Page 73 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“I realize that now.” Louise bobbed her head. “I truly had no idea he could hear us. Not that it excuses it.”
“But it helps.” Ciara hesitated, then looked down at the application. “You want to volunteer?”
She nodded. “I know this is awkward, and I debated coming here a million times.”
“What made you decide to come?”
“For two reasons.” Her eyes were bright. “First to apologize. And second because I was hoping you’d give me a second chance and allow me to volunteer. I’ve always wanted to work withhorses, but we can’t afford one. I’m happy to do anything you need.”
Ciara gave Rowan a sideways glance, without words deferring the decision. Davey was his family, so it made sense, only he wasn’t sure what to do. “Davey is my little brother, the person you were… discussing. He lives here. You would see him around the ranch.”
“Of course,” Louise said quickly. “Actually, I was hoping to apologize to him in person – if it wouldn’t make him uncomfortable, of course.”
Rowan intertwined his fingers. He believed her, and furthermore he believed in second chances. But his brother came first. What would Davey want?
He grimaced, shook his head. What Davey wanted most of all was to be treated like everyone else. Which meant he should simply ask him. “I’d like to speak with Davey before we give our answer. If you could return to the waiting room, we’ll call you after we’ve discussed it.”
“That sounds great.” She rose and shook their hands. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“We appreciate your sincerity.” Rowan watched as she left, then retrieved his cell and dialed Davey’s number. His brother answered with his usual chipper greeting and listened as Rowan informed him they had a matter to discuss, without revealing any details. After Davey agreed to meet him, Rowan put the phone back in his pocket and turned to Ciara. “He’ll be just a minute.”
Ciara gazed out the door toward the waiting room. “I’m so torn. I’m still upset about what happened, but people deserve the chance to redeem themselves. I also remember what it’s like to be that age and want to fit in.”
“It doesn’t excuse it.” Rowan came up behind her, brushing her shoulders. She shivered under his touch. “She’s old enough to know better.”
“True, yet she was brave enough to admit her mistake.” She picked up the neatly penned application. “Her answers to the questions were thoughtful and well-written, and otherwise she would’ve been a clear yes. But Davey is your brother, and I don’t want to upset him. I’m leaving this up to you.”
His brother’s voice sounded outside, distant but growing closer. “I’m not sure how he’ll react, which is why I’m going to ask him. Sometimes I shield him too much.” He cleared his throat. “Among others.”
“Oh yeah?” Ciara nudged his arm playfully. “Are you admitting to stealing control?”
He stood up taller. “Absolutely not.”
“You seem to like control.” She blinked at him coyly, placed a hand on his chest. Now it was his turn to repress a shiver. “A lot.”
And suddenly his control didn’t seem so strong. “You made your point,” he said gravely. He took her hand, but instead of releasing it, brought it to his lips. “Be careful about tempting me. You wouldn’t want melosingcontrol.”
She blushed as he kissed her, yet her expression clouded with desire. “Maybe I would.”
He couldn’t let a challenge go unanswered.
He swooped down, matching their lips. She responded immediately, sparking pure desire and unfettered need. Satisfaction surged as she pushed into him, bringing those luscious curves against him. Yet time was up. As the doorknob turned, he had just enough time to jump back.
“Hi guys!” Davey greeted happily. “You wanted to see me?”
“I … uh… yes,” Ciara stuttered. She took a second to catch her breath, her cheeks pink, her eyes alight. The passionate womancouldn’t hide her emotions like he did. Then again, she didn’t have years of practice.
“We would like your assistance.” Rowan stepped forward. “We just interviewed one of the applicants for a volunteer position. All the others have been accepted, but we’re not sure about this one.”
“Why not?” Davey looked between the two of them. “Does it have to do with me?” Despite his situation, his brother was perceptive. He knew there was a reason he’d been summoned.
“Yes.” Rowan fought the urge to tell Davey it had been a mistake, to unilaterally deny the girl’s application and spare his brother the unpleasant memories. Yet he’d pledged not to control people’s lives, and that meant letting Davey make his own decisions. “You’ve actually seen her before.”
“Oh yeah?” Davey grinned, yet it faded under their somber regard. “I guess it’s someone I don’t like.”
“Actually, it’s someone you don’t know.” Rowan hesitated again.Time to stop procrastinating.“It’s one of the people from the restaurant.”
Davey cocked his head to the side. Then his eyes widened, and sorrow filled them.
