Page 43 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)
I t was time.
The day of the grand opening, the day the horse rescue officially commenced, the day her dreams became a reality. Ciara had been waiting for this her entire life, and now it was finally happening.
She woke far before her alarm. She jumped out of bed and smiled widely at the sunshine streaming through the window, the flawless setting for her new venture.
She’d already chosen her clothing – a royal blue blouse with ruffle sleeves and dark blue jeans embroidered with shimmery flowers.
She let her hair flow freely down her back, held at the front by two silver clips with crystal embellishments.
Grabbing a granola bar, she bounced out of the room.
The tantalizing scent of pancakes teased her as she approached the country kitchen.
She loved the Irish version of her favorite breakfast food, thinner than its American counterpart, almost crepelike in appearance, and topped with sugar and lemons.
She walked in just as Rowan removed a pancake from the griddle, the slim, moist cake steaming with delicious promise.
He placed it on a plate and topped it with a hearty lemon compote.
Even in her rushed state, Ciara stopped short.
By the raw ingredients in the kitchen, these were not from a mix.
“Good morning.” He carried the plate to the wooden table and placed it directly in front of her. He pointed to her foil-wrapped would-be breakfast. “I knew you would try to escape with just a snack. You need energy for today.”
She should say no, should gobble her granola bar and head straight to the horses. But the pancakes smelled divine, and he’d gone to so much trouble. She sat down, grasped the utensils he offered. Biting into the steaming cake, she sighed. “Your cooking is amazing. Is there anything you can’t do?”
He stopped, tapped his chin. “No, I don’t believe there is.
“And so modest, too.” She grinned.
“Absolutely.” He stood to his full, impressive height, and she gulped. There was nothing modest about the sexy cowboy.
She quickly wolfed down two pancakes, then drank a tall glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice from a cut crystal goblet. He took double the amount, leaning against the counter as they conversed. It was decidedly domestic, and far too comfortable. When they finished, she sat back and sighed.
“Are you sure you don’t want more?” He appeared beside her, in his usual stealthy way. He smelled as delicious as the pancakes, and suddenly she wanted more .
But not pancakes.
Pushing aside traitorous thoughts, she picked up the empty dishes and brought them to the sink. She ran tap water over them. “I couldn’t eat another bite, but thank you. I probably wouldn’t have eaten a single meal today otherwise.”
“I know.” He nodded. “Which is why I made these.”
Warmth infused her. He’d cooked a whole breakfast just to make sure she ate well. He truly was a good man.
“You’ll be busy this afternoon.” He touched her arm, spreading electric tingles. “Promise me you’ll take a few minutes to eat.”
“I have so much to do–”
“Ciara,” he warned.
“All right.” She lifted her hands in mock surrender. Of course, if he was going to have a say in her life, she would take care of him, too. “Make sure you don’t overdo it either. I saw you carrying that heavy equipment yesterday. It was too much.”
“Too much?” Sapphire eyes narrowed precipitously. “Are you saying I’m not strong enough to carry equipment?” The powerful man edged closer, surrounding her in strength. His eyes glinted danger.
Desire hit, fast and hard and all-encompassing. “I know you’re strong. Really, really strong.” She wet her lips.
He flexed his biceps, his gaze darkening. “If you want to leave this kitchen sometime today, you may want to stop licking those luscious lips. Now.”
Passion-filled features proved he was only half-joking, firing the inescapable urge to test it. However, she could steal no more time. Workers, vendors and her first official guests would soon arrive, and a massive amount of work remained to be done. She jumped up. “I’ll see you later!”
He made a playful swipe for her as she darted away, and she laughed. His words chased her. “Next time, I’ll catch you.”
She couldn’t wait.
She devoted herself to last minute preparations, double- and triple-checking the arrangements to ensure everything was progressing smoothly.
During the day, visitors would interact with the horses and learn about the rescue center’s mission and accomplishments.
Workshops would provide details on the animals and their care, and experts and professionals would answer questions.
Families interested in adoption could request more information.
Guests would also have the opportunity to ride the horses – ponies and smaller horses for the children and standard horses for the adults.
They would enjoy horse-themed games and activities, such as a game show where contestants could win prizes.
Bounce houses and an obstacle course would provide additional entertainment for the kids.
There would be plenty of food, from typical festival fare – fluffy cotton candy, doughy pretzels and buttered popcorn – to Irish treats like chocolate pie.
Lunch was from The Bread Bowl, and in the evening, they would host an old-fashioned country party catered by Grandma Leigh.
They would announce the winners of the raffle and the name contest then, both live and online.
All the winners of the smaller prizes, of which there were many thanks to the generous donations of the townspeople, would be listed online.
Spencer had also offered to post regular updates throughout the day on the website and social media sites.
Now Ciara walked into an open field laced with the scent of magnolias. The early morning sun was shining in the cerulean sky, the air was fragrant and a comfortable breeze rustled the trees. The horses seemed extra active and playful, as if they could sense the excitement.
She made her way to the paddock. Even though the festivities weren’t due to start for hours, the first vendors were already arriving, setting up bounce houses, constructing food stands and erecting pavilions. She would start her day as she always did – checking on the animals.
“Hi Frank!” Ciara waved to her uncail, who was observing the horses with a practiced eye. “How is everyone?”
Frank grinned a welcome. “Pretty good. The Thoroughbred we were watching has improved, and the others are acclimating well. Dr. Saunders made a list of horses he believes are ready for adoption, and I have the most updated information.”
“Perfect.” Ciara leaned against the fence, smiling as a pretty mare approached, preening for attention. She rubbed the velvety fur. “People are already arriving, so I’m making my rounds. Let me know if you need anything.”
She left the horses in Frank’s capable hands, then waved at some early arriving volunteers as she headed toward the lodgings for the bed and breakfast. In the distance, Teara rushed around the wraparound porch, hanging clay flowerpots overfilled with cascading vines of violet and azure.
She disappeared into the building, and Ciara followed. Then…
She stopped and stared.
Breathtaking. No other word could describe the magnificent chamber decorated in the warm colors of the Irish sunset.
Gilded highlights etched intricate designs on cherry wood tables, with stained glass lamps glowing in the dappled sunlight streaming through lace curtains.
Handmade quilts in golden hues embellished the overstuffed couches, their colors so brilliant they seemed lit from within.
Rich burgundy rugs provided soft cushioning under her feet, as soft as a cloud, and just as light.
Ciara stopped a dozen times as she strolled through the stunning hallway. She’d seen the furnishings in the catalogs before Teara purchased them, had approved them all, yet she’d never imagined a finished product this beautiful.
“Do you like it?”
Ciara jumped as Teara came behind her with silent steps. She seemed hesitant, her soft yellow dress swishing around her. She wore matching ballet flats, and her hair was pulled back in a severe manner.
“No,” Ciara said honestly.
Teara’s face fell.
“I love it.”
Teara smiled softly, her eyes bright with satisfaction. “We did most of it in the last twenty-four hours. We had to wait for the paint to dry before adding the finishing touches.”
Was Teara challenging Rowan for the most hours worked? She had to take care of herself, too. “You did sleep yesterday, didn’t you?”
Teara’s cheeks tinged pink. “I got an hour or two. But that’s okay,” she added swiftly, raising a hand against Ciara’s impending protest. “I wanted it to be perfect.”
“It is beyond perfect.” Ciara reached to touch Teara’s arm, pulled back when the woman flinched. She hid a frown. “You did an amazing job. I’ll send the guests straight in as they arrive.” She tamped down the urge to hug her, settled for a nod.
Teara smiled warmly. “I’ll be waiting.”
Ciara pivoted and left the building, entering the rapidly-filling yard.
Dozens of people strode through the open area, casting an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
Her grin widened at several people who definitely wouldn’t be averse to hugs.
Frank, Grandma Leigh and Chelsea strolled up the walkway, followed by a happily skipping Shannon.
“Hi honey!” Grandma Leigh came in for that hug immediately, then Shannon joined in with a giggle. Behind them, Chelsea watched with a smile. Dressed smartly in a cream blouse and black trousers, she carried her ever-present laptop.
Rumbling sounded as several large trucks drove into the parking lot, followed by half a dozen cars. Ciara rubbed her hands together. “I can’t believe the grand opening is finally here. I hope we’re ready.”
“Don’t worry.” Grandma Leigh patted her back. “The hard part was rescuing the horses. Today will be great.”