Page 71 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“Just relax.”
The plea went unheard, or at least ignored, as Jasmine pranced about, snorting and panting, her face twisted in pain. Every day, the horse traveled two lengths forward and retreated three. One day she’d eat fine, the next she would paw at her food. She’d act friendly, then keep her distance. She’d appear relatively comfortable, then wallow in obvious discomfort. Whether it represented a lingering reaction to the trauma or something else entirely was unknown, and even the vet was flummoxed, except to say the colic was lingering. They were debating more invasive tests.
“The visitors have started to arrive.”
At her uncail’s voice, Ciara pivoted, then stared at the row of cars lining the long driveway, a parade of vehicles gleaming in the brilliant sun. Two more vehicles turned from the main road as she watched. “Wow. The open call isn’t even due to start for half an hour.”
“Two dozen job applicants and counting.” He tipped his hat. “You might want to get started sooner rather than later, before the house fills up.”
She nodded, her heart heavy as she regarded Jasmine one last time. “I’ll be gone for a little while, my sweet. I’m going to find some wonderful people to work with you.” She hesitated a second more, then headed towards the house.
She squinted as she emerged into the brilliant sunshine, beaming rays threading through lavender trees. Cerulean birds flitted from branch to branch, filling the world with sweet melody, as squirrels roamed the underbrush, their bushy tails swaying happily. The day was comfortable and mild, the air sweet with magnolias and mistflowers. Ciara smoothed down her teal cotton shirt and patted her hair, which she’d left in loose waves. She pushed away the concern over Jasmine, focused on the professionalism necessary for her next task.
“Everything is proceeding smoothly.” Frank fell into step besides her. “Can you believe the rescue is opening in just a few days?”
Not even a little.“It still feels like a dream.” A dream come true, but there was still so much to accomplish. A never-ending list, it seemed, but Frank and the Byrne brothers had been so helpful. Rowan, most of all.
The gentle sounds of conversation drifted on the breeze as they approached the house. The applicants were a varied group, including men and women of all backgrounds, experiences and ages. She smiled at several people she recognized from town and nodded at several new faces. Frank pointed to a group that looked younger than the rest. “I was surprised to see so many young adults.”
“I expected them.” Ciara waved to a grinning young woman with bright freckles and an even brighter smile. “As a non-profit organization, we can recruit volunteers to assist withthe operation. Many college students are looking for good opportunities to earn service hours, and working with horses is more fun than mopping the floor at the community center.”
“Sounds like a win-win for everyone.” Frank gave her a gentle side-hug. “And no one is doing more than you.”
The praise warmed her as they entered the cool, air-conditioned space of the administration building, now the lodgings for the bed and breakfast. In addition to the guest chambers, it boasted a series of offices, all-purpose common areas and a large conference room. The building had been closed for years, but now it was the headquarters for the new operation.
The scent of fresh paint and cedar surrounded her, and the space literally gleamed from a thorough cleaning. Most of the furnishings had yet to arrive, but the atmosphere was quaint and homey, with rustic designs and horse-themed decor. Winter’s arrival would make it even lovelier, with holiday decorations and a warm, crackling fireplace. She would snuggle next to Rowan on the overstuffed sofa, cuddling under a warm, soft blanket. He would move closer and closer, until…
Focus!She couldn’t let herself get distracted, no matter how tempting the subject was. She stood up taller, strode into the conference room. She smiled when she saw every seat taken in the large chamber.
The conversation ceased, and she commenced her well-practiced speech, “Welcome. I’m Ciara O’Connor, founder of the horse rescue. It’s wonderful to see so many people interested in our organization. As you know, we’re a non-profit horse rescue as well as a retreat. We want to help everyone.”
Polite applause sounded, along with genuine smiles and eager nods. Could they sense her excitement? “There are a lot of people here, but I promise we’ll speak to each and every one of you. Did everyone get an application?”
Most bobbed their heads, while a few took papers from a stack on the table.
“And has everyone tried Grandma’s Leigh’s cookies?”
The nods were more enthusiastic this time.
“By the way, we’ve contracted with Grandma Leigh to cater meals, and that includes for employees.” Ciara winked. A murmur went through the crowd. Grandma Leigh’s catering was well known to Waterstone residents.
“Make sure to specify the job you’re interested in because that will determine who interviews you. The list of available positions is posted on the wall, and you can apply for more than one. Now I’d like to introduce our talented staff.” She nodded at Chelsea, who had already started sorting applications. “This is Chelsea Levine, our manager of operations. She can answer any questions you have about available positions or the hiring process. Teara Hayes is in charge of the bed and breakfast. She will interview people interested in that department. Those looking for a job as a ranch hand will be interviewing with Frank.”
“I’ll help, too.”
As always, her heart did a little thump when Rowan appeared. The people whispered and smiled, a vibrant reminder of just how popular he was. Many of them knew his family through the generations. “As most of you know, Rowan Byrne owns the ranch. Without him, none of this would be possible.” She leaned closer. “I thought you had to work.”
“I’m playing hooky.” He bent down and winked. “Don’t tell anyone.”
Ciara couldn’t stop a grin. Ever since they saved the new batch of horses, he’d been different. It was subtle, but he was opening up, just a little. She turned back to the audience, yet she no longer held their full attention. Instead, they were staring at Rowan.
Particularly the women.
She frowned.
He smiled.
How did he always know what she was thinking?
