Page 19 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“Uh-huh.” Quinn’s sparkling eyes revealed he believed it as much as dental vacations. “Do you want me to get her settled?”
“That would be great. Thank you.” It was a slight representation of his gratitude after Quinn arranged Sweetheart’s transfer, yet further words lodged in his throat. Rowan gave the horse one last rub. “We’ve prepared the extra-large stall in the back stables. I have a couple of tasks to finish here, but I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He lowered his voice. “See you soon, Sweetheart.”
The weight of Ciara’s regard burned into Rowan as his brother departed. He met her gaze, resisted the urge to look away, as she lifted an eyebrow. “I thought horses couldn’t understand you.”
He set his jaw at the reminder of years and a lifetime ago. “You remember that, do you?”
“Oh yeah.” She notched up her chin. “I remember you talking one way, but underneath you believed something completely different. It doesn’t seem as if things have changed much.”
She was trying to steal his control. He wouldn’t allow it. He stepped closer, welcoming her tantalizing scent even as it roiled his senses. “Are you comparing me to an adolescent boy?”
She licked her lips, stared at him for an eternity. “Not at all.”
Well, since she’d had a turn… He allowed himself to study her, just long enough to get a taste and just short enough not to be insolent. Still, she sported a light blush when he finished. It made her all the more delectable.
She didn’t back down. “Of course, you’ve changed physically.” Her blush deepened. “But on the inside you’re still the same person. Still wary to show your true self.”
His true self was not something he could ever reveal. He would never allow his darkness to steal her sunshine. It was why he’d cracked her heart, to save from shattering it later.
He should stay away from her, should keep this purely professional. Yet something indescribable pushed him, as he gave in to relentless urges and moved closer. “That’s quite an assertion.”
“Still deflecting and denying.” She moved closer, as well. “Does it work with other people?”
Yes.No one had ever been able to see past his defenses like her. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“No?” She gestured toward the stable entrance, where Quinn had just exited. “I can sense how you feel about your horse. Aboutallthe horses. You pretend you’re just doing your duty, but you care. A lot.”
He did care. A lot, as she’d guessed.
And not just about the horses.
“With horses and people, you always saw more than others,” he murmured. And then, just because he couldn’t stop himself, he reached out and touched her cheek. Her skin was petal soft, flush with pinkened warmth. “Care more than others.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Do more than others.”
She closed her eyes, but did not pull back. Instead she pushed into him, edging even nearer. If only… but no… she deserved someone who could give her the life and family she desired. It couldn’t be him. No, absolutely not. It was impossible.
He should back away, physically and emotionally, from this treasure of a woman. Yet no matter how many times he tried to convince himself, instincts demanded more. Perhaps he could do something for her. “Why don’t you bring your horse here? I know you miss her, and there’s plenty of room.”
“Really?” She flushed in clear surprise – and pleasure. “I wanted to ask, but I didn’t want to impose. Of course, she doesn’t smell as bad as my last rescue… er… animals… but–”
“Ciara,” he interrupted softly. “It’s no imposition.” For her, nothing would be too much. “A ranch should be filled with horses. It’s what brings it alive.”
He hadn’t been ready for the sudden warmth that surrounded him as she embraced him, the luscious woman who smelled and bloomed like the beautiful Irish flowers. He reached out, wrapped his arms around pure delight.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this,” she whispered. “I’ve missed her so much.”
As he held the petite woman, so perfect in his arms, so perfect in every way, desire and attraction and something far stronger embraced him. Her eyes sparkled like liquid emeralds, brilliant against creamy skin and pinkened cheeks. Somehow, she’d become even lovelier, a whimsical creature borne of pure delight, and yet what was inside was the most enchanting of all. Something changed right then, there next to the horses they loved so much. Only a single path beckoned.
Slowly, slowly, he leaned down…
And kissed her.
CHAPTER 4
Every sense soared, every muscle seized, splintering the world. Rowan towered over her, so large, so powerful, yet they fit together perfectly, hardness against softness, male to female. She pressed flush against unyielding muscles, as he held her with ease, solidifying his claim. He usurped the control she no longer wanted.
Heady need swirled, set to the beat of her heart and the cadence of her own rapid breathing. He was an intoxicating combination of nature and heat, with a spicy taste that tantalized as he manipulated his lips expertly over her own. Such utter confidence sparked the desire to test his control, to challenge him as he challenged her. Sheer instinct drove her, natural and elemental, as sensation streaked through her. Resistance fled as she delved nearer, tentatively and then more certain. He welcomed the invitation and boldly explored, pulling her firmer against his rock-hard body. She closed her eyes…
As he slowly broke the kiss.
