Page 10 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

Her shoulders dropped, but she didn’t ask for details. No doubt he rescued the horse from a dire situation. “Did you hear Grandma Leigh call us as a Horse Rescue Center? Of course, we aren’t one.”

“Sure we are.” He nodded to the animals. “You saved these horses. You spent your money, resources and time finding them a safe place to recover. At least temporarily, this is a horse rescue center.”

Was he right? They had already made a difference beyond saving their lives, with noticeable progress just a day past their rescue.

She stepped towards Jasmine, and the mare stared at her for a moment before scooting back.

It was a win . “These are the lucky few. So many horses have no one to save them.”

They moved to the next stall, where a powerful stallion ruled over his space, assured of his power.

Yet despite his strength, he couldn’t have avoided his fate if she hadn’t intervened.

The horse tossed his head, stopped when he spied the apple slices in Rowan’s hand.

He accepted the offering as Rowan snapped a few photographs.

Ciara smiled as the horse preened like a Horse she couldn’t afford to do it again.

“Even if I was successful, most of the money would go back to the animals. A place like this is unrealistic.”

He stood straight and tall, presiding over the ranch that had been in his family for generations. “I’ve been looking for a worthy cause to support. I could make a price that would work for you.” He held her gaze. “I can afford it.”

Of course, he could. He had more money than a thousand prize purses. Yet how could she accept after all that happened? If she agreed, it would mean seeing him regularly for the next few months, allowing him back into her life. Could she take that risk?

And yet why did leaving seem so wrong?

“It would also smooth the transition if you returned to America. I’ll be close enough to ensure the operation continues.”

If she returned? They both knew it was inevitable.

Rowan made her long for things that could never be, desire the impossible.

He wasn’t just another ranch hand. She’d searched the Internet, and found a hundred news stories of his successes, both professionally and personally.

He was as popular as an Irish Derby winner, and just as influential.

He had wealth, power and countless business associates, and, if rumors were correct, ladies with whom to enjoy those successes.

Yet he was offering to help horses, save them. If she accepted, she’d stay in contact with him, see him regularly. That felt… right. Still, if her feelings were already this strong, what would happen if – when – she saw him more? “Can I think about it?”

“Of course.” Was that disappointment in his eyes, for a sliver of a second, before it vanished? He touched her shoulder, a light pressure that ignited every sense. “You’ll find a way to make it work.”