The Mayor's Secret Fortune Read online

  She might keep spare clothing packed neatly in her trunk, but that didn’t mean she’d change faster than any other woman who made it a point to have every hair in place. And as far as Steven was concerned, the tall, willowy brunette looked damn near perfect each time he saw her.

  A slow grin stretched across his face. Seeing Ms. Perfection seated in a mud puddle, her hair hanging wild and loose instead of contained in a neat twist, her sable eyes wide and lips parted in disbelief, was a pretty sight to behold. And a far cry from the image the good folks of Rambling Rose had come to know and love.

  From what he’d gathered, Ellie had been an only child, her mama and daddy’s pride and joy. She’d sold more cookies than any of the others in her Girl Scout troop, sung solos in the church choir and helped the women’s club serve meals at the homeless shelter. She’d gone on to become the valedictorian of her senior class before earning a master’s in public policy. So it wasn’t just her pretty face that was impressive.

  Still, she seemed a little too good to be true, too damn perfect. He wondered what flaws might be lurking beneath the surface. There had to be something, if only he could find it. He also needed to get on her good side, but so far, he hadn’t had any luck with either of those tasks.

  Steven leaned against the wooden porch railing, prepared to wait it out. When the door squeaked open, taking him a bit by surprise, Ellie breezed out of the trailer, smiling as if she’d never suffered a setback. The only sign of being flustered was her flushed cheeks, which merely added a rosy tint to her olive complexion and made her brown eyes pop.

  “Thank you,” she said. “Changing in the Fortune Brothers Construction man cave was a lot nicer than using one of the porta-potties.”

  “You’re welcome.” He tossed her a disarming smile, which seemed to escape her notice. On the other hand, her appearance didn’t escape his.

  She’d come outside different—not just from when she went in, but from when she’d arrived. She’d combed her hair, leaving it down instead of in her customary updo, and she’d changed out of the dressy black pants she’d had on, trading them for khaki slacks. She’d shed her tailored jacket and the crisply pressed white blouse, too. Instead she wore a cream-colored sweater accessorized with a red plaid scarf.

  “Just look at you,” he said. “A little more casual and down-to-earth than when you arrived, but as professionally dressed as ever.”

  He’d meant it as a compliment, but she never seemed to be sure about him or his true intentions, so it didn’t surprise him when she rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. “Under the circumstances, it’s the best I could do.”

  “Nicely done, then.”

  “Thank you,” she said, “but let’s go.”

  At that, she took off, walking past him while he locked up and leaving him to catch an intriguing hint of her citrus-blossom scent.

  After slipping the keys into his jeans pocket, he followed her, enjoying the sway of her hips and the way her long, dark hair swished across her back—a very nice change. She really ought to wear it down more often.

  He shook off his thoughts and caught up with her.

  In spite of a slight limp the pair of gym shoes couldn’t mask, she never broke stride.

  “What time is it?” she asked.

  “Like I said, they’ll wait.”

  She let out a huff. “That’s not the point.”

  They stopped by her car long enough for her to toss her gym bag into the back seat, the hasty effort a sign of her inner frustration.

  “Why do I get the distinct feeling you don’t like me?” he asked.

  At that, her movements finally stilled. “I don’t have any reason to dislike you. It’s just that the changes you and your brothers have been making in Rambling Rose aren’t helping the community at large. And it’s clear that you don’t know the townspeople well enough to give a damn what they want.”

  “You’re wrong. My brothers and I care about the residents of Rambling Rose.”

  Ellie chuffed. “You only care about the newcomers. Now that the homes in Rambling Rose Estates have gone on the market, we’ve had an influx of millionaires move in. And the longtime residents feel pushed out. Unappreciated.”

  “The locals might not like the idea of new residents moving in—wealthy or not. But you can’t blame Fortune Brothers Construction for the hard feelings.”

  She didn’t respond in words, but her arched brow clearly said, Oh no? Who else is to blame?

  “When Bradley Industries came in with big dreams and then went belly-up, my brother and I picked up the pieces and finished projects in record time. I’d think you’d be happy that someone was able to complete them.”

  She didn’t comment. But what could she say?

  The way Steven saw it, Fortune Brothers Construction had stepped in and made the community a better place. “You have to admit that our recent renovations of the pediatric center and the animal clinic will benefit everyone in Rambling Rose.”

  “Maybe so.” She nodded toward the elegant, two-story glass-front entrance to the Shoppes. “But what about this? Just look at this place.”

  “What’s wrong with it? It looks great.” And hell, why wouldn’t he think that? He’d helped design it.

  She slapped her hands on her hips. “The people who live in Rambling Rose, the ones who were born and raised here, aren’t that fancy. They don’t shop in stores like this. Nor do they appreciate the fact that, thanks to all the wealthy newcomers, the owners stand to turn a big enough profit to allow them to afford the rent in a luxurious setting. And that will create larger social and economic divisions in our communities, something we’ve never had before, which is my point.”

  “I appreciate your loyalty to your constituents and your desire to keep things the way they’ve always been, but the world is changing, Ellie. The technology-savvy millennials prefer specialty shops over department stores—or else they’re shopping online.”

  The attractive mayor, Ms. Perfection, practically snorted. “I’m a millennial, Steven. And I’m not impressed by fancy buildings and expensive specialty shops.”

  He merely studied her. He admired her passion for the town as it used to be. And he found her more than a little intriguing. He wasn’t exactly sure how old she was—late twenties, he assumed. Either way, she seemed too young to be a mayor, even of a small town like Rambling Rose.

  When he didn’t respond right away, she took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put us at odds before the ceremony.”

  “No worries. I’m not the least bit offended.” In spite of their difference of opinion, he actually enjoyed their banter.

  He’d grown up as the oldest son of a very wealthy man, and while he and his siblings were all accomplished, the brothers had built the construction company to the point that they’d each become financially successful in their own rights. So Steven was used to being catered to, flirted with and pursued by attractive women.

  But that wasn’t the case with Ellie, and he found that refreshing. She intrigued him. Yet it was more than her spunky attitude he found appealing. He’d always been attracted to brunettes, and this one had caught his interest the very first time he’d laid eyes her.

  “We can talk later,” she said. “We need to climb up on that stage and get this event over with.” And with that, she was off once again.

  A car door slammed shut, and Steven glanced across the parking lot, where several men and women had gathered around a white SUV, its rear door lifted high. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual about the vehicle, but there was something out of sync about the people.

  When one guy reached into the back and began to hand out signs, Steven realized why.

  Protesters. That’s all they needed.

  Had Ellie spotted them? Apparently not, since she continued toward the makeshift dais, where a red rib
bon stretched across the front of the glass doors.

  Then again, maybe she had inside information and had known they’d be here. If she didn’t have to attend the grand opening in an official capacity, she might have held one of the protest signs herself. She clearly shared their sentiments. But if there was one thing Steven had come to know about Ellie Hernandez, it was that she took her job as mayor seriously.

  That being the case, would she go so far as to shut down the protesters or call in law enforcement?

  Another car door slammed, and three more people joined the first group. He suspected all hell was about to break loose. Steven and his brothers could handle anything they might throw their way. But how was the pretty young mayor of Rambling Rose going to respond, especially if things were to blow sky-high and a fight broke out?

  Steven hated to admit it, but he couldn’t wait to find out.

  Chapter Two

  Ellie had been tempted to suggest that Steven wait in the parking lot for a minute or two so they could stagger their arrival, but since he seemed determined to stick by her side, she figured he’d refuse. So she gave up her efforts to shake the sexy man who looked more like a fancy cowboy than a slick businessman.

  As they neared the front of the Shoppes, her steps slowed to a casual pace, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Up ahead, a crowd had gathered around the portable dais, where a well-dressed Callum Fortune stood off to the side, near a small table, checking his watch.

  Two women in their mid-to late fifties turned when they heard approaching footsteps and eyed Ellie and Steven carefully, as if connecting imaginary dots and jumping to the wrong conclusion.

  “Great,” Ellie uttered softly. “I knew they’d think we’d arrived together.”

  “So what?” he asked. “Who cares?”

  “I do. It’s bad enough that I have to stand next to you and your brother on that dais as if we were all in agreement.”

  “Sleeping with the enemy, huh?”

  That thought had crossed her mind more than once, and while the thought of sleeping with a man like Steven Fortune knocked her a little off stride, she stopped to set him straight.

  “I’m a city official,” she said, “and my loyalty lies with my constituents.”

  He flashed a dazzling, heart-strumming grin. “I moved to Rambling Rose back in October, so that makes me one of your constituents.”

  “Point taken, but for now, we have a grand opening to officiate.” She offered the two women gawking at them a polite smile, then hurried toward the portable dais, with Steven matching her strides.

  The moment Callum noticed them, he motioned for them to join him and Dillon on stage. Ellie blew out a sigh. Did they have to make a big Broadway production out of everything? Not that there hadn’t been other grand openings in town, but the folks in Rambling Rose kept things simple, and they served punch and cookies at the end.

  As she and Steven climbed the side steps to the dais, her stomach pitched. She sucked in another comforting breath, which served to settle her nerves, as well as her tummy.

  Callum removed a handheld microphone from a small table and addressed the crowd. “On behalf of Fortune Brothers Construction and all the store owners, I’d like to welcome you to the grand opening of the Shoppes at Rambling Rose.”

  Several people clapped heartily, most of them newcomers. But the ones Ellie recognized in the small crowd had a more reserved response.

  “My brothers and I are happy to be a part of Rambling Rose’s renaissance,” Callum said as he handed the mic to Steven. Ellie, who’d taken her place to the left of the men, slapped on another polite smile and stood with her hands clasped behind her back.

  “I’ve only been in town for the past four or five months,” Steven said, “but in that short period of time, I feel as though I’ve become part of the community.” He glanced at Ellie as if hoping she’d back him up, but she’d already gone above and beyond to do her job today—and to keep her thoughts and opinions to herself.

  Most of them, anyway. She hadn’t wanted to put a damper on the festivities, especially since the rain had stopped.

  Callum handed Steven a stack of gold-trimmed envelopes, then picked up the scissors Ellie would use to cut the red ribbon that stretched across the doorway leading to the stores.

  “As a gift from Fortune Brothers Construction,” Steven said, “as well as the store owners and eateries, each of you will be given coupons for discounts on today’s purchases and a chance to win prizes.”

  At that, the crowd cheered and clapped.

  “So without further ado,” Steven said, “we’ll ask Mayor Hernandez to cut the ribbon so you can go inside and meet the newest members of the Rambling Rose Chamber of Commerce.”

  Steven gave Callum the mic, exchanging it for the scissors, but before he could pass them to Ellie, a male voice shouted, “Fortunes, go home!”

  She didn’t have to see the man who’d interrupted the grand opening. She recognized Mel Sullivan’s graveled voice. The woolly, white-haired man was one of the older townspeople and a regular at the Roadside Diner, as well as at Mariana’s Market. Mel had been voicing his opinions loud and clear for months, and since he stood front and center of the group of protesters, he appeared to be the ringleader. She also recognized the others with him, six to the right and four to the left, all carrying hand-painted signs as they moved forward and approached the dais.

  “Rambling Rose doesn’t need any more of those highfalutin rich people parading around town and showing off their wealth,” Carl Wagner shouted. “Send ’em packing, and tell them to take their money with ’em.”

  Ruthanne Garrison cried out, “Save our town, Mayor!”

  That’s it. Enough was enough. Ellie snatched the microphone from Steven and took center stage. “Friends, neighbors, I understand your concern, and I support your First Amendment rights, but the people gathered here today have every right to go shopping without any trouble or turmoil.”

  Ellie handed the mic to Steven. “You cut the ribbon. I’m going to talk to them.”

  “Want me to go with you?” he asked.

  She slowly shook her head. “That would only make things worse.” Then she turned and made her way down the steps to speak to the people she considered her friends and, hopefully, convince them to get into their cars and go home.

  Mel, Carl, Ruthanne and the others were all good people—and well-intentioned. She’d known them all her life, and they’d watched her grow up. They trusted her to send the Fortunes packing and to save their quaint town from further ruin.

  Hopefully, she wouldn’t let them down. At least, not with respect to the Fortunes. But the time was coming when she’d have to humbly face the community at large and reveal her secret.

  She cringed at the thought of letting them down, of admitting that she’d failed to live up to everyone’s expectations. Ever since childhood, she’d tried to be perfect and had worked hard to develop a respectable reputation. And up until now, she’d succeeded. But she’d recently made a big mistake, and she would soon have to deal with the repercussions.

  A few of the townspeople might not give it another thought. Yet some would be shocked and others disappointed to learn that in five short months, Ellie Hernandez, hometown superstar, would become an unwed mother with no husband in sight.

  * * *

  The glass-enclosed lobby of the Shoppes wasn’t especially large, but it was certainly fancy, boasting a colorful Spanish-tile waterfall in the center of the room that had been created by a Texas artisan. Even the floor tile provided a rich look that would appeal to the wealthy newcomers.

  The Fortunes had gone to great lengths to lay out a remarkable welcome to the potential shoppers. They’d set a variety of refreshments on several linen-draped tables, each adorned with orchids and other exotic floral arrangements that had been provided by Tropical Paradise, the ne
w flower shop located on the lower level.

  Servers dressed in black slacks and crisply-pressed, tailored white shirts carried silver trays, some of which held flutes filled with champagne or sparkling apple cider, while others displayed a variety of fancy hors d’oeuvres. Ellie chose to pass on everything, especially since she hadn’t quite kicked the morning sickness that had plagued her early in her pregnancy.

  A woman in her thirties, who stood with a group of friends, opened her gold-lined envelope and let out a happy shriek. “Oh my gosh! I won a pair of jade earrings from Sebastian’s Fine Jewelry.”

  The server carrying the goose-liver pâté walked by, close enough for Ellie to get a tummy-swirling whiff. She quickly took a step back and turned toward the fountain, hoping she wouldn’t have to run to the restroom. She swallowed hard, took a deep breath of fresh air, cooled and cleansed by gurgling water, then stepped to the side and turned her back to the server.

  “There you are.”

  Ellie looked up and spotted Steven sauntering toward her, carrying two flutes of champagne. He handed one to her, but she slowly shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll pass.”

  “Seriously?” he asked.

  She actually liked champagne and would have accepted a glass, had she not been pregnant. She also could have held on to it, pretending to take part in the festivities, but she wasn’t in the mood to fake it.

  “Come on, Ellie. Lighten up. Can’t you think of anything to celebrate?”

  “I’m here, aren’t I?” She offered him a smile that was more sincere than any of the others she’d managed on prior occasions when their paths had crossed.

  Steven’s smile faded, as if he might be slightly offended—or bothered. Or...?

  Oh, for heaven’s sake. Who knew what a rich man like Steven Fortune ever really had on his mind? Even his last name screamed wealth.

  “It’s not what you think,” she said. “It’s just that I need to keep a clear head while I’m on the job.”