Cordero and Alexandra met 5 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

*****
When Cordero and Alexandra, arrived home, Rosa said, "I thought you two would've stopped at the ice cream shop before coming home."

Alexandra petted Samson and then went to her room.

Cordero watched her. "She's thinking about going home." He went to the den.

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 4

The following morning, when Alexandra walked into the dining room, she scanned the area. "I'm sorry I'm late."

Rosa stood and poured her a cup of coffee. "You're not late; we got an extra early start. Cordero and Jorge took a few ranch hands to pick up that filly." She went to the kitchen. "I'll be right back with your breakfast."

After she sat and Alexandra sipped her coffee, Rosa asked, "Cord said you're thinking about going home. Want to talk about it?"

"Not really. I don't want to leave." Alexandra hesitated, before she continued, "Cord risked his life for me." She stared at her plate.

"Cord's okay and would do it again, if necessary."

"I know. That's why I need to leave."

"You're not the problem. That Luke guy's the problem. The sheriff said he might be the one stealing our bulls. He's been in some bar fights and is quick to pull that gun. He's a troublemaker." Rosa patted Alexandra's hand. "The problem isn't you. I know Jorge and I would miss you." She smiled. "I have a feeling my son would miss you, a lot."

"We're just friends. Kind of like brother and sister."

Rosa winked. "Sure." She answered her phone. "Hello, Cord." She listened and then put her hand over phone. "He says they'll be a while. The filly isn't cooperating."

"Can I speak to him?" Rosa handed Alexandra the phone. "Cord, her name is Jewel. She's precious. Maybe if you treat her like that she'll calm down." Listening for a few moments, she said, "I'm sorry she's not acting precious, but I promise she is." She hung up. "Cord says she's not precious, but--never mind. It's not complimentary."

Rosa laughed. "Sometimes my son's English is colorful." She studied Alexandra still eating her breakfast. "What would you like to do today?"

"No idea."

"I'm sure we can come up with something."

*****
As they sat on the back patio drinking coffee, they watched Samson swim and visited. Midmorning, Rosa said, "I feel like a special dinner. I'm sure the guys will be up for it after wrestling Jewel."

Alexandra tilted her head. "What do you have in mind?"

"Tonight might be a good night for a French dinner cooked by a special chef."

"I could do that. What would you like?"

"Beef Bourguignon. I know my guys would love it. All of your dinners are great, but it's my favorite."

"I'm not sure. I haven't made it since...."

"Just because that Alan guy didn't like it, doesn't mean it wasn't good," interrupted Rose. "He doesn't know what's good."

"I guess I could try. I'll make a grocery list." She paused. "We can go to the store, right?"

"Of course, we'll eat lunch at the diner."

Alexandra studied her phone and then pointed. "I found one."

Rosa came over and stood behind her. "Found what? I thought you were finished with the grocery list."

"I know how much Cord likes ice cream. I found the right dessert, Profiteroles with Coffee Ice Cream."

"Cord likes all desserts." Rosa laughed. "Ice cream isn't a requirement." She paused. "Let's go to town."

*****
After the ladies returned from shopping, Alexandra unpacked the groceries and glanced at her watch. "I'll cut up veggies, but it's too early to start cooking."

Just as she finished preparing the vegetables, Cordero came in the kitchen. "Mom, do you have something cold to drink?"

Jorge came in behind him. "It's hot out there wrestling that ..."

"There's lemonade, tea, and water in the fridge," interrupted Rosa. She glanced at Alexandra. "My husband can have colorful language too."

Cordero grinned. "Dad, stay in where it's cool. I can get this precious Jewel out of the trailer." He gulped his drink. "Be in later."

Alexandra walked to the hallway window and watched. "How's he going to get Jewel from the trailer?"

Jorge stood beside her. "Open the door, wait until the anesthesia wears off, and when she's ready hopefully she'll walk out on her own."

When she tilted her head, he continued, "Cord used a special anesthesia gun and shot her. There was no way we could've got her in the trailer any other way. After that he drew some blood, he'll send it off and make sure she's healthy. Right now, he'll talk to her so she gets used to his voice."

"Isn't a vet needed for all of that?"

Rosa walked up behind them. "Maybe you forgot. Cord's a veterinarian. He graduated from Texas A&M."

"I remember now. Didn't he have his own practice?"

"He was in a partnership in Houston, but Jorge had a health scare so he came home to run the family ranch. He's still a vet. All the ranchers know about him and keep him pretty busy."

Alexandra smiled and continued to watch as he encouraged Jewel from the trailer. He's full of surprises. Once Jewel walked around the corral, she started dinner.

*****
As Alexandra set the table, Cordero came in. He studied her for a few moments. "I see dinner's ready. If I hurry, can I grab a shower? I'm pretty grungy"

"Of course, I can hold everything as long as I need too."

"I'll hurry."

*****
As Alexandra and Rosa finished cleaning the kitchen, Jorge came in rubbing his stomach. He pecked Rosa's cheek. "You're a great cook, but I think I just had the best meal of my life."

Cordero followed his dad. "I agree. This was great. Thank you, Ali."

Pink adorned Alexandra's cheeks.

Jorge grabbed his wife's hand. "How about you make us some hot chocolate and we go to the porch swing and gaze at the sunset? It'll be beautiful tonight."

Rosa smiled. "That sounds like a great plan. Would you like to join us?"

Shaking his head, Cordero said, "I was about to ask Ali if she'd like to go to the corral and see how Jewel's adjusting? I need to make sure she finds this place acceptable for the night."

Alexandra tilted her head. "What are you going to do if she doesn't like it?"

He put his hand on the small of her back and led her outside. "Hold her captive until she does."

"For real?"

"That's a slight exaggeration. If I don't have to, I'd rather not put her in a stall. I think she'll adjust easier if she's free."

As they reached the corral, Alexandra exhaled deeply. "She's a beauty."

Cordero crossed his arms on the top of the wooden fence. "That she is." He grinned. "She's watching you. I think she likes you."

"Maybe because I talked to her and listened to what she said."

"Could be." He glanced at a watering trough. "She needs fresh water. Wait here."

Alexandra watched him jump the fence, dump the trough, and turn on the hose. She smiled as Jewel eyed him. "You're being stared at."

He glanced toward the horse. "I sure am."

After the trough was filled, Cordero returned to Ali's side. "Something's been bothering me. Mind if I ask?" After she nodded, he continued, "I see glimpses of the strong woman Mom and your mom told me about. I know you're intelligent or you wouldn't have that fancy law degree."

He pointed as Jewel headed their direction. "She's taking the bait." He waited, then continued, "What I don't understand is why you allowed that Alan jerk to get inside your head. Dinner tonight was fantastic. From what I've heard, he said you were a bad cook, so you quit cooking. Why?"

Alexandra studied Jewel drinking.

"Don't give me the silent lawyer. I know you talk. I also know Mom and your entire family was at that dinner. They all said it was good. Again why?"

She swallowed. "Alan explained since I'm an only child and grandchild no matter what I do everyone will say it's perfect. Your mom would say it's perfect because she's best friends with Mom and is like a beloved aunt. He's the only person who would be honest with me."

"I have no reason to lie to you. You can ask anybody. I'm bluntly honest and I'm telling you that you're a great cook. Please keep cooking." After she smiled, he added, "You have a beautiful smile."

When Alexandra studied her feet, Cordero said, "Don't tell me he said you're not pretty? The guy's a fool." He cocked his head. "I remember hearing something about you changing your style of dress. Was it his suggestion too?"

"He said I didn't dress up to my social status. I went for comfortable, or as you put it, 'the girl next door' rather than stylish. He said I should look the part of a high-priced lawyer not some ambulance chaser."

"Did your grandpa, dad, or any of your clients complain? Did a judge say anything?" After she shook her head, he continued, "Then I'd say he was wrong."

Cordero stepped back and his gaze started at her boots, followed her body until it reached the top of her head. "When I first saw you, you were dressed in your New York high society outfit, I thought you were beautiful. I wanted to meet you. I was secretly glad Samson introduced himself. I kicked myself for not getting your name or introducing myself."

He chuckled. "Then when I saw you in the towel, let's just say I'm sure my thoughts were X-rated. But I think right now in blue jeans, that skimpy T-shirt and your hair down is when you're drop dead gorgeous."

He leaned over to kiss her. As their lips met, she stepped back. "Cord, I'm rebounding. I can't do that to you."

"Neither should I. You're Mom's best friend's daughter."

Silence.

*****
After Samson came up and nuzzled Alexandra, Cordero said, "Is there any dessert left?"

"There is, but first let me say my T-shirt isn't skimpy."

Chuckling Cordero said, "You fill it out in exactly the right places." He paused. "How about those cookies?"

"You mean profiteroles with coffee ice cream?"

Cordero grinned. "Yes, those. If you're trying to get me to pronounce them, it's not going to happen."

Alexandra tilted her head. "Why not? I'm sure you can. You're bilingual, right?"

"Yes, Spanish and English, not French." He hesitated. "Do you speak another language? I'm sure being a lawyer you know a lot of Latin."

"You're right about the Latin. I studied French, but I'm far from bilingual."

Studying her for few minutes, Cordero said, "I have a feeling you're better at French than you're admitting. Have you been to France?"

"Mom and I vacationed there after I graduated. Have you traveled?"

"Only back and forth to Mexico. Mom and Dad have distant relatives there."

"I thought both your parents were born or at least raised here."

"Mom was born here. Dad was three when his parents came to the US."

"Their English and your English is perfect."

With a heavy Spanish accent, he said, "Gracias, Senorita."

"I see you haven't forgotten any Spanish."

"I only use it when the occasion arises." He took her hand, and then dropped it. "Let's get some dessert." He led her to the kitchen. After getting the cookies, they went to the back screened in porch to eat and watch the first night stars appear.

*****
After finishing the profiteroles with coffee ice cream, Cordero tilted his head and stood. "I feel the need to check on Jewel."

Alexandra followed. "What's wrong?"

He rested his arms on top of the corral fence. "Nothing. I guess I worry too much." He pointed. "Klaus and Otto are headed in."

"It looks like Jewel doesn't like them."

"She doesn't know them. Since she's wild, she doesn't trust anything. It looks like they're getting a drink. You can go inside, if you want. I'll watch for her reaction."

"Do you mind if I stay?"

His eyes met hers. "Of course not. I enjoy your company." He stared at Jewel. "She likes you. How about after she's trained and you get better at riding, I let her be your horse?"

Throwing her arms around Cordero's neck, she yelled, "Really?"

He put his fingers to his lips. "Shh. You'll scare her. Yes, really."

Alexandra removed her arms. "Sorry."

"It's too dark to tell, but I'm pretty sure you're blushing."

She turned to leave. "Maybe I need to go."

Cordero took her hand. "Please don't." He glanced toward the house. "It looks like Mom and Dad just called it a night."

Samson came running from the house, stopped at the corral fence, and stared at Jewel.

Petting Samson's head, Cordero said, "You'd better stay here, buddy."

"Why? Klaus and Otto are with Jewel. Why can't Samson?"

"They're trained ranch dogs." Cordero studied Samson. "Him, not so much. He's just an ordinary pet."

Kneeling to his level, Alexandra said, "Don't listen to him. You're very special."

Samson licked her face.

Cordero shook his head. "You're spoiling him more than he already is. I didn't think it was possible, but I see it is." He paused as Jewel came closer to the fence and motioned for Alexandra to remain quiet.

Jewel put her head over the fence toward Alexandra.

Alexandra glanced at Cordero for guidance.

"Raise your hand slowly to pet her, but be careful and watch for her reaction," he whispered.

She cautiously raised her hand, inched it closer to Jewel, and whispered, "Hello, Jewel." Her hand brushed against Jewel's muzzle.

When Cordero released the breath he held, Alexandra looked at him and nodded.

Jewel moved closer and nuzzled Alexandra's hand.

"She likes you," whispered Cordero.

Silence followed as the moments passed with Alexandra petting Jewel's muzzle.

As the roar of a helicopter flew overhead, Jewel bucked and galloped to the center of the corral.

Cordero stared at the sky. "That's strange." He took Alexandra's hand. "I'll get you inside." And called, "Jim!"

Jim stepped from the barn. "Boss?"

Over his shoulder, he yelled, "Call Bob, get Chip ready, and be ready to ride in five."

"What's wrong?" asked Alexandra.

"We may have just heard our rustlers. We'll ride out and see if we can see anything. If I'm not at breakfast, tell mom and dad what's going on."

She blinked. "Be careful."

He used his finger to brush her cheek. "I will."

*****
Alexandra stared out the window for hours before she finally lay on the couch. The need for sleep took over as Samson lay on the floor below her.

She sat up when she heard the front door. As her eyes adjusted, she saw and heard Cordero call over his shoulder, "Jim, wait." He handed Jim the rifle. "I forgot to put this away."

As he unbuckled his holster, he studied the couch. "What are you doing out here?" He glanced at his watch. "It's after two."

Her eyes met his. "Sleeping."

He pointed toward the hallway. "Your room's that way."

Avoiding eye contact, Alexandra said, "I...ah...Samson wanted me to sleep out here with him."

Cordero took her hand. "I'll escort you to your room. I bet Samson will follow." After he opened the door, he added, "I appreciate you being worried." He turned to leave. "Before I forget; Mom and Dad always attend church. Tell Mom, I'll try to make it but won't promise. You can go with them, if you want."


~~~~~~~
I am flying to Missouri Thursday, February 11, and won't return until late Monday, February 21. My mom is celebrating her 90th birthday. How this affects Fanstory is Mom doesn't have Internet. Yes, there are actually places in the US that do not. I will do my best to post by going to places that do have Internet, but they just received 8 inches of so I don't know how easy it will be to get into town. Mom lives out in the middle of absolutely nowhere in Missouri. My dad died 6 years ago. Anyway, he was in management of General Electric and when he retired, he bought 120 acres of farmland. He never farmed he just wanted the land for wildlife. He never allowed hunting on his land. He wanted to go back to roots and a simpler life. It will be very difficult to review, but I will do what I can. I will miss you all for these 11 days. I will probably suffer from Fanstory withdrawal.
~~~~~~~


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.