Page 46 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“You and Ciara. You’re good for each other.”
A swift denial formed, but Quinn cut him off with a raised hand. “I know you won’t admit it, and that’s all right. I approve, for what it’s worth.” His eyes filled with kindness, warmth… and love. “You deserve a happy life.”
He did?Rowan stood in stunned silence, at the simple sentence that conveyed endless meaning. He conversed with his brothers every day, yet never about anything personal, at least not on his side. While he was always happy to listen to their problems, he never burdened them with his. They were his little brothers, even if they weren’t so little anymore. He’d protected them when they were young, and he’d never really stopped.
“I enjoy myself,” Rowan protested, yet was it true? Since he’d been back in Waterstone, hehadenjoyed his life. Being with Ciara, taking care of the animals they both loved, gave him a contentment no amount of money could buy. It had been different before.
“You work.” Quinn put a hand on his shoulder. “You take care of the family. You take care of the horses. You take care ofeveryone. We see how much you do for us, Rowan.”
Rowan blinked. What was happening? His normal, companionable relationship with his brothers was changing. It had to do with being here, with Ciara. He didn’t have a cluewhat to do about it. “I don’t do anything extraordinary,” he said lightly, even as Quinn peered right through his mask. Perhaps he always could.
Spencer walked in. “Hey guys. How’s Ciara?”
“She’s feeling better,” Rowan replied swiftly, before Quinn could share anything about intimate meetings or unbeckoned emotions. “It’s probably just a sprain, but Dr. Andrews is going to stop by later to examine her.” His brother’s relief was obvious. They’d risked their lives by plunging into the storm to chase Ciara. “Thank you for helping out. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Quinn replied.
“No big deal,” Spencer said.
But it was a big deal. He’d always known his brothers were good guys, but he hadn’t quite credited the extent of their dedication. Perhaps they were different than he’d always thought… just as he was.
His emotions tumbled, for Ciara, his brothers, his life. Spencer and Quinn were treating him differently, not a change of feelings, because there had always been love, but in how they were expressed, understood. In the end, everything led back to Ciara. Perhaps it was her, or how he acted around her, but his world was transforming. It affected every facet of his life, from his family to his work to everything in between.
Now what was he going to do about it?
“Please eat, sweetheart,” Ciara coaxed the skittish palomino, reaching out with the fresh apples. The horse snorted and stomped, staring at the food in disdain, as if insulted by its mere presence. Despite Ciara’s efforts, no amount of asking, cajoling or pleading convinced her to take a bite. If only she could demand the animal eat, or feed her herself, but aggressive measures would only backfire. The horse needed to do this on her own.
“She’s still not eating?”
Ciara started at the man’s sudden approach, as he came scandalously close and yet still too far. She closed her eyes for a second’s span before turning, her heart speeding as it always did in the presence of the tall, powerful cowboy dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt. He edged closer, towering over her, his woodsy scent surrounding her. She tried to stay unaffected, yet it was hopeless. Instead, she edged closer, as satisfaction lit his eyes.
This had been Rowan’s strategy of late, and it was working beautifully – for him. Since she’d refused to talk about what happened –what was happening– between them, he refused to let her forget about it – or him. He would hover a little too close, or touch her arm, her back or some other innocent location. It was never overly intimate or improper, but every measure of closeness affected her.
Of course, she was never one to allow another horse to win the race. Thus, she found herself wandering too close, not-so-accidentally leaning against him, touching those solid muscles. And when he moved even nearer, her feminine wiles rejoiced.
She couldn’t deny their connection, and she didn’t want to. But she needed time to consider what it meant, to untangle the horse rescue and the part he played in it. She didn’t want a relationship miles apart; she would have to change her entire life for this to work. Most of all, she had to discover what he truly desired to ensure the past would not repeat. Did Rowan want more? Could he even give more?
Would he shatter her heart again?
She swept a sideways glance at him. He was studying Jasmine, his lips etched in a severe frown. He might not admit it, but he was as enamored of the animal as she. No doubt he could sense the mare’s discomfort.
He finally noticed her regard. “I heard Dr. Saunders stopped by this morning. What did he say?”
Ciara approached the horse she loved and the man she… She cleared her throat. “Still colic, but he’s no longer certain of the type. Many conditions have similar symptoms, ranging from minor ailments to…” She stopped, swallowed the lump thickening her throat. “More serious illnesses. If she doesn’t get better soon, he’ll run more tests.”
Rowan leaned against the fence. “Dr. Saunders has extensive experience with these sorts of diagnoses. I’m sure he’ll figure it out.”
“Of course,” she said quickly. That was probably true. Only what would he find and how serious would it be? Would it be treatable?
“And how is Snowflake? Has she recovered from her adventure?”
Ciara brightened. “She’s fine. As sweet and calm as ever.”
He nodded in clear satisfaction. Even if he didn’t admit it, he’d obviously come to care for her equine companion. “And you?” He gestured to her ankle. “I see your limp finally went away.”
“Feels like new.” She twisted it back and forth, enjoying smooth movements without pain. “It was quite a coincidence the doctor showed up that evening.”
“Extraordinary,” he agreed in a grave voice.
