Page 24 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“Deal.” His expression sobered. “Let’s get these horses back and see what we can do to save the others.”
It sounded wonderful.
Just like Rowan.
A thousand memories tangled as Rowan rode back to the ranch, alive in a way he hadn’t been in a very long time. Their youthful sanctuary brought moments he’d long since buried, delightful remembrances of childhood play intermingled withbittersweet recollections, like his depiction of his father as the villain. He’d lied when he said his father was merely stern. Simply put, he was not a good man. He cared only for himself, never considering the feelings of another, not even his own son.
Except to mold him after him, as Ciara so succinctly guessed. She thought he was different from his father, but she was wrong. Couldn’t she see how somber he was, how stern? Even with his father gone, his presence still loomed. It was why he’d left her so long ago, why he’d destroyed both their hearts, even if he couldn’t be honest about his reasons. She would’ve challenged him if he’d said it was him, so he’d made her believe it wasthem. Did she know it had broken him, as well, to leave the only girl he’d ever loved? She deserved someone who wasn’t broken.
Yet something had changed.
He still didn’t understand the effect Ciara had on him, not then and not now. The attraction was undeniable, the desire unfathomable, yet something far more substantial blazed, a connection that transcended the physical. He could never give her the fairy tale ending, yet perhaps they could explore what was between them. Would it be enough for her? Did she still care about him? She was clearly conflicted, although he now knew two things for certain:
She liked that kiss as much as he did.
She thought he was a sexy hunk.
Yeah, he’d heard.
King whinnied softly, pulling against the reins in a clear attempt to quicken the pace. He turned to Ciara, who was on the ground leading Jasmine. “I’m going to let him have his head for a few minutes. Can I meet you back at the ranch? We’ll cool them down, and then drive to the bank.”
She nodded. “Sounds good.”
With a quick goodbye, Rowan allowed King the freedom he’d been so long denied. The walk quickly progressed to a trot, thento a cantor and a full-out gallop. He couldn’t keep the horse out long, but the animal resisted every time Rowan tried to slow. Together they soared, through forested paths and wind-blown stretches, over grassy fields ripe with wildflowers. Although the horse’s hooves touched ground, they moved like they were flying, in perfect harmony. Freedom was their journey, the whole of Ireland their path, as they lost themselves in the thrill of nature.
Finally, King tired, and Rowan slowed to a cantor, and then to a walk, yet the delight never diminished. After several minutes to cool down, they returned to the ranch, the home that somehow seemed different. When Ciara approached with her soft yet beautiful smile, he couldn’t stop the spark of satisfaction.
“He looked great out there.” She beamed, her voice heavy with pride. “He’s definitely ready to resume normal activity.”
Rowan dismounted and rubbed the horse’s flank, before offering him a tasty apple treat. The horse preened as Ciara took her turn caressing his velvety fur. When she tried to pat Jasmine, however, the horse backed away. She hid her disappointment with a quick smile, but she couldn’t conceal the sadness from her eyes. “This girl did well, too. She’s coming along.”
Rowan stretched his fingers, eager to vanquish her unhappiness. Yet soothing words were all he could offer. “She definitely has a connection with you.”
Her eyes brightened. “Do you think so?”
He nodded. It took so little to bring happiness to Ciara. Diamonds weren’t her best friend. Horses were. “Let’s take care of these beauties.”
They carefully removed the tack from the horses. Ciara was especially gentle with Jasmine, who was sensitive to even the slightest touch. Since it was so hot, they took their time cooling them, ensuring they remained comfortable and healthy. Ciara didn’t simply spray down the horses, as many novice ownersdid without realizing it could hurt the horse. When a horse gets sprayed, the first thin layer of water swiftly becomes heated to its temperature, stopping additional water from cooling and potentially heating the horse even more. Instead, Ciara knew to spray a little and then scrape off the heated water before spraying again. By quickly removing the old water, the chances of muscle cramping decreased as well. They monitored the horses’ temperatures the entire time.
After they thoroughly cleaned and dried the horses, they took them to the paddock, which was kept cool and comfortable with light fans and generous shade. They confirmed the horses had adequate food and water before leaving them in the care of the capable grooms.
Rowan strolled back to the house with Ciara by his side, comfortable, content even, a rare luxury in his life. They stopped when they reached the dark wood front door. “I’m going to change out of these dusty clothes before we go to town. I’ll need just a few minutes.”
“I should probably wear something a little nicer, too, although I don’t have a business suit.” She grinned wryly. “Can you think of an outfit that would work for both a loan interview and bank robbery?”
“You look great in anything you wear.” It was a simple statement of fact, yet she gifted him with another blush. He fought the urge to compliment her another thousand times. It would be easy.
“Can you give me half an hour, though?” She walked through the door, as he held it open. She traveled to the bathroom, washed her hands and emerged back into the hallway. “I want to grab something to eat.”
He frowned. “You’re going to wash up, get dressed and eat in half an hour?”
She looked away, twin spots of pink heating her cheeks. “I just want to grab a little snack.”
“You grab lots of snacks, yet never an actual meal.” He nodded towards the back of the house, where an open doorway showcased the large country kitchen. The scent of freshly baked bread and frying garlic spiced the air, accompanying the sound of clinking dishes, as the cook prepared a hearty meal for the workers. “We serve three meals a day, but I’ve never seen you join. Why not?”
Her cheeks reflected a deeper pink hue. “I didn’t want to impose.”
The gesture was kind, self-sacrificing and completely unacceptable. The woman who planned every calorie of the horses’ diet didn’t eat properly herself. That was going to change. “It’s no imposition. We make extra so no one goes hungry. There’s plenty to go around.”
