Page 34 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Well, she’d wanted him to discard the neutral mask. Task: accomplished. “I can explain.” She gripped the phone tightly. “I give every person a distinct ring. Like the neighing for Uncail Frank and a family song for Sophia and…” She trailed off.
He grinned wider.Yeah, she’d just admitted he was too sexy for his shirt, car, hat, etc.“I didn’t pick that song for you.”
Had she just suggested the phone randomly chose “I’m Too Sexy” on its own? Of course, she’d chosen it for him. She’d done so after one of their kisses as a joke and had meant to change it back immediately. Only the horses had distracted her, and she’d forgotten all about it. “It was a mistake. I didn’t mean you weretoo sexy for…”Well everything.She only had one strategy left. “Can we forget the last five minutes happened?”
“Sure,” he responded immediately. But then he leaned in. “For the record, the feeling is mutual.”
This time, she couldn’t hide the blush.
Thankfully, he didn’t mention the incident again, as the conversation turned to horses, and sooner than expected she was feeling comfortable, good even, as they chatted about the rescue. They worked for a few minutes more, before embarking on the short trip to town.
They were meeting Teara at Leigh’s Diner, a restaurant owned by the kind woman who adopted the first horse for her granddaughter. The drive was comfortable and pleasant, the wind cool though the rolled down windows. The banter flowed just as smoothly, and soon they arrived at a quaint, one-story building with a brick exterior and picture box windows overflowing with violet wildflowers. Rowan opened her door, and they entered side by side.
The small diner boasted butter yellow walls and cheery floral tablecloths, reminiscent of her grandparents’ cottage in the Irish countryside. Detailed photographs of horses lined the walls in between horseshoes, prize ribbons and other equine paraphernalia, with handwritten letters giving it a personal touch. The restaurant served classic Irish food, including an impressive variety of casseroles, half a dozen types of breads and a savory selection of homemade pies. It smelled like freshly baked cobbler.
The diner was busy, but Ciara didn’t see anyone who matched Teara’s description. She tapped her smartphone. “We’re a couple of minutes early. She should be here soon.”
“Let ’s sit while we wait for her,” Rowan suggested.
Before they could take a step, Grandma Leigh appeared in front of them, surprising Ciara with a big hug. The woman was agood hugger, and even Rowan set aside his neutral mask to grin fondly at the older woman.
“It’s great to see you,” the proprietress gushed. “Shannon is having the time of her life with Cinnamon. When she heard you were coming, I promised I’d ask how the other horses were doing.”
“They’re doing great,” Ciara answered with a grin, clasping her hands together. “Several families are interested in adoption, and the horses are basking in the attention.”
“Splendid.” Leigh led them to a corner booth and placed some menus on the table, just as a bell rang from the back. “I’d love to chat, but we’re about to get our afternoon rush. My daughter-in-law will be right out with some fresh hot chocolate. Holler if you need anything.” She winked and left.
Ciara sat first, maneuvering into the plush seat. She expected Rowan to sit across from her, but instead he gently guided her further so he could fold his 6’3 muscular build right next to her. Not that she noticed.
Much.
Her whole body tingled, next to his large presence, pressed against unyielding muscles. Memories of their earlier kisses flashed, unexpected desire and unmitigated need, despite the inappropriate time and place. He shifted slightly, accidentally touching her.
She shifted slightly, not-so-accidentally touching him.
Thankfully, before she did anything (more) inappropriate, a pretty woman with jeans and a sunshine yellow blouse arrived, carrying two steaming cups of hot chocolate. With light blond hair, green eyes and a wide smile, she exuded warmth and grace. “Hi,” she said brightly. “I’m Chelsea, Shannon’s mom.”
“Nice to meet you.” Ciara grasped the woman’s outstretched hand, while Rowan nodded a warm greeting. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“It’s great to meet the people who run Chelsea’s favorite place in the known universe. Those are her words, by the way. Cinnamon has been amazing.” Her grin was wide, sweet and contagious. With the exception of her hair, the woman was nearly identical to her daughter, both in appearance and kindness. “They’re nearly inseparable. Shannon would move into the stables if she could.”
“I know the feeling.” Ciara returned the smile. “I’ve done that myself at times.”
“Literally,” Rowan rumbled in his deep voice. “I’ve even had to carry her from the hay to her bed.”
He did what?
“How long are you going to be in town?”
He must be joking.Or speaking metaphorically. Or he had alotof explaining to do.
Ciara forced her gaze back to the waitress. She would challenge Rowan on his assertion later. “I’m not sure. We’re exploring the possibility of opening a permanent rescue center, along with a retreat.”
“How wonderful,” Chelsea gushed. “I know firsthand how strong those bonds can be. It’s made a big difference for Shannon. Things have been… difficult.” Her eyes shuttered, reflecting unfocused memories of the past.
Was she remembering her lost husband? Impulsively, Ciara reached out. “We’re just glad we could bring her happiness. If there’s ever anything we can do for her – or you – please let us know.” Although perhaps there was something… “If everything proceeds as planned, why don’t you and Chelsea stay for a few days at the retreat, on the house? Call it a prize for being the first family to adopt a rescue horse.”
Chelsea’s eyes lit up, but then she shook her head. “I couldn’t accept such a large gift.”
