Page 33 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

Did that mean she got to keep him? She just managed not to voice the impertinent question.

“I planned to save the horses all by myself. However, if I hadn’t accepted help, I’d be on the side of the road with a dozen horses and no way to care for them.

” She gestured to Snowflake and King, peacefully relaxing in the shade.

“Now we’re opening an organization that will save countless lives, and none of it would’ve been possible without you and Frank.

Sometimes you have to let someone help.” She lowered her voice. “Let someone in.”

His expression turned inscrutable and fathomless, a thousand shades of unknown emotion. Endless moments passed. “I’m starting to realize that.”

The atmosphere changed, from horses and work to personal and life-changing. Desire flared, and for once Ciara didn’t fight it. It was far too powerful, too all-consuming, just like the man before her. He leaned in, pulling her closer. Then…

They kissed.

This time was different. Softer, unhurried, as if they possessed all the time in the world.

Slow-burning, languid, borne of something far deeper than simple attraction.

And yet that ember stoked a flame. When Rowan deepened the kiss, she responded in kind, pressing closer to his heated body.

Shivers seized her, sensitizing tender spots, urging her closer to the source of power.

The kiss became deeper yet, and now frantic.

He explored her body, rubbing her back, her arms, everywhere . She moaned in surrender.

Yet suddenly he stopped, drawing back. Passion blazed in his eyes, unbridled desire burning in their fiery depths. Clearly, he fought for control. “We should stop.”

Stopping was not an option. It had never been. All those times before had merely been postponements. Even if she didn’t know where it would lead, this was the right step.

“No,” she said simply.

Surprise flared in liquid eyes. “No?”

“What I’m trying to say,” she said softly, “is yes .”

His face smoothed in comprehension, then pure desire. She shivered under his scrutiny – challenging, possessive, claiming . Yet ever the gentleman, he asked once more, “Are you sure? It would… complicate matters.”

“It’s already complicated. I lo–” Her heart stumbled. She gulped down courage. “I love how you make me feel,” she finished.

His eyes flashed, but he said nothing more.

Now it was time to show .

And show they did. Ciara had been with men before, but it had never been like this. The world shifted when he touched her, bringing untold intimacy and masterful sensation, as he explored her every inch. Together they discovered all of each other.

It was the most magical night of her life, under the stars in their enchanted garden. She relished every second, surrendering fully to the night, and to him. As they became one, she released her emotions, her feelings.

Yet she never admitted the truth that would change everything.

Ciara gazed at the fathomless sky, the world beyond her own. The stars twinkled diamante brilliance, their small size deceptive of their true fire, their massive strength. The night held a hidden power, sparkling with depth and meaning.

Just like her relationship with Rowan.

She lay nestled in his arms, secure, cherished, cared for in a way that was rare and beautiful. She prided herself on her independence, yet the loneliness could be difficult, the solitude isolating and challenging. Yet this wasn’t about companionship. It was about Rowan .

The joining was everything she expected and more.

What couldn’t be put into words translated simply and purely to the physical realm.

Despite their difference in size, they complemented each other perfectly, fitting together as if they’d been crafted for each other.

He instinctively knew what she needed, as she did for him.

It had always been that way.

If only they could stay like this forever, wrapped in each other’s arms, away from the uncertainties of reality. But soon they would have to face the truth, the decisions that would define their lives.

“How are you?” Rowan’s strong voice reverberated through the garden, carried on the night wind. Unlike others, his power was not hidden, but apparent for all to see. “Are you well?”

“I am fine,” she said softly, even if it didn’t describe a sliver of the emotions swirling within her. So much better than fine, in a million nameless ways. “And you?”

“Fantastic.” His voice held contentment, a peace he rarely showed. “Have I told you how amazing you are?”

“Only fourteen times.” She held back a sigh at the endearments he had showered upon her. People said many things in the throes of passion, some true, some untrue, and yet he made her believe every single one. What they hadn’t discussed:

The future.

“You were pretty amazing yourself,” she murmured. For a moment there was silence, but then… “What now?” Ciara clamped her mouth shut. She hadn’t planned to splinter the moment, yet so much remained unresolved. How did he feel? What did tonight mean? Where would they go from here?

He did not hesitate. Did not stop to consider. Did not waver. Instead, in a firm voice, he announced, “We explore.”

He shifted, bringing their intertwined bodies closer once more.

He’d wrapped the large blanket around them as they lay on the dewy bed, and now they rubbed against each other, soft caresses in sensitive spots.

Passion sparked, invigorating her senses.

She fought for clarity, amidst the only answer she could give, “I’d like that. ”

His gaze held a million messages, yet none were decipherable. “Of course, I’d like to explore more of… this… but I was actually thinking of something different.”

Heat emblazoned her, blushing pink against tanned skin. “What exactly do you want to explore?”

“Us.”

A million words lurked in that single one, countless implications with the power to alter lives.

So much remained to be said, so many questions to ask, yet right now she couldn’t voice a single one.

She simply couldn’t risk the beauty of their first time.

So with a soft sigh, she relaxed back in his arms…

And enjoyed the perfect moment.

“How are the plans for the horse ranch? Is everything wonderful, fantastic, stupendous and terrific?”

“All of those.” Ciara winked at Davey’s exuberant question.

“But also hectic. The horse rescue consists of hundreds of tasks, which must be completed in perfect precision. You and your brothers have been amazing.” It was true.

Without them, she would have months of extra work.

She was happier than she’d ever been, yet organized chaos ruled.

Of course, Rowan represented the most exhilarating facet of all.

Ever since they’d made love, everything had changed.

They shared meaningful moments and endless conversations, yet they didn’t discuss their relationship – or where it would lead.

The heartbreak of years ago was an unspoken beast, but she couldn’t bring it up when the world was so right.

So at least for a little while, the past would be ignored, the future forgotten, as they forged the present.

Right now, she stood with Davey, Quinn, Frank and Spencer in the paddock, working with the horses. Rowan had to catch up on correspondence this morning and would join them later. She would never share how much she missed him.

Frank rubbed a preening mare. “Have you told your boss and sister you’re not returning?”

Ciara nodded. “My boss was very nice about it. They employ dozens of workers, so it wasn’t difficult to find someone to assume my duties.” She bit back a grimace. How easily she’d been replaced, and how quickly.

She straightened. Here she would be responsible for the success of the organization.

“Of course, Sophia and I have been communicating all along. We miss each other, but she’s happy for me.

” She did not mention that it was a moot point, since soon they would both be returning to America.

Yet how could she leave this, the horses, the rescue, her friends…

Rowen.

She shook her head, forced her thoughts back to the present. “As for my plans–” She gestured to the house. “I still have to move my belongings, but I don’t own a lot. I should be able to do it over several weekends with a rental truck.”

Ciara and Rowan had already discussed living arrangements.

For the time being, she would stay in the guest room as part of the lease of the ranch.

The expansive suite was fully furnished, with its own bathroom and more than enough space.

There was a boarding house several blocks over, but Rowan had talked her out of it.

He’d been trying to save her money, he claimed.

Did he want her close for other reasons?

He gave no indication he was leaving anytime soon; instead he’d brought in more personal belongings and created an entire office in one of the spare bedrooms. Still, he might suddenly decide to return to his world of power and wealth, leaving her and the horse rescue behind.

Not that it truly mattered, since soon she would leave.

That’s why she had to protect her heart.

Even if it was too late.

Other changes were transforming the ranch.

The loaned workers were leaving as they hired local employees to take their place.

The facilities were undergoing extensive updates, and the stables were emptying as loving families adopted recovered horses.

Frank and the Byrne brothers represented the only constant presence, at least for now.

Quinn and Spencer worked virtually and hadn’t detailed their future plans. As for Rowan…

His future was as cloudy as a stormy Irish morning.