Page 20 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

“My Ciara,” Rowan murmured. “Always trying to save the world.”

His Ciara?

Starving lungs reminded her to breathe. Surely the endearment was just a turn of phrase.

Despite how Rowan hid it, he was trying to save the world, too.

She sat back in her seat, edging ever so slightly closer to him.

He did the same, and soon their sides touched along their entire length.

He was all muscular hardness, power, strength and temptation.

For minutes they just sat there, comfortable, content, closer than wise, yet somehow perfect.

Laughter sounded from the table over, and she glanced over to a few women not-so-subtlety staring at Rowan. She didn’t even realize she was frowning until Rowan nudged her. “You okay?”

“Of course,” she responded quickly. On the ranch he was just one of the cowboys, yet Rowan was a local celebrity. Someone that good looking was bound to be noticed.

Not that she noticed.

She needed to focus on something other than the delectable man next to her. “Why did you tell Chelsea you’d carried me to my bed?”

Would he deny it? Admit he’d been joking? Or would he provide a logical explanation, like he was speaking metaphorically? Instead he shrugged and declared, “Because I did.”

It was true? “That’s impossible.” She would have remembered if they fell asleep together. “You were never with me at night.”

“It was the day I arrived.” He studied her, betraying no emotion. “The evening of the big storm, I found you sleeping on the hay. You looked so uncomfortable and cramped, I couldn’t leave you. I carried you to your room.”

How strange it had been waking up that first morning. She’d been surprised and confused, and had jumped to the only plausible conclusion. She never imagined Rowan had found her. “I thought Uncail Frank carried me.”

“The man probably could,” he acknowledged. “When you didn’t say anything, I thought you realized, especially since you woke up a little.”

Uh-oh. “I did what?”

Was that a smile? “You stirred a little, sort of like a waking dream.”

Not good. “Did I say anything?” Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.

Chances of him saying no: 0%

“A little.” Now he suppressed a full-out grin. “Just a few sentiments towards me.”

And there it was. A grin as wide as a leprechaun who’d found a city of gold.

“Do I want to know?”

“Nope.” His eyes sparkled as he leaned down. “Don’t worry, I left right away.”

“Of course,” she responded lightly, even as the thought of being pressed against that hard chest stole her attention and unbalanced her psyche. It culminated in a single response:

Too bad she couldn’t remember.

No! With every touch, she fell harder, with every unprovoked image, she wanted more.

At some point Rowan would leave, or she’d return to her old life.

Either way, they wouldn’t be together. Perhaps she could fortify herself better if he confirmed the temporary nature of their arrangement.

“Is it all right you’re missing so much work? I know a lot of people depend on you.”

“Actually, I’ve already ended my vacation.”

Disappointment, as sharp and poignant as it was unexpected, tightened every muscle. She’d asked so she could prepare herself, yet she hadn’t been prepared for the emotion confirmation brought. Ridiculous when she herself would soon be leaving. “Are you returning to the main ranch?”

Did he sense her disappointment? “I didn’t mean I was leaving. I’ve been working from here.”

Taut muscles relaxed with a surprising burst of relief. She fought to temper it. Sooner or later, he was going to leave. It’s what he did.

“The central ranch is well staffed.” He tapped the table with his fingertips. “With computers and video conferencing, I can do most of my work from here. In fact, I could stay permanently if I desired.”

“Do you desire?” The words slipped out before she could stop them. Illogical, since it wouldn’t matter once she returned to America. Yet his expression transformed, brimming with satisfaction. He edged closer, so did she. They were now pressed close together, but not nearly close enough.

“Ms. O’Connor? Mr. Byrne?”

Ciara gave a startled gasp, twisting upward as the moment shattered.

A petite woman hovered above their table, wearing a white turtleneck and navy dress pants over a thin frame.

Her face was mired in uncertainty, her black hair pulled back in a severe bun.

Rowan gathered his wits quicker than Ciara, as he stood. “Teara Hayes?”

The woman nodded.

“I’m Rowan, and this is Ciara. It’s wonderful to meet you.” His voice was warm and welcoming. “We met many years ago, when we were kids.”

“We’re so happy you could see us.” Ciara finally managed to stand and hold out her hand. “Frank told us a lot about you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Teara gave each a soft handshake, before nodding at Rowan. “I remember you and your brothers. Everyone admired your family.” She pinkened.

“Please join us.” Ciara gestured to Teara’s seat, then took her own.

She commenced a light conversation, exchanging pleasantries about the food and other trivial topics.

Teara was reserved, but pleasant, and opened up as they spoke.

After a few minutes, Ciara switched to business, “I want to start by reiterating what I said on the phone. We’re not yet sure we can open, but we’re doing everything in our power to make it a reality. ”

Teara clasped her hands together. “I understand.”

“One of the challenges of running both a horse rescue and retreat is the significant demands of each. I have plenty of experience with horses. With hospitality, not so much.”

“That’s where you come in,” Rowan explained. “You grew up helping your parents run the inn, and then managed it by yourself for a brief time.”

A haunted expression marred Teara’s features, but it disappeared in a second’s stretch. “That’s right. Unfortunately, some… issues arose and I had to close a few years back. Those matters are now resolved,” she quickly added. “I still work in the industry.”

Ciara bit back her curiosity. The woman possessed a stark solemnity, likely from the issues she mentioned. Her uncail hadn’t elaborated beyond saying that it wouldn’t affect her work performance. Ciara wouldn’t pry. “Frank said you did a wonderful job.”

Teara’s blush returned. “I try to be organized.”

“If everything goes according to plan, we’ll need someone to manage the bed and breakfast. Basically, you would be in charge of the accommodations. Is that something you’re interested in?”

“Absolutely.” Teara reached into her large black briefcase and retrieved a crisp folder, suddenly as poised as a Dublin businesswoman.

“I prepared my resume, as well as a portfolio outlining my skills and experience. I love this field and really enjoyed running my own inn...” Her voice trailed off.

“In any case, I travel an hour to my current job, so I would love something closer. I hope you’ll consider me. ”

Ciara accepted the thick folder and opened it. With Rowan reading over her shoulder, she perused contents more impressive with every page. Teara had all the experience she touted and more. No other candidate in Waterstone could possibly possess the same level of knowledge and skills.

“I’m back.” Chelsea returned with a bright smile. “Oh hey, Teara!”

Apparently Teara and Chelsea were friends, which was a recommendation in itself.

They spent the next few minutes ordering their meals, then discussed the details of the position as they awaited their food.

The dishes arrived, and they stopped to enjoy traditional Irish shepherd’s pie, crusty soda bread and sweet blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.

Both the food and meeting far exceeded Ciara’s expectations.

Teara knew the intricacies of running a large hospitality operation and possessed the right experience, skills and temperament to make it succeed.

A good conversationalist, she exuded comfort and warmth, a vital skill when dealing with guests.

By the end of the discussion, Ciara had found her candidate.

They concluded the meal and the interview, and Ciara promised to call when they made a decision. They strolled to the front door, yet before they could leave, Grandma Leigh motioned to her. “Ciara, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Rowan nodded to Ciara as he held out the front door for their interviewee. “I’ll walk Teara to her car.”

Ciara followed Grandma Leigh to a corner table, out of earshot of the other diners. The older lady flexed her fingers. “I hope you don’t mind me intruding, but I heard you discussing the horse rescue.”

“It’s all right.” Ciara lived in a small town long enough to not mind the shared sense of comradery. They were a community of friends. “We’re working hard, but everything is still far from certain. Several issues must be resolved before we can get started.” She grimaced. “Big issues.”

Grandma Leigh’s gaze sharpened. “But you’re already conducting job interviews?”

“In a way,” Ciara hedged. “We can’t attain funding without showing we have the experience necessary to be successful. We’re trying to find suitable candidates.”

“In that case, I’d like to nominate someone.”

Ciara blinked at the older woman. Grandma Leigh had a bustling business – she couldn’t possibly want a job on the ranch. Her confusion must’ve been obvious, as Grandma Leigh laughed. “Not me, my dear. I have more than enough to keep my hands full. I was wondering if you would consider Chelsea.”

“Chelsea?” Ciara glanced back to the dining room, where the friendly waitress was dishing out generous bowls of potato leek soup. She waved her hands exuberantly, and the entire table laughed. “But she works for you.”

“And she does an amazing job. I would miss her if she left.” Grandma Leigh softened.

“However, she has an M.B.A. from Trinity College Dublin, as well as extensive business experience. When we lost my son, she wanted to be close to family to make up for what she – for what we all – lost. She tried to find a job in Waterstone, but a business degree isn’t worth much in a town with more fields and horses than buildings and stoplights.

When I mentioned needing a new waitress, she offered herself.

She feels obligated to help.” The older woman smiled, yet her eyes shone with sorrow.

“She lost so much, yet she still puts others first, and with that bright grin on her face. She should not give up her life’s work for me.

If something becomes available, I hope you’ll consider her. ”

Ciara might not have a business plan yet, but she would definitely need someone with management experience. If she left, that person may run it permanently. “The retreat would be lucky to have her.”

Grandma Leigh didn’t hide her satisfaction, or relief.

“Brilliant.” A noise clattered from the back, and she sighed.

“If only they sold unbreakable glass.” She clasped hands with Ciara, squeezing softly, before giving one last wink and turning toward the kitchen.

Across the restaurant, Chelsea hurried to help.

As Grandma Leigh said, the woman was dedicated.

Ciara started slowly to the door, every step lighter for all the good the last few hours had wrought: The contest that could earn desperately needed funds. A highly qualified candidate to run the lodgings, and another to manage. Time to spend with Rowan, no matter how unwise.

That last was the best of all.