Page 25 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Still, she protested, “I’ve been busy with the horses and the rescue and a million other things. I don’t have time for long, sit-down meals.”
“Yes, you do. You need to have full meals, every meal.” He held her gaze. “Promise me.”
She hesitated.
Perhaps humor would work better. “If you don’t, I won’t let you ride the horses.”
She chuckled. “I remember you threatening that once before.”
So did he, when they were children and she climbed the great oak tree outside their house. He was terrified she would fall and threatened to forbid her from horse-riding if she did. The ploy worked then, and apparently it worked again when she finally sighed. “Fine, I’ll eat full meals. But I’d like to pay for–”
“Don’t you dare say it.”
“You’re impossible,” she huffed, hands on hips. “Do you know how bossy you are?”
He gave her his sternest look. “Absolutely.”
She laughed, stepping towards the kitchen, only he shook his head. “Actually, since we have to travel to town anyways, I was thinking of something different. Do you remember The Bread Bowl?” It had been his favorite restaurant as a child, a mom and pop eatery that served soda bread bowls with typical and unusual fillings.
“Is that place still around?” She thumped her chin. “Remember when I got soda bread topped with tortilla chips, jelly and French fries?”
“Yeah, that was weird.”
She swiped at him playfully. “No weirder than your fruit salad bread bowl with bananas, apples and kiwi.”
He resisted the urge to grasp her hand… and keep it. “I incorporated three servings of fruit in one bread bowl. It was very efficient.”
“Did someone say The Bread Bowl?” Davey walked in, followed by Quinn and Spencer. “I love that place!”
Rowan patted his brother on the back, but didn’t immediately give the invite he would typically extend. If Ciara wanted to discuss business, she might prefer a meal with just the two of them. “I can bring you back a to-go order,” he offered.
“Why don’t you join us?” Ciara gave Davey a broad grin. “The Bread Bowl has the best soda bread anywhere, and the fillings are amazing. You can even top it with candy bars.”
Rowan should’ve guessed Ciara would welcome his little brother. Its effect was immediate, as Davey’s eyes went wide. “That would be great.”
“Count us in.” Quinn said. “Someone needs to make sure Rowan doesn’t have too many candy bars. He doesn’t havetime for more vacations.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe we should some bring some floss just in case.”
Rowan couldn’t stop the smile. “Why do I put up with you guys?”
“Because you love us.”
Rowan froze, as for a moment, he couldn’t move, could barely breathe. He certainly couldn’t respond.
Because it was so very true.
Did the others notice his turmoil? Spencer cleared his throat, while Quinn looked taken aback. Ciara studied him carefully, taking in everything. For a moment, he almost said… something, but then he hardened. He couldn’t do this. Couldn’t share emotions he had no right feeling, couldn’t pretend he could ever be different. He was and would always be his father’s son.
Clearing his throat, he held out his keys. “Ciara and I need to go to the bank after lunch, so we should take separate cars.”
“I’ll drive the second car,” Spencer immediately offered. He gave one more deep look at Rowan, hesitating, before abruptly turning. Quinn and Davey followed him.
Rowan stood still, watching them go. What was happening to him? His life had been in perfect order, and now he could barely keep control. Who was responsible was clear.
Now he just had to decide what to do about it.
CHAPTER 5
“That’s not a meal.”
