you do, Alejandro?”

“I’m in the wine business,” he said. “I’m a wine sales rep, but I’m in town because I’m in the process of buying a small vineyard about twenty miles west of here.”

Zoe’s mouth fell open. “Your very own vineyard? That’s so cool. Why hasn’t Joaquin mentioned it?”

Alejandro shrugged. “Until last week, it was still up in the air, but everything finally fell into place. I’m going to meet with the owners tomorrow and do one last walk-through before we finalize the deal.”

“Which winery?” Rachel asked.

“It’s called Hummingbird Ridge.” He kept stealing glances at Olivia.

“I’ve never known anyone who’s actually owned a winery,” Sophie mused. “I’d love to see it. Can you give us a tour?”

Alejandro’s brows shot up as he considered the possibility. “I’m sure I can arrange a tasting for you. Is there time this week?”

Everyone looked at Olivia as if she was the keeper of the schedule. There were events and outings scheduled for every day of wedding week—tours of Austin for those from out of town, rounds of golf, tennis matches, couples’ massages, luncheons, teas and dinners. But with a guest list close to five hundred people, the only activity they would all be doing as a group was watching the couples exchange their vows and celebrating at the reception afterward.

“How many people could you accommodate?” Olivia asked him.

“I’d say about two dozen,” he told her. “Of course, I’ll have to check with the winery and see how their availability looks. But this is their slow time of year when they don’t get many large groups. It shouldn’t be a problem. Maybe you can start organizing on your end and we can touch base and coordinate. Give me your number.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Olivia saw Sophie elbow Zoe. The only reason she didn’t make a face at them was because she didn’t want to draw Alejandro’s attention to their antics.

Olivia rattled off her cell number and Alejandro put it in his phone, calling her to make sure he’d input the right digits. When her phone rang, Olivia entered his name.

“There,” she said. “We should be all set.”

Mike reappeared with a tray full of hot-pink cocktails. True to the drink’s name, a pink-and-black fuzzy handcuff graced the stem of each frosted martini glass. A drink stirrer that seemed to be exploding silver tinsel decorated the top. The tray looked like a mini Fourth of July fireworks display.

As the five women expressed their delight, Mike looked pleased, but Alejandro took a step back.

“Why don’t you join us for a drink, Alejandro?” Rachel said.

“Actually, he’s welcome to mine,” said Dana. “As much as I hate to leave this fabulous soiree, I have to go pick up my maid of honor from the airport. It’s a pretty long haul out there. I really shouldn’t drink and drive. I’m so eager to hug Monica. It’s been ages. And she’s bringing my wedding dress. She’s letting me borrow an antique dress that belonged to her grandmother. I’ve seen pictures, but I haven’t had a chance to try it on yet. I’m a little anxious about it. That’s one of the reasons I need to go. I hope you understand.”

Their future sister-in-law’s early departure wasn’t a surprise. Monica had made her reservations nearly simultaneously with Olivia finalizing the plans for the bachelorette party. While they wanted her to stay, they understood. Monica was like family to Dana, who had lost her parents in an accident when she was twelve and had grown up in foster care. While the guardianship had been adequate, it hadn’t been warm enough to warrant keeping in touch or inviting them to the wedding.

The redhead, whose style was more boho-vintage than traditional, would look perfect in an antique gown. She twirled a long strand of copper hair around her index finger and drew in an audible breath.

“Wow. My maid of honor is arriving and I finally get to try on my dress. I guess that means this wedding is really happening.” She put a hand on her heart. “I can’t believe it’s finally here.”

The look of love was so evident in Dana’s sparkling blue eyes that for the briefest moment, a pang of envy stabbed at Olivia’s insides. It was an odd feeling. If given the chance, she wouldn’t change places with her sisters. She cherished her independence. Even though the thought of tying herself to one man for the rest of her life made her feel claustrophobic, she was happy for her sisters. It was the happiness that she envied.

“I know.” Sophie swooned. Feeling like an outsider, Olivia watched Rachel and Zoe coo right along with Dana and Sophie.

Her little sister, Sophie, and Mason Montgomery had gotten engaged in February, and just last month her brother, Kieran, had asked Dana to be his wife. Her siblings were certainly falling like flies bitten by the love bug. Olivia was the only one who hadn’t succumbed. Even so, just because she didn’t believe in the institution of marriage, it didn’t mean she couldn’t be happy for them.

That’s precisely why she’d decided to go all out for Sophie and Dana’s bachelorette party. Olivia couldn’t resist a good party, especially when the guests of honor were women she adored and it gave her a chance to get together with her sisters Zoe and Rachel. Who, other than herself, could she trust to make sure that every detail was perfect?

“I’m so sorry you can’t stay,” said Sophie. “Why don’t you pick up Monica and bring her back here? She could join us for dinner. As far as we’re concerned, the more the merrier. Right?”

The sisters nodded. But Dana’s left shoulder rose and fell. “As much as I’d love to, I can’t. Monica is bound to be exhausted. But we will definitely come for brunch tomorrow, if that’s still okay.”

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Rachel said. “I’m sure you want a chance to catch up with Monica before everyone gets swept away by the festivities leading up to the wedding. It’s going to be a busy week. And I know you want to try on your dress. I wish we could be there for that.”

Sophie reached out and squeezed Dana’s hand. “Of course, we completely understand. Monica needs to be rested up for the wedding. This really is the calm before the storm hits.”

Something that sounded like a cross between a squeak and a squeal escaped from Sophie and she covered her mouth with both hands. She shook her head and wrung her jittery hands, excitement rolling off her in waves. “Oh, my gosh. You’re right. It just got officially real. This time next week we will be married and dancing at our wedding reception. Maybe I should make my next Fuzzy Handcuffs a double.”

“Good, that means you can have one for me,” Dana said. “On that note, I’d better say good-night.”

As the four Fortune Robinson sisters took turns hugging Dana, Alejandro, who had been silent since all the wedding talk started, spoke up. “I have some work to catch up on. I, too, will leave you ladies to your festivities.”

His gaze caught Olivia’s and lingered long enough to cause a slight shift in the room’s temperature. It was like wading into a warmer current of water.

“Have fun,” he said. “Olivia, I’ll be in touch.”

In reverent silence, the sisters watched Alejandro walk away.

“Gotta love those Mendoza genes,” Rachel said under her breath.

“Oh, yeah. Highly recommended,” Zoe said and sipped her drink. “Olivia, I think Alejandro is into you. You should go for him this week. Isn’t it a lovely coincidence that he’s Joaquin’s last single brother and you’re my last single sister?”

Sophie squealed. “I think Alejandro would be a perfect match for Olivia.”

Olivia could think of many worse things than “going for” Alejandro Mendoza. A wedding fling with a gorgeous Latin man? Hell, yeah. It didn’t get much better than that. Especially since he lived in Miami and she lived in Austin. That was just enough distance for a no-strings-attached fling.

A slow heat burned deep in her belly. She threw back her drink to cool herself off. The Fuzzy Handcuffs went down way too easily.

Yeah...but, no. Hooking up with Alejandro wasn’t a good idea. He was family. Sort of. But not really. There was no blood relation. Her sisters were married to his brothers. That in itself was a problem. If she didn’t handle the fling just right, it could get awkward at future family gatherings. And really, when was the last time she’d had a fling? Olivia liked to talk a good game, but she wasn’t into casual sex. Anyway—

She plucked another drink from the tray and took a healthy sip.

“This night is not about me,” she said. “It’s about our sister and her happiness.” She raised her glass high before she threw the drink back.

“Hear, hear,” said Zoe. “I have an idea. Rather than a traditional toast, I think we should each take turns offering sweet Sophie our best words of sisterly advice for a long and happy marriage.”

“Olivia, you go first,” Zoe said.

Olivia frowned, already feeling the effects of the alcohol. “Marital advice is not exactly my department.”

Zoe batted her words away. “Don’t be a killjoy, Liv. You know what I mean. Give her your best sisterly advice.”

Run! Run for your life. Get out now while you can still save yourself.

She chuckled at the thought. It was what she wanted to say, but even as tipsy as she was, she had enough good sense to know the reaction that comment would inspire in her sisters. Then she really would be the killjoy that Zoe had accused her of being. That wouldn’t do. She’d have to dig deep to come up with something.

Of course, Zoe and Rachel and their husbands could be the poster couples for happy marriage. “You two go first. Come back to me.”

As Rachel and Zoe spouted pearls of matrimonial wisdom, Olivia searched her soul to find something to offer—anything—that didn’t sound jaded or bitter. But her head was spinning. Either she was a lightweight or these Fuzzy Handcuffs really did pack an über-potent punch.

That’s when she realized three sets of sisterly eyes were focused on her, waiting expectantly.

“Guys, come on.” Was she slurring her words? Nah, she was just thirsty. Water, she needed water. She looked over and signaled for Mike to come over. He gave her a thumbs-up, which Olivia took to mean he would be there as soon as he was free. He had a couple of customers at the bar, including Alejandro Mendoza. God, he was one sexy Texan—no, wait, he was from Miami. With a vineyard in Texas. So he was sort of an honorary Texy sexan...uhh, a sexy Texan. Whatever. He certainly was the best of both worlds: a head for business and a body for sin.

A body she really wouldn’t mind taking for a test drive, she thought as she watched him sitting at the bar sipping his beer and doing something on his phone.

“Olivia!” Zoe demanded. “Earth to Olivia. We’re waiting for you.”

“Come on, Zo. You know I’m the worst person to ask about this. I don’t believe in love.”

She tried to wave them away, but realized that gesture probably looked as sloppy as she felt right now.

“How can you not believe in love?” Sophie pressed. Her voice went up an octave at the end of the sentence. “Everyone believes in love. I mean, what kind of a world would this be if people didn’t believe in love?”

Rachel, who was still holding her first drink, shot Olivia a look. “You might want to slow down a bit, too. You’re starting to be a bit of a buzzkill, Liv.”

Oh, first she was a killjoy. Now she was a buzzkill?

“You want a buzzkill? I’ll give you a buzzkill. I’m happy for the three of you, that you think you’ve found your soul mates. How fabulous for you. But just because it works for you, doesn’t mean love and marriage are for me.”

“It’s because you’re too guarded,” Zoe said. “Of course you’re not going to find love with that attitude. You have to open your heart before love can find you.”

Rachel and Sophie nodded earnestly.

Olivia snorted. “Please tell me you’re not going to start singing ‘Kumbaya’ in three-part harmony.”

She rolled her eyes and when she did, she saw Alejandro looking in her direction. She looked away fast.

“I just don’t understand why you feel that way,” Sophie said in a small voice.

Olivia should’ve left it alone. She should’ve just made up something that sounded warm and fuzzy. Grabbed the first thing off the top of her head, something about love being the merging of two souls and blah, blah, blah, and tossed it at her sisters.

But they kept pressing her about why.

Why? Why? Why?

“You want to know why I don’t believe in love? I’ll tell you. Love is a crock. Every single guy I’ve dated has had some ulterior motive for dating me. They’ve wanted money or wanted a job or thought our father could make them rich by buying the app they’ve designed. They didn’t want me as much as they wanted a piece of Robinson Enterprises.”

“Sounds like you’ve been dating the wrong guys,” Rachel said.

It was probably true, but there was something in Rachel’s tone that sounded so judgmental. It was the last straw.

“And that’s only half of it.” Olivia leaned in and set her empty glass on the cocktail table. “The other reason is our parents. Their marriage is a mess. It’s a phony sham of a relationship. I don’t know why they stay together, because they hate each other. They are slowly but steadily eating each other alive. Anyone with good sense would take a clue from them and realize all relationships are doomed.”

“But they’re still together,” Sophie said.

Olivia shrugged. “Why are they still together? They don’t love each other. Even if they did, what about the general state of society? Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce and the other fifty percent—like our parents—make each other so miserable that divorce probably seems like a preferable option. And that’s why I can see no reason to yearn for a doomed institution. On that note, why don’t we go get something to eat?”

Her sisters sat stock still, silently staring at her. Rachel looked irritated. Zoe looked shell-shocked and Sophie looked like she was about to burst into tears.

Uh-oh. Obviously she’d gone too far.

“Look, you asked.” She softened her tone. “That’s why I didn’t want to get into it.”

All three were still frozen in their seats. The only thing that moved was the tears meandering down Sophie’s cheeks.

Crap.

“Okay. I’m sorry. I understand that y’all are newlyweds—even you, Rach. So your relationships are still shiny and new—”

Now Sophie was shaking her head.

Sometimes it was as if she was the only one in her family who didn’t have their head in the clouds. Maybe being the one with a clear head and common sense was her burden. If so, she could deal with it more easily than she could deal with a broken heart. She was a realist when it came to love—it never lasted. Her parents were living proof. Why should she fool herself into believing it would turn out otherwise for herself? Nope. She would save herself the heartache and focus on her career, which was in her control.

“I’m really sorry,” Olivia said. “I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”

“Yes, you did.” Sophie’s voice broke and she stood up abruptly. “I’m tired and I want to go to bed.”

“No, Soph. Come on. We need to get something to eat. I’ve made us a reservation at the Driskill Grill. I’m sure they can seat us early. Come on—”

“No.” Sophie took off.

Her sister had barely cleared the bar when Zoe said, “I’ll go check on her.”

“I’ll come with you,” Olivia offered.

“No,” Zoe and Rachel said in unison.

“Stay here,” Zoe said.

“Bring her back,” Olivia said. “It’s Saturday night. It’s her bachelorette party. We’re supposed to have dinner. And then right after dinner, we’re supposed to have fun.”

“And clearly not a minute sooner,” Rachel said under her breath, but Olivia heard her loud and clear.

“That wasn’t very nice,” she said.

Rachel shrugged. “Look, Olivia, I know you mean well, but why did you do that?”

“What?”

“Your down-with-marriage campaign was harsh. Even you have to admit it wasn’t your best moment.”

She covered her eyes with both palms. “I know. I already said I’m sorry. These Fuzzy Handcuffs are stronger than I realized. I think I’m a little drunk.”

“Ya think?”

As if right on cue, Mike delivered another round of five Fuzzy Handcuffs.

“Who ordered these?” Olivia asked.

“I thought you wanted another round when you signaled me a few minutes ago.”

“No, I need water.”

“Oh, sorry,” he said. “Well, these are on the house. I’ll bring you some water.”

Rachel stood.

“Where are you going?” Olivia asked.

“I’m going to go check on Sophie and Zoe.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, stay here and drink some water.”

“Will you please bring them back so we can go to dinner? I think we’re all hungry. That’s probably why the drinks hit us so hard.”

Rachel sighed. “I’ll try. I’ll text you and let you know what Sophie is up for. Okay?”

As her sister walked away, Olivia sat down on the love seat. She’d already said too much tonight. The best thing she could do was give her sisters some space.

Fifteen minutes later, Rachel texted:

Sophie’s asleep. Zoe is on the phone with Joaquin and frankly, I’m exhausted. I think it would be best if we call it a night and start fresh with the brunch tomorrow morning.

I’m sorry I ruined the night. I feel so bad.

Not your fault. I think the reality of the wedding is finally hitting Sophie. She’ll be fine tomorrow.

Olivia wasn’t mad; she was frustrated. This wasn’t the way tonight was supposed to turn out—her sister in tears and the evening going up in flames.