Fortune's Dream House


 
 
 
 The Fortunes of Texas
 Follow the lives and loves of a complex family with a rich history and deep ties in the Lone Star State
 HITTING THE JACKPOT
 The Maloneys of Chatelaine, Texas, have just discovered they are blood relations to the Fortunes—which makes them instant millionaires. But their inheritance comes with a big secret attached that could change everything for their small-town family...
 Flush with new money, Max Fortune Maloney is hoping real estate agent Eliza Henry can help him find the perfect home. And she quickly does—but it’s complicated. When they have to “play house” to make the sale, committed bachelor Max realizes he likes his fake girlfriend a little too much for comfort...
 
 
 Dear Reader,
 Welcome to Chatelaine, Texas, or if you have been here before, welcome back!
 In Fortune’s Dream House, Max Fortune Maloney is a newly minted millionaire. Eliza Henry is the real estate agent helping him find his dream home. A visit to a castle, a charity bachelor auction and a fake relationship unexpectedly bring them closer.
 But Max is skeptical about relationships. Eliza believes two people can build a life together. Finding common ground requires them to let go of their fears, embrace childhood dreams and disappointments, and trust in the possibility of love. What a journey! But the challenges are worth it.
 I’d love to hear from you. Visit me at ninacrespo.com. Say hello and connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or sign up for my newsletter. There, I share about my books, upcoming appearances and my favorite things.
 Thank you for choosing Fortune’s Dream House as your new romance read. I hope you enjoy your book escape with Max and Eliza.
 Wishing you all the best,
 Nina
 
 
 Fortune’s Dream House
 Nina Crespo
 
 
 
 Nina Crespo lives in Florida, where she indulges in her favorite passions—the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom, where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories feed your own addiction for love, romance and happily-ever-after. Visit her at ninacrespo.com. 
 Books by Nina Crespo
 Harlequin Special Edition
 Tillbridge Stables
 The Cowboy’s Claim
 Her Sweet Temptation
 The Cowgirl’s Surprise Match
 The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune
 An Officer and a Fortune
 Small Town Secrets
 A Chef’s Kiss
 The Designer’s Secret
 The Fortunes of Texas: Hitting the Jackpot
 Fortune’s Dream House
 Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.
 
 
 To my real-life hero and best friend, thank you for all you do. Cathy, your encouragement is valuable beyond words. Michelle Major, Heatherly Bell, Makenna Lee, Judy Duarte and Allison Leigh, it’s a pleasure to be a part of this series with you. Susan Litman and Megan Broderick, I so appreciate your patience and support. And a huge thank-you to all of my readers. May this book provide an enjoyable escape that causes you to smile as you turn the pages.
 
 
 Contents
 Chapter One
 Chapter Two
 Chapter Three
 Chapter Four
 Chapter Five
 Chapter Six
 Chapter Seven
 Chapter Eight
 Chapter Nine
 Chapter Ten
 Chapter Eleven
 Chapter Twelve
 Chapter Thirteen
 Chapter Fourteen
 Chapter Fifteen
 Chapter Sixteen
 Chapter Seventeen
 Chapter Eighteen
 Chapter Nineteen
 Chapter Twenty
 Chapter Twenty-One
 Chapter Twenty-Two
 Excerpt from The Cowboy’s Mistaken Identity by Melissa Senate
 
 
 Chapter One
 The Chatelaine Report: No one would have guessed that GreatStore manager Linc Maloney would turn out to be the mastermind behind last month’s epic New Year’s bash at the LC Club on Lake Chatelaine! Now we have learned that his true name is Linc Fortune Maloney and he is a suddenly a very rich man. But what’s his secret? How did Linc come into all this money? And why won’t he share with the rest of us? All kidding aside, we are investigating a lead that suggests Linc may not be the only new millionaire in town...
 Eliza Henry entered the corner restaurant near a strip of small shops outside San Antonio. As the door closed, a chilly breeze blew over her, and she hurried into the cozy lobby, grateful for the warmth in the wood-floored space.
 After spending the past three days sitting in a hotel conference room downtown, fresh air, sunshine and the less crowded street had lured her out of her car without a coat. While the white blouse, black cardigan, jeans and boots she wore were a great fashion statement, they weren’t a match for the chilly February weather. Still, she’d enjoyed the chance to stretch her legs.
 She was looking forward to Sunday brunch with her friend Tess Lawford, but during the short walk to the restaurant, she’d envisioned the fields near her home dotted with mesquite and oak trees covered by an endless canopy of blue sky.
 Some viewed Chatelaine as a small dusty town where time stood still. She saw it as a place where potential and progress would meet up someday. And she would be there, welcoming the excitement of change.
 Eliza peeked from the lobby into the brightly lit dining area with blue chairs, wood tables, and green plants draping from colorful pots built into the walls. Spotting her auburn-haired friend of over five years seated at a four-top, she returned Tess’s wave and walked in.
 The chime of a familiar ringtone brought her to a halt.
 Sharon, the office manager for Vale Real Estate Group, knew she was out of town. If she was calling her now, it must be important.
 Eliza stepped back into the lobby and answered her phone. As she smoothed her dark, shoulder-length hair behind her ear, her silver-and-turquoise earring grazed her tawny-brown cheek. “Hi, Sharon.”
 “Hello, Eliza. Sorry to bother you, but I thought you would want to know, Max Fortune Maloney called to stop the paperwork. He’s decided not to put in an offer for the house