Page 80 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
They embraced, bound by a sisterly bond that would never waver. When Ciara finally drew back, the anxiety and fear had softened, replaced by newfound optimism. With her family and friends beside her, today could be nothing less than a success. “Thank you. I needed that.”
Sophia’s eyes shimmered in the sun, mirroring her own emotion. Ciara lifted her chin cheekily. “So, do I get that cupcake?”
Sophia grinned in mischief. “You’ll have to catch me first.” All remaining angst disappeared, no doubt Sophia’s plan, as Ciara dove for the sweet concoction. Sophia held it high and turned…
Directly into the man behind her.
Everything happened at once. The cupcake flying. Ciara staring. And Spencer, standing perfectly still in blue jeans and….
A hot pink frosted shirt.
Rowan, who had accompanied Spencer, somehow kept his face perfectly somber. “Spencer, that’s a bold fashion choice.”
“Oh. My. Goodness.” Her cheeks tinged as pink as the frosting, Sophia grabbed a tissue from her purse. She rubbed the pink spot on Spencer’s shirt, only it smeared further across his chest. Spencer stayed perfectly still, his face uncharacteristically neutral, as Sophia “cleaned” the mess.
Finally, he reached down and grasped Sophia’s hand. “It’s all right,” he murmured. “I’ll change shirts.”
Sophia stilled, her hand splayed against the man’s chest. She blinked, as if suddenly aware of her actions, and the location of her hand. Ever-so-slowly, she drew away, her flush deepening beyond the cupcake’s hot pink hue.
How surprising… and uncharacteristic. Getting rattled was Ciara’s forte, not her cool and collected sister. And Spencer, who typically laughed and cracked jokes at awkward situations, simply stared in fascination at the flustered woman.
For a moment, no one moved, “If you give me your shirt, I can wash it for you,” Sophia blurted out. She turned even pinker. “Later! I mean, if you bring it to me later, I can clean it. I wasn’t suggesting you take it off in the middle of the field. Although if you wanted to, you certainly could. It’s not really my decision.”
What was happening to her sister? By Sophia’s pale features, she didn’t know either. Her gaze darted back and forth, as if looking for an escape. “What I’m trying to say is it’s entirely up to you whether to remove your shirt.”
Spencer still hadn’t taken his eyes off her. “I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary. I’ll take care of it.”
“Okay, then.” Sophia backed up. “I’ll get you another cupcake, Sophia. Would anyone else like one?” Her eyes fixated on Spencer.
He folded his arms across his chest, covering the stain. “Perhaps later. They look absolutely delicious.”
Sophia visibly gulped, then, without another word, pivoted and hurried away. A second later, Spencer did the same.
Rowan grasped her hand. “That was a little strange.”
“Yes, it was.”
“Do you think they felt a spark?”
“Absolutely.”
They both grinned.
Together they walked from the building, into the bustling heart of the ranch. People raced this way and that, some with horses, and others with supplies and equipment. Ciara called to workers as they traveled, inquiring about their progress and offering assistance. Rowan seemed content to stay beside her and added his own thoughtful queries.
A new vendor or worker arrived every minute, and soon the ranch was transformed into a wonderland of colorful tents, children’s rides and, of course, horses. The animals roamed in paddocks around the ranch, spread over a large area to make them feel safe and secure. The bounce houses had been inflated, the crafts and games set up and the workers in place. There were several large sports fields set up for popular Irish games, including hurling, rounders and heads and volleys. The large permanent stage held a podium, AV equipment and a large screen, all ready for the day’s events.
The hours raced as swiftly as a Preakness contender, and soon it was noon, the official opening of the horse rescue. With everyone’s help, they were ready. Ciara squinted through the bright daylight at the parking lot, where several attendants were stationed to direct guests. The day had warmed up nicely, and itwas slightly milder than average, with a refreshing breeze. The air was fragrant with magnolias, cotton candy and freshly baked bread.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“Is it that obvious?”
Rowan enveloped her in strong arms. She leaned into him, and he bent down to kiss her forehead. “You seem to be under the impression I can’t see how you feel. Today will be perfect.”
She nodded, but even he couldn’t stop her apprehension. She’d pursued many causes in the past, but this was her ultimate endeavor, the quest to help her beloved horses. “It’s just…. what if no one comes?”
“That’s impossible.” Rowan pointed behind her. “Look.”
