Dream Maker Read online

  Dream Maker

  Lonesome Cowboy Series Book Three

  Kate Kisset

  Dream Maker Copyright © 2019 by Kate Kisset.

  All rights reserved. Copyright notice: All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  FIRST EDITION

  EPUB EDITION OCTOBER 2019

  ISBN: 978-1-7324793-7-2

  Cover artwork * Sara Hanson Okay Creations

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Playlist

  Other Books by Kate Kisset

  About Kate Kisset

  Find Kate Kisset on the Web

  “He’d trained himself to resist her.

  Where had all those years of practice gone?”

  Thank you, Heather H.

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  Chapter One

  COLT BECKETT POINTED to one of the twenty-five-thousand-dollar firepits at Dream Maker Ranch. They had no use for them today in the unusually warm Montana weather.

  He’d already changed his shirt once. He could blame the sweat under his arms and lining his back on the sun, but who was he kidding? In less than thirty minutes, family, friends, prominent travel reviewers, and members of the media would descend on Colt’s new resort.

  Some guests would stay for a day or two, others would spend the week enjoying everything Dream Maker had to offer. The chefs, wait staff, reception, housekeeping—every department would be tested.

  “We decided to go with river rock for these pits,” Colt said. “Just like the fireplace in the great hall, the one everyone sees when they first walk in.”

  “I like the consistency.” Wyatt Walker, his best friend since third grade, nodded. “And the place is amazing, Colt. No BS.”

  “It has to be.” Colt studied Wyatt as they continued down the path past the pool to the main building. “I’m in debt, Wyatt.” He let out a long sigh, feeling his chest shudder. Dubbed the “dream maker” of the family by his mother for his ability to work magic with numbers, Colt’s country-superstar brothers depended on him to invest wisely on their behalf. His mom leaned on him to keep her living comfortably for the rest of her days.

  Colt hadn’t worked up the courage to admit he’d been wrong about the construction costs to anyone, not even himself.

  “I’ve never been in debt before, but . . .”

  “But you built a multi-million-dollar resort, Colt. Give yourself a break.” Wyatt stared him down, making sure he knew he wasn’t kidding. “Everyone on the planet owes something to someone. How do you think the rest of the world starts a new business?” Wyatt shrugged. “With loans, Colt. Loans.”

  “I have so much riding on this opening.” Colt’s mouth was so dry he could have stored cotton balls on his tongue. “This is make or break time. Do or die.”

  “I don’t blame you for being nervous about all those mucky-mucks in the lobby. Those reviewers can be nasty. My own sister practically tanked Heaven’s Bliss, that five-star ski-in-ski-out resort in Jackson Hole. Mariah did it single-handedly with just one review.”

  Colt shot him a look. “Are you trying to cheer me up?”

  “Nah, there’s nothing to worry about here.” Wyatt grinned, bumping Colt’s elbow. “Everyone will love the ranch. This place is going to crush it.”

  Colt eyed him carefully, trying to decide whether now would be a good time to ask. “And how is your lovely sister these days?” He kept his tone light as always, not wanting to raise any suspicion. “Is Mariah still home?”

  “Yeah. The longest she’s been in years. The baby of the family, Daddy’s little girl, is back in the nest. My father is beside himself.” Wyatt shoved his hands in his pockets. “Hey, I need to check on my crew. We have a few rides and a lesson scheduled this afternoon.”

  “Sounds good.” Colt watched his friend take off in the direction of the stables and called out, “Thanks for taking the gig.”

  Wyatt turned, giving him his full attention.

  Colt raised his voice, making the most of his last thirty-second slice of freedom before Dream Maker opened its gates. “I know there are a million other jobs you’re more than qualified to do. It takes a load off knowing you’re running the stables and watching my back on everything else around here.”

  Wyatt gave him a shit-eating grin. “I’m planning on getting a healthy return on my investment. And you better make sure my paycheck doesn’t bounce.”

  “Funny.” Colt waved him off and turned back to the main hotel. Taking his usual long strides down the path, he braced himself for the VIP welcome reception. After taking a beat for a calming breath, Colt plastered a pleasant smile on his face and entered the room.

  Staying near the door, he peered across the massive hall to the resort’s main entrance, where a steady stream of VIPs strolled in through the sparkling glass designer doors. Some were decked out in the kind of designer cowboy get-ups you’d never find on a real ranch, others were in suits, and some wore comfortable-looking khakis or shorts. What kind of reviews would he get from these people?

  The line of guests waiting at the check-in area was a little longer than he’d anticipated, but everyone seemed to be having a good time and had a glass of champagne in hand.

  Someone tapped his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. “You sure you’re ready for this?” Colt swung around to face his baby brother, Boone. “Because if this place ends up being a fleabag with bed bugs, no amount of my singing will help.” Boone laughed.

  “I put you over a million dollars in profit with investments alone this year, and this is the thanks I get? Would you stop already?”

  “Hey.” Boone gave his arm a conciliatory nudge. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were so touchy.”

  Colt ran a hand through his hair. “I know, I know. Sorry I snapped. I just have a lot on my mind.” He pointed out the window to a small stage in the distance, near one of their largest corrals. “You’re over there.”

  Boone narrowed his blue eyes, studying the structure. “It seems like only yesterday when Becca and I had our first dance.” He ran a hand through his black hair. “Man, she looked beautiful in that dress. It brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

  “Sure does. Turning the corral into a dance floor worked so well for your wedding reception, I decided to do it again today. You can’t listen to Boone or Harlan Beckett and not dance.”

  Boone nodded, seeming lost in thought, miles away. He’d probably jumped through a million hoops in order to make a hole in his
tour schedule and perform at Dream Maker. Boone winning the Country Gold award hadn’t hurt his popularity. His shows were selling out the second tickets went on sale.

  Boone and Harlan were each so popular, Colt and his general manager had decided to hire extra security for their performances.

  “So, I’ll play for an hour and a half?”

  “Uh-huh. Then we’ll take a break and serve dinner. Harlan will finish out the night with his set. Is Becca coming?”

  “She’s with Georgia and the baby now, they’ll be here later.” Colt made a mental note to seek out his sisters-in-law between Boone and Harlan’s shows. He hoped Harlan’s wife Georgia would bring his new adorable niece Ruby. No matter how busy he was, family was his top priority and he’d make the time to check in with them.

  Boone tipped his head back and gazed up at the rustic thirty-foot ceilings and took in the rest of the space, the wrought-iron accent rails leading down to the lush earth-tone couches, the massive flower arrangements, and then inhaled. “It smells like a very expensive store in here.” He grinned. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s great.”

  “You can buy the candles in the gift store.” Colt winked. “For forty bucks, your place too can smell like this. It’s our custom huckleberry-vanilla scent.”

  “Congratulations, man.” Boone’s tone turned serious. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’m proud of you, big brother.”

  “Well, thanks.” Colt exhaled, feeling a bit of tension ease from his shoulders. “But don’t be proud just yet. Let’s see how it goes after this week.”

  “Fair enough, but I think the opening will be flawless.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Okay, I’m going to go check out the sound system.” Boone started for the door.

  “If you need anything, find me or Wyatt.”

  “Will do,” Boone called out over his shoulder.

  After watching his brother head down the trail to the corral area, Colt strolled casually to the resort’s entrance. They’d gone over arrival procedure at the morning meeting, and Colt took the opportunity to observe his employees in action.

  Friendly greeting. Check.

  Double check the bags were taken care of. Check.

  Use tongs to offer guests an iced towel to refresh themselves after their journey. Check.

  Finally, fill their glasses with champagne. Check.

  Maybe Dream Maker Ranch would be a success after all.

  Maybe there really wasn’t anything to worry about.

  For the first time in a week, Colt smiled a real smile. Which was extremely short-lived. Something caught his eye that made his heart come to a standstill.

  Every ounce of his being focused on the gorgeous woman stepping into the lobby. He held himself back, not making a move until he was sure it was her. The raven-haired beauty in the white cowboy hat and jeans that hugged every curve he’d memorized by heart, turned.

  Mariah Walker’s green eyes locked on his. Then she flashed the dazzling smile that had been bringing Colt to his knees since junior high.

  Damn straight, he was sure.

  And most likely in trouble.

  Chapter Two

  MARIAH WALKER WOULD recognize that sexy stride anywhere. Colt’s caramel gaze zoomed in on hers, and she had to hold herself back from running to him. Playing games wasn’t her style—she usually went with her first instinct, but that would have been to get a lip lock on him in about three seconds, and she didn’t want to come off as desperate, or scare him off.

  She chuckled at the thought of Colt running away from anything. Mariah couldn’t help smiling as she ogled his broad shoulders, toned and muscly six-foot frame, and Esquire-magazine-perfect smile as he came closer.

  Colt Beckett was the kind of man who could have whatever he wanted. And Mariah would be more than happy to give it to him.

  “Mariah.” He came in for a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek, giving her a tempting whiff of fresh ocean with a hint of cedar. She basked in his scent, but the embrace ended all too quickly.

  “Hey, Colt.” She didn’t even try to stop grinning.

  “I didn’t know you were coming for the opening. Are you here meeting Wyatt for a drink, lunch?”

  “No, silly.” She brushed his arm. “I’m not here visiting my brother. I see Wyatt enough as it is, now that I’m staying at Dad’s place.”

  Colt angled his head, and in this light, something about his expression took her back to years ago when he was just a cute boy who played catch with Wyatt out in the ranch’s back field.

  Mariah raised her brows, waiting for him to finally catch on to the reason for her visit, which seemed obvious to her. But Colt kept that same quizzical expression glued to his handsome face.

  “Colt, I’m here on business, sugar. Didn’t you see me on the guest list?”

  “Ah . . .” He pulled back, wide eyed. “No, I did not see your name on the reservations.” He scratched his neck. “And I absolutely would’ve noticed.”

  “I’m here for the press tour.”

  Colt gave her a double take. “Would you mind?” he asked, gently taking her elbow and ushering her to the check-in counter. Mariah snuck a glance up at his delicious chiseled jaw while he addressed the receptionist behind the desk. If she stepped another inch closer to him, she could probably get a hit of his scent again.

  “May I help you, Mr. Beckett?” The friendly attendant gave Mariah a smile.

  “Please pass me the list.” Colt pointed to a clipboard, and the attendant quickly handed it to him.

  Colt clutched the board, giving the first page a cursory glance. “Where?” he asked, seeming distracted and maybe a little perturbed, which wasn’t at all the vibe she’d hoped for.

  “It has to be there.” Mariah tried to scroll through the names with him, but he was going too fast.

  He flipped another page. “No, I don’t see it.”

  “What? Let me look. Please.” Mariah snatched the clipboard from his hands, expecting a far warmer greeting. “Are you hoping to throw me out or something? Not let me in?”

  His caramel eyes locked on hers, appearing stunned she could say such a thing.

  “Well?” She scanned him up and down.

  “No. No, of course not,” he said, snapping out of it. “I’d never not let you in, anywhere. How could you even think that?”

  “Just wanted to make sure.” Mariah went back to skimming the list, searching for her company, which should be listed. By God, better be.

  “Cold towel, to refresh you from your journey?” a pretty woman who came out of nowhere offered.

  “No, thank you, but I will take one of those.” Mariah grinned, spotting someone within arm’s reach carrying a full tray of champagne. She snagged a glass from the silver tray and tipped it toward Colt. “Cheers to your opening.”

  “Thanks, Mariah.” His eyes sparkled when he smiled at her, making her insides as fizzy as the wine.

  She let the cool, refreshing liquid trickle down her throat. “Ah, much better.” Mariah handed her glass to Colt and picked up where she left off on the list. He scooted closer, reading with her. “There.” She pointed, and tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding eased from her shoulders. “Right there. The Maverick Girls. That’s us.”

  Colt narrowed his eyes on the page. “I can’t imagine a more perfect name.” He laughed.

  “It’s my new travel business. There are four of us in the group.”

  “Oh.” He nodded, pointing out the number two next to the name. “So there’s another one coming.”

  “Uh-huh. Avery, but everyone calls her Aves. She’ll be here soon. She’s a photographer. We’re on Instagram, so the pictures are important.”

  “Well then, I guess the mystery is solved. Although you would’ve been welcome even if you weren’t on the list.” He exchanged her champagne glass for the clipboard.

  “I would hope so.” Mariah relished another cool sip while she watched him return the list. He said a few words to the r
eceptionist as she handed him two key cards.

  The bellhop who’d been standing nearby approached her before Colt made his way back. “May I escort you to your room?”

  “I’m not sure, but thank you,” Mariah stalled until Colt was within earshot. “I think Mr. Beckett will show me the way, won’t you, Colt?”

  Knowing Colt, he wasn’t appreciating how everyone seemed to be craning their necks for a better look at them. Like it or not, Colt was a celebrity now, although he probably hated it. He liked staying behind the scenes and didn’t need to brag or boast. His quiet confidence was one of the qualities she liked most about him.

  But with the local television stations’ coverage of Dream Maker’s opening, and newspapers and magazines plastering his picture on their covers, Colt would have to get used to being in the spotlight.

  “I’m not putting you out too much, am I, Colt?” she asked, knowing she was pushing, but it would only take a few minutes for him to walk with her. She’d been looking forward to seeing him for so long. And she wasn’t about to leave their reunion on the wrong foot, with all that you’re-not-on-the-list brouhaha.

  “No, you’re not putting me out at all.” He gave her a heart-melting smile. “I’m more than happy to show you the way. Let’s get you settled.” Colt turned to the bellhop. “Larry, would you mind holding on to Miss Walker’s bags for a few minutes?”

  “No, sir. Of course,” he said, rolling the bags off to the side.

  “Mariah?” Colt asked, rotating to her, all suave and delicious, “are you ready?”

  The sound of her name on his lips reverberated through her. How long had it been since they’d talked without her family around? “Ready and willing.” She laughed, setting down her glass. The effects of the champagne, and the thought of quality alone time with Colt, made her giddy.

  Staying on the path to her room, Colt kept a professional air about him, pointing out the earth-friendly measures they’d built into the resort’s design. He identified a few native plants they’d managed to save during construction, and pointed out the general direction of the pool, hot tub, and spa.