Page 23 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
He looked upward. “I’ll be hearing about this for the next decade, won’t I?”
She grinned broadly. “Undoubtedly.”
They both laughed, and a comfortable silence ensued, as they enjoyed the beautiful day. The flowers flavored the air, yet it was not nearly as intoxicating as the man before her. He smelled like the woods – spicy and alluring and oh so tempting. When he placed his hand on the small of her back, a platonic gesture that somehow seemed so much more, she had to resist leaning against him.
“Actually, chances are the initials represent something much simpler and yet far more poignant: two people in love.” The words lingered in the air, the only logical conclusion. Long ago another couple had crafted the garden to showcase their love. What happened to them?
“That certainly seems the most likely scenario.” Rowan’s voice was now all seriousness. “They probably came here to be alone.”
Alone.Except for the animals, they were indeed alone, shielded from the outside world. They could literally do anything, and not a single person would know. Rowan could lean down, lower that delectable body to hers and–
Jasmine made a soft snorting noise, jolting Ciara back to reality. She moved forward, away from the tantalizing man. “Younever said why you were looking for me. I assume you didn’t come to hunt for buried treasure.”
“Not this time.” His voice had turned cool and crisp, his expression neutral. How did he switch facades so quickly? “I came to discuss your horse rescue. Have you made any plans?”
Her horse rescue.Had three words ever sounded so beautiful? “Actually, I have. Since I don’t have sufficient funds to launch, even with your generous offer, my first step is to visit the bank. You still have one in town, right?”
He nodded. “Do you have an account with them?”
“No. I was hoping they would just give me the money.”
“Were you planning on robbing them?”
“Of course.” The mood lightened at the banter that had always been so effortless between them. “Do you think I’d be successful?”
“I’m not sure.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Have you robbed a bank before?”
“At least a dozen. I’m quite good at it.”
“Or you could end up in jail.” He edged closer, casting pure heat. “You can’t get away that easily.”
And just like that, the conversation changed from lighthearted banter to stark sobriety. They were no longer discussing a hypothetical getaway, but something else entirely, something real, somethingpersonal. What had the possessive claim meant? Was he planning on keeping her?
Did she want him to?
“Is there a plan B?”
Focus.“I’m going to apply for a loan.”
“A loan.” He inclined his head. “Seems like a good option.”
Jasmine whinnied, and they both turned. The horse had grown restless and was pawing at the ground, signaling the end of their sojourn in the enchanted garden. It was time to return to the stables for a hearty meal and some gentle grooming.
“We should get her home.” As usual, Rowan read her thoughts, as side by side, they walked to the horse. The equine watched nervously, as Ciara unhooked the rope from the tree. With a gentle lead, she led her back through the garden’s entrance, where King was waiting.
She kept her voice low as they untethered the second horse and started on the short journey. “A loan is an option, but I’m not sure how good it is. I might not qualify, especially for one large enough to meet my needs. I have good credit, but not a lot of collateral to back it up.”
“You don’t need a bank. I could–”
She held up a hand. “Thank you, but no.” His expression turned obstinate, but it didn’t matter. She would not owe him any more than she already did. “I appreciate your help, but I want to do this on my own.”
He paused, but finally nodded. Yet an edge belied the gesture, like he hadn’t truly acquiesced. “All right, but I’m coming with you.”
She ignored the satisfaction his declaration wrought, even if he should have asked first. Clearly, he was accustomed to getting what he wanted. “Fine, but if things don’t work out and I have to rob the bank, you have to serve as backup.”
“Are you leading me to a life of crime?”
“Absolutely.”
