Page 30 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“She’s currently receiving a proper diet, but there’s no way to know what she ate before she arrived.” Ciara gripped her hands tightly. “The previous owner didn’t care much for horses.” Despite the reminder of the last owner’s cruelty, relief flared. Gas colic was very treatable and would likely correct itself. For the first time since Uncail Frank called, there was enough oxygen in the world.
She reached out and took Rowan’s hand. He squeezed it.
Dr. Saunders opened his bag and retrieved a prescription pad. “I’m giving her a spasmolytic medication. Keep an eye on her, because there’s always the risk of bowel displacement. Also, watch the others for the same symptoms. Any problems, call me.”
She nodded. She would not miss the condition in another horse.
Rowan came closer as the kind doctor departed. “You okay?” he asked softly.
“I’m fine now that this girl is.” She reached out to the horse, but Jasmine shied back, more panicked than ever. Clearly, they’d backtracked from the little progress they’d accomplished. How long would it take to recover their hard-won gains?
He clearly sensed her dismay. “She’s just not feeling well,” he soothed. “Give her time.”
“I will.” Ciara stood taller. She needed to stay strong for the horses. “Today may have been tough, but it could have been worse. Thank goodness it wasn’t too serious.”
“I agree with that.” Her uncail entered the conversation, returning from seeing the vet to his car. He pitched his hat. “So how did it go at the bank?”
She grimaced. “That couldn’t have gone much worse. Mrs. Murphy won’t even consider a loan unless I produce both collateral and a collaborator with professional hospitality experience.” She approached the open window, where horsespeacefully roamed the grounds. All animals deserved this. “Apparently I need a little help and alotof money.”
“I can’t help with the last, but I have a suggestion for the first,” Frank grabbed a pitchfork and leaned on the handle. “Have you met Teara Hayes?
Ciara shook her head, but Rowan cocked his head to the side. A crease appeared between his eyebrows. “I remember her from when I was a kid. Didn’t her parents own the bed and breakfast on Clove Street?”
“That’s the one.” Frank smoothed out the hay. “She inherited it when her parents passed away, but hit a rough patch and couldn’t keep it. Things are better now, but she’s travelling two towns over to work at the nearest hotel. She may be interested in a position with the retreat.”
Ciara brightened. “That does sound promising. I can’t offer her anything yet, but at least I can see if she’d consider it.”
“I’ll get you her contact information.” A shout came from the distance as someone yelled for Frank. The older man put down the pitchfork. “Duty calls. If you need anything, let me know.”
Ciara accepted a warm hug from her uncail, yet she made no move to follow him out of the stables. For a moment, she and Rowan stood in silence, before he picked up the pitchfork and continued Frank’s work. “Do you want to stay with your horse for a little while?”
Despite their years of separation, he still knew her so well. “I just need to spend some time with Jasmine. Let her know she’s not alone.”
He didn’t seem inclined to leave either, so they stayed together, neither speaking nor touching, and yet comfortable in each other’s presence. The rescue missions she’d attempted tangled her thoughts, the present and future endeavors she hoped to pursue. The horses she’d saved each had theirown unique personalities, strong and beautiful. Would she be successful in helping more?
“Let me help you with the money.”
Ciara started at the softly spoken words. She gathered her strength, shook her head. “I have to do this on my own.”
“Why?” He stood taller, blocking the light with his muscular body. “Why can’t you accept help?”
“It’s not that I can’t accept help.” Yet was that entirely true? She was asking for help from the bank. Only it was different – because it was Rowan. “I wouldn’t be staying here otherwise. But I can’t take more from you. Especially after–” She halted. Had she almost revealed her true feelings, the ones she couldn’t stop even if she knew how their tale ended? She had already read their story.
It did not end well.
She may have stopped the words, but she couldn’t stop the thoughts – or the desire. It didn’t matter. His intelligent gaze proved he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Especially with what?”
“Especially with…”
How much I care for you. How much I wish things were different. How much I want to try again.
“How much you rattle me,” she exclaimed to startled features. She hadn’t meant to share that. Still, it was better than admitting he was a sexy hunk who gave sizzling kisses.
His gaze was searching, as if he wanted to say a thousand things, to match a thousand thoughts. But she couldn’t give in to her urges to pursue the impossible… not again. She had to focus on the horses. “I still can’t believe I missed the signs–”
“No.”
She looked up at the sharply spoken word. “What?”
