Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

6. AUSTIN

Chapter six

AUSTIN

The next morning I’m up at dawn as usual. The choking smell of smoke still lingers in the air as I make my way to the damaged barn. The sight of the charred wood and scorched earth makes my chest tighten, but I push the feeling aside. There is work to be done.

As I approach, I see all the ranch hands are already there, hard at work. Their faces light up when they spot me.

"Good morning, boss!"

"Boss, you're here!"

"Morning, boss!"

I tip my hat to them, a small smile playing on my lips. "Morning, fellas. How're we looking?"

Sebastian, my foreman, is already directing the cleanup efforts. "We're clearing the debris, already halfway done."

I nod, rolling up my sleeves. "Mind if I join in?"

Sebastian's eyebrows shoot up. "You joining in, Boss?"

"Sure am," I reply, grabbing a shovel. "Can't let you boys have all the fun, now, can I?"

As we work, conversation flows easily. We talk about everything from the fire to the upcoming rodeo in town. Before long, the sun is high in the sky, and we are already planning how to rebuild the barn.

The heat is intense, causing sweat to roll down my chest. I've long since discarded my shirt, using it to wipe my brow.

Suddenly, I hear a whistle from across the yard. "Hey, boss! I hear you got a lady," one of the hands calls out, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What?" I look over, confused.

"The lady you were with last night. Heard she's a pretty one." Another chimes in.

My mind races. The only pretty lady I can think of is Hayley Miller. But how the heck do they all know she had come here?

"Oh, the boss isn't denying it. I guess it's true," the first-hand cajoles, causing the others to join in.

"Mr. Boss is now a taken man."

"The girls in town are gonna cry tonight!"

"Aw, heck, I was gonna matchmake my sister with him."

"Dream on!" another yells, causing everyone to laugh.

Everyone except me, that is.

"It's not true," I say firmly, causing multiple heads to turn. "There's no lady involved."

"But Ma'am Beatrice said she dropped her off at your place," one of them insists.

"That old lady," I mutter under my breath. Beatrice is the town's number one gossip. It all makes sense now - how these guys found out, and how the rumors have blown out of proportion.

Before I can say anything else, I spot a car coming up the path to the house. I frown, wondering if it is her. But as I recognize the vehicle, I feel a mix of relief and maybe disappointment.

It’s Russell, my horse guy.

As he approaches, I wipe my hands on my jeans. "Russell? Wasn't expecting you 'til the weekend."

"Howdy, Austin," he greets, tipping his hat. "I was in town for something else and thought I'd swing by. Say, you interested in that car show next month?"

I shrug. "Not sure. Haven't given it much thought."

Russell grins. "Well, you can bring your missus if you want."

I freeze for the second time that morning, raising an eyebrow at him. Russell clears his throat, looking away.

"That old lady," I mutter again. If someone from the next town knows, then I’m sure everyone in this town 'knows' about it too.

I groan inwardly, wondering if Hayley is also being bombarded with questions. She probably thinks I’m involved in spreading these rumors somehow.

With a sigh, I look at Russell. "There's no missus, Russell."

He nods, already heading back to his truck. "Well, think about it. If you're coming, let me know."

"Wait, that's it?" I call after him.

"I'll see you this weekend," he waves, driving off without another word.

I turn around to find the guys all staring, clearly expecting more information.

"There's no missus! And get back to work!" I yell, feeling the beginning of a headache.

The next day goes smoothly, and we manage to get one of the barns back up by sunset. The strange thing is, throughout the day, I keep remembering snippets of conversations I've had with Hayley, causing me to smirk at odd moments.

Some of the ranch hands catch me grinning to myself, which only fuels their suspicions. But I’m just amused. That's all.

###

Back home I shower and stretch out on my long-enough-for a tall-guy sofa for a short snooze/

As that lazy thought crosses my mind, one of my golden retrievers looks up at me, tail wagging.

"What is it, Rusty?" I mumble, stroking his head. As soon as I call out to him, the other pushes at my other hand, demanding equal attention, of course.

Giving up on the nap, I stand up to feed them, chuckling at their enthusiasm. Just then, I hear a knock at the main door.

A sense of déjà vu washes over me like I've witnessed this moment before. But I know I only feel that way because I've been interrupted while feeding the dogs twice in a row now.

I give each dog a quick head rub before walking to the door. This time, I don't open it all the way, instead peering out through the screen door.

And there they are - two people I've seen before, sending another wave of déjà vu to hit me.

"At least Beatrice didn't drop her off this time," I think wryly.

My gaze moves from Santiago to Hayley, and this time our eyes lock for longer, just like the first time we'd met. There is something in those green eyes that makes my breath catch.

"Evening, Austin," Santiago says, breaking the moment. "Sorry to bother you again, but we've got a situation."

I open the door fully, leaning against the frame. "What kind of situation?"

Santiago shifts uncomfortably, glancing at Hayley before answering. "Well, Austin, it's about Miss Miller here. She needs a place to stay."

I turn to look at Hayley, really looking at her for the first time since she'd arrived. True enough, there are dark circles under her eyes, and her posture speaks of exhaustion.

"Hayley," I say, surprised to see her again so soon. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

She squares her shoulders. "Austin," she replies, her voice cool and controlled as she finally shakes my hand. I try to ignore the jolt of electricity that runs through me at the brief contact. "I hear you have a vacant property for rent."

My eyebrows shoot up, and I can't help but feel a flicker of amusement. "I do," I say slowly. "But are you sure that's what you want?"

“Well, it seems I don't have much choice, do I? Unless you'd prefer I sleep on the streets of the town my family helped build," she said sarcastically.

Santiago clears his throat, bringing the moment back to order. "The thing is, Austin, the cottage is empty, isn't it? The one the Millers used to stay in when they visited?"

I nod slowly. "It is." I turn to Hayley. "I tried to tell you about it earlier, but you weren't exactly in a listening mood."

Her jaw clenches, but she remains silent.

Santiago jumps in, trying to smooth things over. "Hayley would pay rent, of course. And it would only be temporary until she finds something more permanent in town."

I raise an eyebrow, looking directly at Hayley. "The cottage is empty, that's true. But can you accept that I'd be your landlord?"

For the first time, Hayley meets my gaze. There's a mix of emotions in her eyes - frustration, pride, and something else I can't quite place.

"If those are the terms, Mr. Johnson, I suppose I don't have much choice," she says stiffly.

I put on my best grumpy landlord face. "Well then, Miss Miller, let's lay down some ground rules. No loud parties, no redecorating without permission, and absolutely no accusing me of grand theft of property. Deal?"

I can see her fighting back a retort, her green eyes flashing. It's all I can do not to chuckle.

"Deal," she says through gritted teeth.

We all move towards the stairs, and I extend my hand to shake on it. Hayley looks down at my offered hand, and suddenly her blank expression morphs into a smirk, a glint in her eyes that makes me wary.

She grasps my hand firmly - very firmly. I manage not to wince, but I see Santiago tense up as if expecting another fight to break out.

As we release hands, I can't help but think I might have invited trouble onto my property. But do I hate it? The spark in Hayley's eyes, the challenge in her grip... No, I don't hate it at all.

"I'll have the rental agreement drawn up by tomorrow," I say, rubbing my hand discreetly. "You can move in as soon as it's signed."

Hayley nods curtly. "Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I'll be sure to be a model tenant."

The way she says it makes it sound more like a threat than a promise.

As they turn to leave, I call out, "Oh, and Hayley?"

She pauses, looking back over her shoulder.

"Welcome home," I say with a grin.

For a moment, I think I see her glaring at me, her fist clenching and unclenching like she's about to throw a punch. But then it's gone, replaced by her now-familiar blank expression.

As I watch them drive away, I can't help but feel that life on my ranch is about to get a whole lot more interesting. I chuckle to myself as I head back inside.