Page 14 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

They both laughed, and a comfortable silence ensued, as they enjoyed the beautiful day.

The flowers flavored the air, yet it was not nearly as intoxicating as the man before her.

He smelled like the woods – spicy and alluring and oh so tempting.

When he placed his hand on the small of her back, a platonic gesture that somehow seemed so much more, she had to resist leaning against him.

“Actually, chances are the initials represent something much simpler and yet far more poignant: two people in love.” The words lingered in the air, the only logical conclusion. Long ago another couple had crafted the garden to showcase their love. What happened to them?

“That certainly seems the most likely scenario.” Rowan’s voice was now all seriousness. “They probably came here to be alone.”

Alone. Except for the animals, they were indeed alone, shielded from the outside world. They could literally do anything, and not a single person would know. Rowan could lean down, lower that delectable body to hers and–

Jasmine made a soft snorting noise, jolting Ciara back to reality. She moved forward, away from the tantalizing man. “You never said why you were looking for me. I assume you didn’t come to hunt for buried treasure.”

“Not this time.” His voice had turned cool and crisp, his expression neutral. How did he switch facades so quickly? “I came to discuss your horse rescue. Have you made any plans?”

Her horse rescue. Had three words ever sounded so beautiful? “Actually, I have. Since I don’t have sufficient funds to launch, even with your generous offer, my first step is to visit the bank. You still have one in town, right?”

He nodded. “Do you have an account with them?”

“No. I was hoping they would just give me the money.”

“Were you planning on robbing them?”

“Of course.” The mood lightened at the banter that had always been so effortless between them. “Do you think I’d be successful?”

“I’m not sure.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Have you robbed a bank before?”

“At least a dozen. I’m quite good at it.”

“Or you could end up in jail.” He edged closer, casting pure heat. “You can’t get away that easily.”

And just like that, the conversation changed from lighthearted banter to stark sobriety. They were no longer discussing a hypothetical getaway, but something else entirely, something real, something personal . What had the possessive claim meant? Was he planning on keeping her?

Did she want him to?

“Is there a plan B?”

Focus. “I’m going to apply for a loan.”

“A loan.” He inclined his head. “Seems like a good option.”

Jasmine whinnied, and they both turned. The horse had grown restless and was pawing at the ground, signaling the end of their sojourn in the enchanted garden. It was time to return to the stables for a hearty meal and some gentle grooming.

“We should get her home.” As usual, Rowan read her thoughts, as side by side, they walked to the horse. The equine watched nervously, as Ciara unhooked the rope from the tree. With a gentle lead, she led her back through the garden’s entrance, where King was waiting.

She kept her voice low as they untethered the second horse and started on the short journey. “A loan is an option, but I’m not sure how good it is. I might not qualify, especially for one large enough to meet my needs. I have good credit, but not a lot of collateral to back it up.”

“You don’t need a bank. I could–”

She held up a hand. “Thank you, but no.” His expression turned obstinate, but it didn’t matter. She would not owe him any more than she already did. “I appreciate your help, but I want to do this on my own.”

He paused, but finally nodded. Yet an edge belied the gesture, like he hadn’t truly acquiesced. “All right, but I’m coming with you.”

She ignored the satisfaction his declaration wrought, even if he should have asked first. Clearly, he was accustomed to getting what he wanted. “Fine, but if things don’t work out and I have to rob the bank, you have to serve as backup.”

“Are you leading me to a life of crime?”

“Absolutely.”

“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 with bittersweet 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 was them .

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, then to 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 owners did 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.”

Still, she protested, “I’ve been busy with the horses and the rescue and a million other things. I don’t have time for long, sit-down meals.”

“Yes, you do. You need to have full meals, every meal.” He held her gaze. “Promise me.”

She hesitated.

Perhaps humor would work better. “If you don’t, I won’t let you ride the horses.”

She chuckled. “I remember you threatening that once before.”

So did he, when they were children and she climbed the great oak tree outside their house.

He was terrified she would fall and threatened to forbid her from horse-riding if she did.

The ploy worked then, and apparently it worked again when she finally sighed.

“Fine, I’ll eat full meals. But I’d like to pay for–”

“Don’t you dare say it.”

“You’re impossible,” she huffed, hands on hips. “Do you know how bossy you are?”

He gave her his sternest look. “Absolutely.”

She laughed, stepping towards the kitchen, only he shook his head.

“Actually, since we have to travel to town anyways, I was thinking of something different. Do you remember The Bread Bowl?” It had been his favorite restaurant as a child, a mom and pop eatery that served soda bread bowls with typical and unusual fillings.

“Is that place still around?” She thumped her chin. “Remember when I got soda bread topped with tortilla chips, jelly and French fries?”

“Yeah, that was weird.”

She swiped at him playfully. “No weirder than your fruit salad bread bowl with bananas, apples and kiwi.”

He resisted the urge to grasp her hand… and keep it. “I incorporated three servings of fruit in one bread bowl. It was very efficient.”

“Did someone say The Bread Bowl?” Davey walked in, followed by Quinn and Spencer. “I love that place!”

Rowan patted his brother on the back, but didn’t immediately give the invite he would typically extend. If Ciara wanted to discuss business, she might prefer a meal with just the two of them. “I can bring you back a to-go order,” he offered.

“Why don’t you join us?” Ciara gave Davey a broad grin. “The Bread Bowl has the best soda bread anywhere, and the fillings are amazing. You can even top it with candy bars.”

Rowan should’ve guessed Ciara would welcome his little brother. Its effect was immediate, as Davey’s eyes went wide. “That would be great.”

“Count us in.” Quinn said. “Someone needs to make sure Rowan doesn’t have too many candy bars. He doesn’t have time for more vacations.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe we should some bring some floss just in case.”

Rowan couldn’t stop the smile. “Why do I put up with you guys?”

“Because you love us.”

Rowan froze, as for a moment, he couldn’t move, could barely breathe. He certainly couldn’t respond.

Because it was so very true.

Did the others notice his turmoil? Spencer cleared his throat, while Quinn looked taken aback.

Ciara studied him carefully, taking in everything.

For a moment, he almost said… something, but then he hardened.

He couldn’t do this. Couldn’t share emotions he had no right feeling, couldn’t pretend he could ever be different.

He was and would always be his father’s son.

Clearing his throat, he held out his keys. “Ciara and I need to go to the bank after lunch, so we should take separate cars.”

“I’ll drive the second car,” Spencer immediately offered. He gave one more deep look at Rowan, hesitating, before abruptly turning. Quinn and Davey followed him.

Rowan stood still, watching them go. What was happening to him? His life had been in perfect order, and now he could barely keep control. Who was responsible was clear.

Now he just had to decide what to do about it.