Page 52 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“That’s great to hear. Congratulations.” He gestured towards his companion. “This is Ciara O’Connor.”
Ciara now wore the neutral mask he usually donned. But just as he rarely felt nothing, her fiery emotions broke through the facade. He tried not to bask in it, really he did, but it was hopeless.
She actually cared.
“Nice to meet you,” Ciara said politely.
With a distracted nod, Andrea turned back to Rowan. “I heard you moved away. Is this a temporary visit or something more permanent?”
Rowan glanced at Ciara, captured her gaze before responding. “I’d say it’s pretty permanent.”
Ciara’s eyes widened.
Andrea pushed inappropriately closer. “That’s wonderful to hear. I bet you and your brothers are living the bachelor’s dream.” She touched his shoulder. “A lot has changed since you left. I’d love you show you around.”
“Thank you, but I’m a little swamped right now.” He reached out and took Ciara’s hand. As both women looked on in surprise, he continued, “We’re starting a joint venture that’s going to take all my attention.”
“I see.” Andrea’s expression tightened, as she settled on the linked hands. “I didn’t realize.”
Ciara parted her lips, looked torn between supporting and kicking him. Before she could do either, Andrea backed away. “I’d better get back to the office. They’re lost when I’m gone for more than a few minutes. Are your brothers around?”
Making a mental note to warn Spencer and Quinn, especially as he remembered her less-than-friendly tactics from high school, Rowan shook his head.
“I’ll be seeing you around. Bye!” She gave him a chipper wave, completely ignored Ciara and left.
Ciara was still looking at their joined hands. “What just happened?”
He sipped the water with the hand that wasn’t linked with hers. “I believe I just successfully imparted our relationship to her.”
“Would you mind imparting it to me?” She blushed. “I can’t believe I said that out loud.”
He bit back a chuckle. Everything she did delighted him. “I think you already know what’s happening with us.”
“Why don’t you tell me?”
His smile faded as he gripped the damp outer surface of his cup. The words were far simpler than her true query, the question a shallow reflection of the one burning in her expression. She wanted him to share his feelings, the emotions that drove him. It was the one thing he couldn’t do. “I’ve been pretty clear.”
“No, you haven’t,” she denied. “You’re a private man, but you don’t let anyone in. Not your friends, not your brothers and not me. You believe you have to walk alone.”
He tightened, discomfort tensing taut muscles. He couldn’t refute the obvious truth – he didn’t open up, not to anyone. It was who he was, who he had to be. With his father’s passing, he was responsible for so much, and for so many. He could never meet his responsibilities if he allowed emotions to rule him.
Only the horses saw his true emotions.
Yet now he had a new awareness, one he hadn’t even realized existed. He loved his family and his horses, but Ciara’s presence revealed their true depth – more than he ever imagined.
“I understand how hard this is for you. I know your father was… difficult.”
Rowan crossed his arms, sat up straighter. “My father was fine,” he said a tad too sharply. He lowered his voice. “He may not have been the nicest of men, or the most giving, but he was strong and powerful. He provided for his family.”
“He provided for your physical needs,” she countered, the understanding in her voice almost undoing him. “But what about your emotional needs? You may not have been hungry for food, but you were starved for affection. He made you hide your feelings, act like you shouldn’t have them at all.”
For a moment, Rowan didn’t move, could barely breathe, at her all-too-accurate perception. His father had forbidden him to show emotion, ordered him to keep them inside and focus on his responsibilities. And for both his childhood and adult life, that was exactly what he did.
Until Ciara came along.
“I’m not saying you need to change.” She reached out, took his hand. “You’re an amazing man, exactly the way you are.” She blushed slightly. “I just think you’d be happier if you let peoplein, if you let…” Her voice trailed off, but the words hovered in the air. If he let her in.
What if he did? What if he allowed her into his life, eschewing the past and ignoring the future he didn’t deserve? What if he broke all the rules, found a way they could stay together?
