Page 11 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

She had better – for the horses she’d saved, the ones who still needed her. With or without the man who had once been her world.

“That’s the last of them.” Rowan swiped through the photographs, a collection of quasi-professional shots that was sure to attract attention.

The afternoon had been long but successful, and they’d attained all they needed to craft the listings.

The final shots depicted King, a Thoroughbred that held himself like royalty, with a regal moniker that reflected his personality.

He’d maintained the best shape of all the horses, his glossy midnight coat like velvet over sculpted muscles.

Rowan hadn’t yet told Ciara he planned to adopt him.

“How did they turn out?”

He turned into the scent of gardenias, fought not to show how tempting it was. “Not bad.” He angled the camera so Ciara could see. “These should entice potential buyers.”

She studied the tiny screen, her plush lips turning up at the sides.

She wore no makeup, but her cheeks were pinkened from the sun, and her eyes shone in the dappled sunlight.

He’d seen models gussied up with two inches of makeup, designer clothing and multiple cosmetic enhancements, yet none were as beautiful as Ciara.

He was in trouble.

He still couldn’t believe he’d offered the ranch for her horse rescue.

He didn’t regret it, but such decisions usually involved long and careful thought, hours of internal dialogue and consultation with accountants and other professionals.

Undoubtedly it would involve a huge output of money, which he was unlikely to recover.

It didn’t matter. This wasn’t about money.

It was about Ciara.

He’d also admitted to keeping the ranch for sentimental reasons. As usual, Ciara had barreled straight through his defenses, exposing the secrets he kept hidden. He’d all but shared his true reason for the offer: the chance to keep Ciara near.

Yet it would only be temporary. She planned to return to America. Even if he wanted… more… it would be impossible with an ocean separating them. Unless–

“She’s here.”

Rowan looked up from the tablet as Quinn led Sweetheart into the stable. Satisfaction rose, then seized, as the mare jerked skittishly, prancing on the ground like an amateur firewalker. Clearly terrified, nearly panicked, the distraught creature resisted his brother’s efforts to lead her.

Lowering the tablet to a table, Rowan slowly edged forward. “Easy now, girl.” He reached into his pocket, retrieved the bag of apple slices. She sniffed and hesitated, scooting away.

“You remember me, don’t you, darling?” He offered the fruit once more, exhaling as she finally nibbled the sweet treat. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’ll never hurt you.”

How could anyone hurt such a beautiful creature? But actually, he had once hurt someone just as beautiful. He swallowed a lifetime of remorse. Regrets and recriminations did nothing to negate what had been necessary. A small measure of hurt to spare a lifetime of pain.

“Who is this pretty lady?” Ciara, as always the object of his ponderings, edged to stand beside him. No doubt the perceptive lady was well aware of the horse’s discomfort.

Rowan smoothed the horse’s velvety flank with feather light touches. “This is Sweetheart. She’s the friend I was telling you about. I didn’t want to be away from her for too long.”

Ciara appeared as startled as Rowan felt. Had he actually admitted he missed a horse? Her regard was far too knowing. “She’s very sweet.”

“I assume that’s why she’s named Sweetheart.” Quinn looked at him suspiciously. “And you said Old Man Darton named her that?”

“That’s the rumor.”

“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. About all the 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.