Cordero and Alexandra met 11 days ago

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

Inside the kitchen, Cordero paused as he dished up the apple tarte. "About earlier." He swallowed. "I almost kissed you."

Alexandra put her hand on his. "I didn't stop you. If Rosa wouldn't have called me, we would've kissed."

"I know you're still nursing a broken heart." He searched her eyes. "I feel we have a good thing. I don't want to ruin it."

"I don't want it ruined."

Samson shoved his way between them.

Cordero petted him. "Don't worry. I won't steal your girlfriend."

They went to the back porch to eat the tarte smothered with vanilla ice cream and watched the stars.

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 7A

During Friday morning breakfast, Cordero grinned at Alexandra. "I'm glad we planned an evening out. This week's been busy. I need a break."

Jorge chuckled. "Maybe you tried to do too much in one week."

Cordero's eyebrows rose. "Dad, I didn't plan on the twins being born early. I've had to check on them every day. I can't ignore them, can I?"

"Of course not."

Rosa took a drink of coffee. "Maybe breaking Jewel could've waited."

Cordero grinned at Alexandra. "Jewel's responding to Ali. We needed to take advantage of it. She's comfortable with her halter. Next week we'll try leading her around." He glanced at his dad. "Do you think we should hold off investigating our bull rustling problem?"

"No, we need to be out in force every day to ensure we don't lose any more. The two we've lost are too many. I think the alternative pasture and security cameras are our answer. We need to decide which pasture we're going to move them to."

Alexandra almost whispered, "You don't need to teach me to ride. That takes a lot of time."

Cordero put his hand over hers. "I look forward to our evening rides."

Alexandra's cheeks tinged pink, as Jorge grinned and faced his wife. "What do you two young ladies have planned for today?"

Rosa set down her coffee cup. "You know, I don't know. Ali, any ideas?"

"If you have time, I'd like to go shopping. A lady can never have enough clothes."

Rosa stood. "I like the way you think. Let's get these dishes done."

Jorge held up his cup. "Would it be possible to get more coffee?"

Cordero chimed in, "Me too?"

Before taking dishes to the kitchen, Rosa topped off both cups.

*****
Later that morning, Rosa parked her SUV on Alpine's main street. "Are we shopping for anything in particular or just shopping?"

Alexandra tilted her head. "To be honest, I don't know. I'm not sure I have anything appropriate to wear tonight. Cord and I are going to dinner and then dancing. I brought dresses, but I'm not sure they're appropriate."

"I'm sure my son would like anything you wear."

"He'll know a lot of people, and I don't want him to be embarrassed." She hesitated. "Or for him to have to explain I'm a city girl."

"I understand. You don't want to stand out."

"That's a good way to say it."

They entered the clothing store and searched for the perfect outfit.

Almost an hour later after trying on numerous outfits, Alexandra settled on a sky blue dress. She also decided on a few more T-shirts and another pair of blue jeans. As she paid, she paused. "I forgot something." She faced Rosa. "I need to get Cord some bandanas."

"He has plenty."

Alexandra shook his head. "He loans them to me and ran out the other day. Help me choose what he likes." After choosing a dozen bandanas, Alexandra paid.

As they went to Rosa's car, she asked, "Want to go to the diner for lunch?"

"Sounds good." She turned toward the sidewalk.

Rosa opened the SUV door. "Put your bags inside." When Alexandra's eyes widened, she continued, "You're in Alpine, not New York City. They'll be safe. I promise."

"Okay." She placed the bags inside and shut the door. "I guess we're ready."

Rosa headed toward the diner. "You going to order the grilled chicken salad you had the other day?"

"It was good, but I'm not sure. What's your favorite?"

"I like the enchiladas, but today, I think I'll have a taco salad."

"That sounds good, too."

The ladies found a table, sat, and ordered their drinks and salads.

Rosa saw a lady from her church group. "Excuse me a minute. I need to see if Mary has signed up any bachelors for our auction."

Alexandra sipped her iced tea. "No problem." She took out her phone and checked text messages.

Pat walked up. "Alexandra, it's a nice surprise seeing you again. What brings you to town?"

"Shopping."

"I'm surprised you'd shop off the rack. I'm sure you're used to the New York fashion boutiques."

"I am but those outfits don't fit with ranch life."

"I'm glad you're still here, but I never expected you to stay so long." He pulled out a chair and sat.

"It's quite a few steps down from what you're used to."

"It's different, but isn't any better or worse. Just different."

"Have you thought any more about going to Houston with me next weekend?"

The waitress brought two taco salads and set them on the table. "Is there anything else I can get you?" She glanced at Pat. "Will you be joining the ladies?"

His eyes widened. "Ladies?"

Alexandra smiled. "Yes, after our shopping trip, Rosa and I decided to have lunch together." She turned and pointed. "She's talking to a friend about the bachelor auction."

Pat stood. "I need to get back to my office."

As he left, Alexandra muttered under her breath, "You haven't eaten."

Rosa walked over. "Pat, you don't need to leave on my account." She sat. "I wonder why he left so fast."

Alexandra laid her napkin across her lap. "I wouldn't worry about it. This looks delicious."

*****
Late afternoon, Alexandra stared out the front window as Rosa walked up. "Is there a problem? You look like you're waiting for somebody."

"Cord never told me what time we're going out. I don't know when to start getting ready."

Rosa glanced at her watch. "It's almost five o'clock. I'm guessing Cord will be here within an hour.

He'll probably shower and change." She laughed. "At least I hope so."

"I think I'll shower now. I'm sure it'll take me longer to get ready."

"I can't wait to see you in that dress. The color compliments your eyes."

"Thank you. I hope it works."

*****
As Cordero unsaddled Chip, Jim asked, "Boss, you're quitting a little early, aren't you?"

"Ali and I are going to dinner and dancing."

Jim laughed. "Bob, did you hear that? Boss has a date with that big city lawyer."

Cordero shook his head. "It's not a date. We're just..."

"Having dinner and going dancing together," interrupted Bob. "In these parts that's called a date."

"It's not like that." Cordero watched his buddies' eyebrows rise. "You're not listening."

Jim wiped his face with his sleeve. "It's hot out here. You're forgetting I've seen you two together.
It's a date. You can deny it all you want, but you're sweet on her." He poked Bob's arm. "How about we go to town tonight? I have a feeling we'll need to help Boss protect this young lady's honor."

Bob released a deep breath. "As pretty as she is, you bet."

Cordero removed his work gloves. "I won't need to defend her honor." He walked toward the house, shaking his head.

Inside the house, his mom walked up and asked, "How was your day?"

"Hot." Cordero scanned the area. "Where's Ali?"

"Getting ready."

"I'd better hurry."

"She's a lady. It takes us longer."

Cordero chuckled. "Probably."

"Where are you going for dinner?"

"I was thinking The Century. It's the best place in town. Then we'll go to Railroad Blues." He headed toward his bedroom.

*****
When Cordero walked into the kitchen, Rosa looked up from fixing dinner. "I haven't seen her, yet."

Cordero checked his watch. "We have six-thirty reservations."

"Did you tell Ali?"

He chuckled. "I didn't make them until around noon and I haven't seen her." Glancing up when he heard a noise, he closed his eyes and exhaled. Wow! Bob and Jim were right. As she got closer, he caught the scent of her perfume. "You look amazing." He pointed to a sack. "What's in there?"
Alexandra held it out for him. "I bought you some bandanas. I understand you were a little short the other day."

Cordero took it. "You didn't need to."

"I wanted to. It'll help keep you in the white knight category."

Rosa walked over and took the bandanas. "I'll take these. You two need to get going to make that reservation."

With wide eyes, Alexandra asked, "What reservation?"

"Yeah, I forgot to mention it. Ready?" Cordero held out his arm.

Accepting it, Alexandra smiled. "Yes."






CHARACTER LIST:

Cordero Ortiz Cord runs his parents Texas ranch

Alexandra Black Ali is a New York City corporate lawyer, is junior partner in huge family law firm

Jorge and Rosa Ortiz Cordero's parents who own a large West Texas Ranch

Jim One of the ranch foreman's and good friend of Cordero. He takes care of the main house and surrounding ranch area.

Bob One of the ranch foremen and good friend of Cordero. He works the entire ranch.

Sam Bailey Alpine's Sheriff.

Dale and Dorothy Ranchers who own the mare and the twin foals