Dream Maker: Hitching a Cowboy, #3

By Kate Kisset

She's torn between family expectations and long-buried desires for an older billionaire cowboy who just happens to be her brother's best friend...

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kate Kisset's Hitching a Cowboy series continues with Colt's epic second chance, age gap romance.

When it comes to numbers, Colt Beckett is a master, but the one equation he can't seem to solve is his own heart.

Enter Mariah Walker, the one woman who makes him forget every rule he's ever followed. In a battle between his head and his heart, will Mariah end up Hitching a Cowboy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Kisset
• Release date: Sep 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9798201218096

Kate Kisset

Former San Francisco radio disc jockey Kate Kisset is the author of Love In The Vineyards, a series of small-town contemporary romance novels set in California wine country.  Readers call her novels, sexy, sweet and refreshing, with complex characters and plots that serve up humor without holding back on heart. Kate divides her time between Northern and Southern California. Her stories feature strong heroes and heroines set in the small town, real-world vineyard settings found outside her front door.   When she's not writing, Kate's favorite job is being "The Mommy." She enjoys reading, binge watching Netflix and the Hallmark Channel, wine tastings, cooking, listening to music, and hiking with her loyal companion Luciana Parmigiana, her rescue-dog-editor. Where to find Kate Kisset: Kate Kisset ARC Readers Group:https://katekisset.typeform.com/to/dnsrMj

Book preview

Dream Maker

Hitched to a Cowboy Series Book Three

––––––––

Kate Kisset

USA Today Bestselling Author

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.

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