Page 32 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

C iara hadn’t been this nervous since the skunk rescue infiltrated the women’s club annual garden party. That had not gone well, which was quite unfair, since the women’s club loved cute little animals. Skunks were cute and friendly – and just a little smelly.

Now she couldn’t deny her apprehension, not as she tried on her third blouse and fourth pair of jeans, as she broke out the makeup that hadn’t been removed from its packaging since she bought it months ago. Not as she styled her hair for the fifth time.

She shouldn’t be feeling this way. She was meeting Rowan, who once played pirates and roamed the summers with her.

Of course, he’d grown into a handsome, powerful man, as dashing and swashbuckling as a pirate, but inside he was still the same person.

Only as she discarded shirt number three, something felt different.

Or maybe something had been there all along.

Finally, she selected her outfit – the first she’d tried on – a billowy cream top, crystal embellished jeans and fringed riding boots.

She left her hair loose, finger combing through the natural curls, and donned a light lip gloss and sheer blush.

She checked herself one last time in the mirror and bounded to the kitchen.

She spotted Rowan immediately. His gaze locked on hers, and her cheeks grew warm, and her hands oddly cold.

She was acting like a pre-teen on her first date, but he was so gorgeous in midnight-colored jeans and a crisp sapphire shirt.

His hair was neatly combed, his jaw newly shaved.

Commanding and strong, he boasted generous muscles under the form-fitting clothing.

“Beautiful,” he murmured. Then he was moving towards her, taking up more of her vision as he drew nearer and nearer.

Virtual electricity sizzled in the air, charging her emotions and bringing the world into sharp focus.

A part of her wanted to flee, but a stronger part urged her forward.

She settled for staying still, until he towered right above her.

She took a deep breath of the scent of the Irish woods. It was intoxicating, just like him.

“You look lovely.” His accent was more pronounced, the syllables tingling on her skin. His eyes sparkled with unnamed emotion.

Her cheeks warmed. Even in jeans, he made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. “Thank you. You look pretty great, too.”

He smiled, far better than pretty great. He held out his hand. “Ready?”

Oh, yes.

Rowan led her down to the stables, where Snowflake and King were already groomed, saddled and waiting.

Although she hadn’t needed help mounting a horse since she believed in the Tooth Fairy, he was suddenly behind her, surrounding her with his scent, his power.

She resisted the urge to lean back, to forget about their date and simply enjoy his warmth.

They both knew why he was there, and it had nothing to do with her ability to ascend a horse.

She held back a shiver as his hands spanned her waist, as he lifted her up as if she weighed nothing at all, perching her on top of the animal. In one fluid motion, he mounted King.

They stayed silent as they rode from the stables, with Rowan leading the way.

They travelled down the well-worn path that bordered the creek, among crisp evening star rain lilies and rainbow wildflowers.

Although it was warm, a soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of fragrant flowers.

Beauty bloomed all around them, colorful birds soaring against the evening twilight, animals rushing through the brush as they searched for their nightly supper.

The Irish evening was perfection defined. Later they would discuss complicated subjects and difficult topics, but for now simply being together was enough. More than enough. Finally, their destination came into view, and Ciara smiled. “Our garden.”

Rowan slowed his horse. “It seemed fitting.” He led her to the entrance and dismounted. And even though she didn’t need assistance, he helped her once more, grasping her hand, as he placed her down. Only this time, he didn’t let go.

She looked at their joined hands. “I’m going to need my hand to lead Snowflake.”

“I got it.” He took both horses’ ropes. The animals were accustomed to each other and walked side by side in amicable camaraderie.

She glanced at their hands once more. “Are you planning on ever letting go?” she half-joked.

“No.”

Her heart fluttered as he led her to their sanctuary, their escape from the world in both the past and present.

The world was peaceful, the stars twinkling in the twilight sky, watched over by a brilliant full moon.

The light would ease the night riding they would do later, although the horses had excellent night vision.

Yet later was a million years away. Right now, there was only her and the man who evoked emotions she couldn’t yet face.

They entered the small garden, and Ciara gasped.

Moonlight glittered diamond beams, as dozens of sparkling lanterns hung from the trees, casting warm amber light on the magical surroundings.

They were dim so as not to harm the horses’ eyes, yet bright enough to light the enchanting forest. And enchanting it was.

A romantic dinner for two had been set in the center of the garden. A homemade quilted blanket held settings of real China, heavy silver utensils and domed platters with crystal handles and ornate engravings. Delicious scents wafted through the air, the aromas of freshly baked bread and vanilla.

“What have you done?” She squeezed Rowan’s hand, loving the feel of his strength, his warmth. “How did you even do it?”

“I stopped by earlier to prepare. I wanted to give you something to remember.” With one hand, he looped the long leads of the horses’ reins around a thick branch, giving them plenty of room to wander.

A water bucket sat on the side, proving he hadn’t forgotten the horses’ comfort. He was always thoughtful.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“My pleasure.” He led her to the blanket and settled her upon its soft folds.

Nestled in the enchanting garden beneath endless shining stars, it truly seemed a magical wonderland.

He uncovered the dishes to display masterpieces of culinary delight.

One platter held a savory selection of crispy bread and a variety of gourmet cheeses, homemade salads and vegetable pasta.

There were pastry puffs and roasted vegetables and juicy blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Two strawberry shortcakes sat in jars, covered in generous dollops of fresh whipped cream.

He smiled when he caught her looking at the dessert. “Frank said that was your favorite. They were a little tricky to put together.”

She stared. “You made all this?”

He laughed, and she flushed. “I didn’t mean you were incapable. I just didn’t think…” Her voice trailed off. “I’m making it worse, aren’t I?”

“Not at all.” He chuckled. “What would you like?”

Besides him? “Everything.”

And she ate everything, or at least a small portion of each. The food was delicious, the ingredients fresh and bursting with flavor. She savored each decadent bite, eating until she was full, and then a little more, before turning to the strawberry shortcake. “I know I shouldn’t…”

But she did, biting into layer after layer of moist pound cake, freshly whipped cream and the ripest, reddest strawberries she’d ever tasted.

She finished every single crumb before placing her napkin down and leaning back, relaxing against a moss-covered tree.

“If you and Grandma Leigh join forces, you could literally rule the world. Where did you learn to cook like this?”

He stretched out on the blanket, bracing himself with his muscular forearms. “I had a lot of time by myself in high school. My father discouraged friends, and he was frequently away. Frank used to prepare meals for the ranch hands, and sometimes I’d watch. Of course, I don’t have time for it now.”

“Why not?” She straightened. “Aren’t you in charge of the business?”

“Exactly. I don’t have time for hobbies.”

His responsibilities usurped his world, leaving little room for anything else. “But you must have some time,” she said softly. “Some freedom to pursue what you want.”

“I am pursuing something,” he said roguishly. Her heart sped as he edged closer. “Or rather someone.”

She blushed, pressed forward. “Your previous vacations involved dental work. Will you return to your never-ending schedule?” She said the words lightly, but more than curiosity lurked.

If she were considering a relationship with him – something she could no longer deny – would she be competing with never-ending work?

He hesitated, as if realizing the question’s unspoken importance. “People count on me.”

“I don’t doubt it. And I’m not suggesting you give up work for a life of island getaways, no matter how tempting it sounds.” She rested her chin on her hands. “I just wonder if you could delegate some of the responsibilities, find a balance that allows you to enjoy life.”

“It’s hard…” He paused. “I don’t know how to…”

“Surrender control?”

He stilled, nodded slowly. “I won’t neglect my responsibilities.”

“Of course not. You’ve been responsible since the day you saved me from a life-or-death fall in the hay.” She put a hand on his arm. “Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean neglecting others. Delegating can be beneficial for everyone. Look at me.”

He winked. “I’d love to.”

“That’s not what I meant.” She took a playful swipe at him, but he moved back and grabbed her hand.

His grin widened. “Now I’m keeping it for good.”