Page 36 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“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 wasreserved, 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.”
