Page 40 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)
She squinted as she emerged into the brilliant sunshine, beaming rays threading through lavender trees.
Cerulean birds flitted from branch to branch, filling the world with sweet melody, as squirrels roamed the underbrush, their bushy tails swaying happily.
The day was comfortable and mild, the air sweet with magnolias and mistflowers.
Ciara smoothed down her teal cotton shirt and patted her hair, which she’d left in loose waves.
She pushed away the concern over Jasmine, focused on the professionalism necessary for her next task.
“Everything is proceeding smoothly.” Frank fell into step besides her. “Can you believe the rescue is opening in just a few days?”
Not even a little. “It still feels like a dream.” A dream come true, but there was still so much to accomplish. A never-ending list, it seemed, but Frank and the Byrne brothers had been so helpful. Rowan, most of all.
The gentle sounds of conversation drifted on the breeze as they approached the house.
The applicants were a varied group, including men and women of all backgrounds, experiences and ages.
She smiled at several people she recognized from town and nodded at several new faces.
Frank pointed to a group that looked younger than the rest. “I was surprised to see so many young adults.”
“I expected them.” Ciara waved to a grinning young woman with bright freckles and an even brighter smile.
“As a non-profit organization, we can recruit volunteers to assist with the operation. Many college students are looking for good opportunities to earn service hours, and working with horses is more fun than mopping the floor at the community center.”
“Sounds like a win-win for everyone.” Frank gave her a gentle side-hug. “And no one is doing more than you.”
The praise warmed her as they entered the cool, air-conditioned space of the administration building, now the lodgings for the bed and breakfast. In addition to the guest chambers, it boasted a series of offices, all-purpose common areas and a large conference room.
The building had been closed for years, but now it was the headquarters for the new operation.
The scent of fresh paint and cedar surrounded her, and the space literally gleamed from a thorough cleaning.
Most of the furnishings had yet to arrive, but the atmosphere was quaint and homey, with rustic designs and horse-themed decor.
Winter’s arrival would make it even lovelier, with holiday decorations and a warm, crackling fireplace.
She would snuggle next to Rowan on the overstuffed sofa, cuddling under a warm, soft blanket. He would move closer and closer, until…
Focus! She couldn’t let herself get distracted, no matter how tempting the subject was. She stood up taller, strode into the conference room. She smiled when she saw every seat taken in the large chamber.
The conversation ceased, and she commenced her well-practiced speech, “Welcome. I’m Ciara O’Connor, founder of the horse rescue. It’s wonderful to see so many people interested in our organization. As you know, we’re a non-profit horse rescue as well as a retreat. We want to help everyone.”
Polite applause sounded, along with genuine smiles and eager nods. Could they sense her excitement? “There are a lot of people here, but I promise we’ll speak to each and every one of you. Did everyone get an application?”
Most bobbed their heads, while a few took papers from a stack on the table.
“And has everyone tried Grandma’s Leigh’s cookies?”
The nods were more enthusiastic this time.
“By the way, we’ve contracted with Grandma Leigh to cater meals, and that includes for employees.” Ciara winked. A murmur went through the crowd. Grandma Leigh’s catering was well known to Waterstone residents.
“Make sure to specify the job you’re interested in because that will determine who interviews you.
The list of available positions is posted on the wall, and you can apply for more than one.
Now I’d like to introduce our talented staff.
” She nodded at Chelsea, who had already started sorting applications.
“This is Chelsea Levine, our manager of operations. She can answer any questions you have about available positions or the hiring process. Teara Hayes is in charge of the bed and breakfast. She will interview people interested in that department. Those looking for a job as a ranch hand will be interviewing with Frank.”
“I’ll help, too.”
As always, her heart did a little thump when Rowan appeared.
The people whispered and smiled, a vibrant reminder of just how popular he was.
Many of them knew his family through the generations.
“As most of you know, Rowan Byrne owns the ranch. Without him, none of this would be possible.” She leaned closer. “I thought you had to work.”
“I’m playing hooky.” He bent down and winked. “Don’t tell anyone.”
Ciara couldn’t stop a grin. Ever since they saved the new batch of horses, he’d been different. It was subtle, but he was opening up, just a little. She turned back to the audience, yet she no longer held their full attention. Instead, they were staring at Rowan.
Particularly the women.
She frowned.
He smiled.
How did he always know what she was thinking?
She managed not to jump on the table and yell, Mine! “Please give your applications to Chelsea when you’re done. Again, thank you for your interest. I’ll see you soon.”
The crowd outside had doubled in size by the time Ciara finished. Even if she couldn’t give everyone a full-time job, hopefully she’d be able to offer part-time work to qualified applicants. Plus, if the rescue was as successful as they predicted, they might soon need more.
Ciara gave Chelsea several quick last-minute instructions and called out the name of her first interviewee.
An attractive black woman approached, and they made their way to the all-purpose rooms where the interviews would be held.
Naomi Smythe boasted vast experience with horses, competing in shows as an adolescent and teaching riding lessons for years.
She had a vibrant personality, a friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge.
By the end, it was clear she’d get one of the open positions.
Next, they interviewed an attractive brunette with serious eyes. Unlike most of the applicants, she was dressed professionally, in a navy business suit and black pumps, and her hair was pulled back into a French twist. “I’m Kira Thompson,” she said politely.
“It’s nice to meet you. Please take a seat.” Ciara smiled and gestured to the chair, then looked down at the application. “I see you’re interested in a position with the horses. Can you tell us about your experience?”
“Of course.” Kira quietly described her qualifications, which were expansive.
Much of the experience was in volunteer positions on her family’s farm, but that didn’t matter.
Working with horses was the same whether you were paid or not.
Kira didn’t always maintain eye contact, gazing at her Ciara’s lips instead, but she was probably just nervous.
“I’m impressed,” Ciara said genuinely. “That’s quite a resume.”
Two faint spots appeared on the woman’s cheeks, and Ciara hid her smile.
The serene woman would make the perfect companion for traumatized horses.
She asked a few more common interview questions and finally reached the final question.
“You have many strengths. What is one thing that has made you stronger?”
For a second the woman looked taken aback. Then she notched up her chin. “I’m deaf.”
That was why she’d gazed at her lips while she’d spoken. And now Ciara noticed the tiny aids in the woman’s ears.
“I’m not completely unable to hear,” Kira explained, her head still held high. “I can hear a little, and I’m quite adept at reading lips. I understand most of what people say, and people can understand me. It doesn’t change how I relate to horses.”
“Of course not,” Ciara immediately replied. “Your experience and skills are exceptional. We could use someone like you.” She glanced at Rowan, and he nodded. Just like with the first interview, they couldn’t pass up such a qualified candidate. “I’d like to offer you a position.”
The woman broke into a wide smile. “Thank you so much!”
Ciara grinned at the woman’s first show of emotion, and even Rowan smiled.
“Chelsea will give you the details. And just so you know, that’s not what I meant when I asked about something that’s made you stronger.
To be honest, I had no idea about your hearing until you told me.
I was expecting something like working through a penchant for cotton candy. ”
The woman laughed softly. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you.”
From there, the interviews progressed smoothly.
They found several promising candidates to consider for full- and part-time work, and extended offers to over a dozen.
Next came the volunteers, a parade of smart, nice and sassy teens and young adults.
These interviews were far easier since they wouldn’t turn anyone away unless there was a problem.
Until… she showed up.