Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

7. HAYLEY

Chapter seven

HAYLEY

I nod curtly. "Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I'll be sure to be a model tenant." Even I can hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice.

As Santiago and I turn to leave, Austin calls out, "Oh, and Hayley? Welcome home."

I catch the smugness on his face, and it takes everything in me not to turn around and give him a piece of my mind. Instead, I clench my fist and keep walking.

As we head back to the car, I realize that Operation Get Back at Him would start as soon as I move in. I'm Hayley Miller, and I've never backed down from a challenge.

One step at a time.

***

The next day comes too soon. My mind flashes back to yesterday morning, the events that led me to this moment playing out like a tragic movie in my head.

I had awakened more tired than when I went to sleep, a feat I never thought possible. Two of Santiago's kids had snuck into my bed in the middle of the night, and I'd woken up several times either half-suffocating, with an elbow to my ribs, or a foot in my face. Now, no amount of cold water can reduce the dark circles under my eyes as I exit the bathroom, catching sight of Santiago's wife, Marcella, across the room.

"Oh, good morning, Hayley," she says cheerfully. "Sleep well?"

All I can do is make a nod as I take a seat at the kitchen table. Marcella notices my bleary-eyed state and smiles sympathetically.

"Santiago took the kids to school and went to work," she explains. "He said you can call him if you need anything."

We chat for a few minutes over tea, the warm liquid doing little to chase away my exhaustion. As Marcella excuses herself to take a nap – apparently, the baby kept her up all night too – I'm left feeling weird being the only active person in someone else's home.

Picking up my phone, I decide I might as well do something productive, so I dial the local mechanic shop, steeling myself for the conversation about my broken-down car.

"Redstone Auto, this is Earl speaking," a gruff voice answers.

"Hi, Earl. This is Hayley Miller. I've got a car broken down on the side of Route 290, just outside of town. The fuel pressure regulator's shot."

"Martha and Steven's girl?" Earl asks recognition in his voice. "Well, I'll be. Welcome back to town. Now, about that car..."

We go back and forth, discussing the details of my car's problem and the logistics of getting it towed. Finally, it's decided that they'll pick it up today and have it fixed by the weekend.

After hanging up, I write a quick note for Marcella, letting her know I'm going apartment shopping. As I leave, I make sure to close the door gently behind me.

Now it's just me, alone with my thoughts as I wander the familiar streets. I haven't been able to contact my parents since the other night, but I received another email detailing their current location – somewhere in the South Pacific, living their best lives.

***

A few days have passed and it's finally moving day.

Despite everything that's happened, I can't help but feel a certain amount of excitement at the thought of returning to my childhood home. Sure, I'll be staying in the back cottage rather than the main house but just being back on the property made me kind of giddy, nostalgic even. I’ll be going back to a place where I made some of my best memories of Redstone.

In the back of my consciousness, I hear what sounds like twenty kids:

“And she said we would share, but she didn’t give.”

“That’s not true! You didn’t want to give it back!”

“It’s miiiiine!”

“The two of you, stop arguing and eat your food!”

Marcella's voice cuts through the argument, snapping me right back to the moment.

“What a peaceful moment.” I sigh contentedly, taking a sip of my coffee. I’m still at Santiago’s house and I haven’t moved to the ranch yet. I'm currently sitting around the breakfast table with Santiago, his wife, and their four kids, and yes – the dogs are also there. They’re lying under the table, also eating their own meals and whatever scraps the kids are dropping to them.

Absorbing everything in that moment reminds me that the past few days have indeed been chaotic, and I've barely slept. But I know I'll miss this lively atmosphere. As an only child, I can't help but wonder if this is what my home would have been like growing up if I'd had siblings.

Marcella looks up from her plate, her eyes meeting mine. "Are you sure you'll be okay moving in, Hayley?"

I shrug, showing a nonchalant expression. "Yeah, yeah... why wouldn't I be?" But even as I say it, the thought of Austin being my landlord is enough to make my head throb.

I notice Santiago keeps glancing at me, and I finally sigh. "What?"

He looks down, taking a bite of his eggs. "Nothing."

I focus on my food again, but I can feel their stares boring into the sides of my face, from both left and right. Finally, I throw my hands up in exasperation. "Okay, out with it."

"Nothing," Santiago repeats, but I wasn’t fooled a little bit.

I give him a look, then turn to Marcella. It's clear they want to say something, but they're holding back.

Suddenly, Charlie, one of the kids, pipes up. "Dad said you and Uncle Austin fight like Tom and Jerry."

"No, we do not," I say, glaring at Santiago. What was he telling the kids?

He looks down guiltily, and Marcella clears her throat.

"But are you Tom or Jerry?" Selena, his second daughter, asks innocently.

I can't help but smile. "Oh, I'm definitely Jerry. Because I'll be outsmarting him at every turn."

Santiago raises an eyebrow. "Should we be looking for another accommodation for you?"

I shake my head. "We both know there isn't any other place available right now. I'm moving to the cottage, and you shouldn't worry."

"So, I won't be getting any calls to come to settle a fight at the ranch?" Santiago asks a hint of amusement in his voice.

I grin mischievously. "If there's anyone who will need the police, it will be Austin."

Santiago raises both eyebrows now, and I finally sigh. "Fine, I'll behave."

Try, actually.

That’s all I was going to do.

I would try to behave, but there were no promises. After all, I have no plans on backing down.

Marcella intervenes before Santiago is about to nag me some more "She's an adult, honey. She can take care of herself."

Santiago finally gave up, causing me to grin. "Do you need a ride to the ranch?" he asks.

"No need, my car's being delivered today," I reply, checking my watch to see how much time I have left.

But – there is one thing I had forgotten. The kids.

"You're leaving?" they chorus, their cute little faces scrunched up.

I kneel down to meet them at eye level, their eager faces peering up at me. Ugh… my heart.

"But Aunt Hayley," Emma the youngest pouts, her little hands on her hips, "why can't you stay here with us?"

“Are you going back to the city?” Ethan, the second boy, chime in.

I ruffle their hair gently. "Well, actually – I’m staying in Redstone, just not here.”

Charlie’s eyes light up. "You’re staying with Uncle Austin, right? Right? I want to stay with Uncle Austin too,” he says excitedly.

It seems this kid was the one with all the information. "That's the one," I nod, amused at his enthusiasm.

"But that's so far away," Emma whines.

I can't help but chuckle. "It's not that far, Em. I promise I'll visit often. How about we plan a picnic soon? We can go to Lake Buchanan."

Ethan jumps in excitedly, "Can we go fishing too? Dad says there are huge bass in that lake!"

"Absolutely," I assure him. "We'll make a whole day of it. Fishing, swimming, maybe even a campfire if your parents say it's okay."

Emma still looks unconvinced. "Pinky promise you'll visit lots?"

I solemnly extend my pinky finger. "Pinky promise."

As we link pinkies, Marcella's voice calls from the kitchen. "Kids, homework! Now!"

There's a chorus of groans, but the kids start shuffling towards the stairs.

Selena turns back. "You'll still be here when we're done, right Aunt Hayley?"

I shake my head regretfully. "Not today, honey. But I'll be back soon, okay?" They nod, disappointment and excitement on their faces as they head upstairs.

I join Marcella in the kitchen, where she's loading the dishwasher.

"Here, let me help with that," I offer, picking up a plate.

Marcella smiles gratefully. "Thanks. So, the old cottage, huh? How's that working out for you?"

I shrug, arranging dishes on the rack. "It's not bad… well according to him. It's probably a bit dusty, but nothing that a good cleaning can't fix. It's... peaceful out there."

"And how's Austin taking the idea of your presence?" she asks, a hint of mischief in her voice.

I nearly drop the glass I'm holding. Realizing that Santiago had probably told Marcella everything.

Of course he would. She’s his wife after all.

“Oh, you know... he's... fine with it, I guess."

Marcella raises an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Well, just remember, if you need anything - or anyone to talk to - I'm here."

I nod, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Marcella. That means a lot."

As we finish loading the dishwasher, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions.

"You know," Marcella says, closing the dishwasher, "Santiago and I will always love having you over for dinner. When you're settled in, of course."

I smile, touched by the offer. "I'd like that. And I promise I'll visit soon. It's just..."

"You need some time," Marcella finishes for me, understanding in her eyes. "I get it. But don't be a stranger, okay? Even if it was only a couple of days, this is still your home too, Hayley."

Her words warm me, and I find myself blinking back in unexpected tears. "Thanks, Marcella. Really."

"You're always welcome here," she tells me, and we share an awkward hug, her pregnant belly getting in the way.

As I continued to stack the dishes, I could hear the kids' muffled voices upstairs, probably arguing over who gets to use the computer first for their homework. The familiar sounds of family life make me smile, even as a twinge of loneliness hits me.

Three hours later, my car arrives as promised. I load up my suitcases, pop on my sunglasses, and blast Charlie XCX on the radio as I make the journey to the ranch.

I realize that coming back here might not be as bad as I'd feared. There's still a place for me here, even if it's not quite the same as before. And who knows? Maybe this time, things will be different. Better, even… right ?

That’s what I thought for a brief second.

As I approach the entrance, I instantly spot several trailers blocking the gate. I slowly remove my sunglasses, scoffing. "If this is his way of saying I'm not welcome, it's darned petty," I mutter.

This isn’t the only gate into the ranch, but going around to the second gate would add an extra twenty minutes to my trip.

I press down on the horn, not planning on taking the long way around. I am going to stay here for as long as I can.

One.

Two.

There's still no response.

Suddenly, I spot a man approaching, weaving his way through the trailers.

I lower my window but keep my sunglasses on. "Excuse me," I call out. "I'm trying to get to the cottage."

The ranch hand scratches his head. "Oh, you must be Miss ….

I reach for the volume bottom, lowering the music so I can hear what he is saying.

“… Mr. Austin said he will see you later," he completes.

My blood boils as I realize that he has indeed done this on purpose. "Right, what did I expect?” I think sarcastically to myself. The jerk would want me to go the long way around.” He even sent someone instead of coming down himself. That coward.

The ranch hand looks confused, but before he can clarify, I'm already throwing the car into reverse. "Tell Austin he can take his petty games and play them on someone else!" I yell, spitting gravel as I press down hard on the accelerator.

As I’m about to drive away, fuming, my mind begins to plan on what to do in response.

Call me petty or not.

Heck yeah, I’m petty. And yes, I’ll be getting back at him.

“But who knew my chance would come sooner than I thought, ” I wonder as I stare at the side mirror.