16. AUSTIN
Chapter sixteen
AUSTIN
As I watch Hayley walk away, I can't hide the smile tugging at my lips.
Well, what can I say , I mumble, causing one of my dogs to whine and look up with curious eyes.
I pat his head gently. "You'll understand one day, buddy."
Glancing down at my soaked clothes and muddy boots, I sigh. "Okay, pack it up. Let's go." I pour the water from my boots, grimacing at the squelching sound.
As we walk back toward the main house, I can't help but think that I was right from the very start – the ranch hasn't been the same since the day Hayley arrived. And now, it seems, neither have I.
Passing the barns, some ranch hands look up, their expressions a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Boss, where did you go to?" Johnny calls out, his eyebrows raised.
"Boss, you went for a swim?" Mike chuckles, leaning on his pitchfork.
Antonio, always the jokester, grins widely, adding fuel to the fire. "Perhaps we should also go for a swim, as hot as it is out here!" He nudges his buddy, both of them snickering.
My head snaps towards Antonio's direction, my ears immediately picking up his words.
I'm not sure what it is. But – there's no way I’m going to humor them this time. "How about you boys wash your faces instead?" I said my tone light but firm. "There's a pipe head attached behind one of the barns. That should cool you down."
I know my reply is purely for selfish reasons, but I'm not about to let them know that. The thought of them potentially running into Hayley in her current state makes my jaw clench involuntarily.
Raking a hand through my wet hair, I address the group. "I need a change of clothes. I'll be back soon to check on things."
I gesture to the dogs to follow me as we head up the hill toward the house. Once inside, I quickly shower and change, my mind racing with different thoughts.
Work.
Hayley.
Hayley.
Work.
Hayley.
Hayley.
Work.
Despite my promise to rejoin the ranch hands soon, I have something more pressing to work on.
The dinner perhaps, and yes – it's definitely pressing.
My fingers hover over the keyboard as I start looking at popular restaurants in town that serve fish. Most places around here specialize in steak, but I think it might be nice to change things up. And if I'm being honest with myself, I'm trying to impress Hayley.
After some searching, I remembered a new high-end restaurant in town that serves blackened redfish with crab-stuffed jalapenos. I had it once when a client was in town. It's upscale but still has that laid-back ambiance that makes anyone feel comfortable. Perfect for what I have in mind – I don't want to put any pressure on Hayley.
As I scroll through the website, I decide to make a reservation for Saturday evening. To my dismay, there are no free slots for dinner. Not giving up, I pick up my phone and dial a familiar number.
"Hey, Mark? It's Austin. I need a favor."
"Austin! Long time no speak. What can I do for you?"
"I'm trying to get a dinner reservation at The Bluefin for Saturday night. Any chance you could pull some strings?"
There's a pause, then a chuckle. "For you? Consider it done. Let me make a call and get back to you."
Ten minutes later, my phone buzzes. "You're all set, Austin. Table for two at 7. Must be someone special, eh?"
I feel a warmth creep up my neck. "Thanks, Mark. I owe you one."
After finishing the call, my hand absently taps the edge of the table. I find myself silently hoping that everything goes well. It's been a long time since I've felt this nervous about a dinner… It makes me feel like a schoolboy.
Sighing, my gaze cuts across the screen where the time is being displayed. It's now 9:15 pm, and most of the ranch hands on the afternoon shift must have gone home.
I can grab a quick dinner and then visit Noah at the hospital. I want to check up on him one last time before he gets discharged tomorrow. With only a few minutes to spare, I rush through everything, and I'm back on the road.
An hour later, as I enter his private hospital room, I see his mom peeling an orange by his bedside. Her face lights up when she sees me.
"Austin!" she exclaims, rising to peck me on both cheeks. "It's so good of you to come again."
I smile warmly at her. "Of course, Mrs. Rodriguez. How's our patient doing?"
She beams, patting Noah's arm. "Much better, thanks to you. I don't know how we can ever repay you for all you've done."
I shake my head. "There's no need for thanks. Noah's part of the ranch family."
Mrs. Rodriguez smiles knowingly. "Well, I'll leave you two to talk. I need to stretch my legs anyway." She squeezes my arm as she passes, leaving Noah and me alone.
"Hey, boss," Noah greets me, his voice stronger than the last time I visited. "Good to see you."
I pull up a chair next to his bed. "You're looking much better, Noah. How are you feeling?"
He grins, a spark of his old energy returning to his eyes. "Ready to bust out of here and get back to work. I'm going stir-crazy cooped up in this room."
I chuckle. "Now, now, don't rush it. You need to relax and heal properly. There's nothing special going on at the ranch that can't wait."
Noah falls quiet at this, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. I raise an eyebrow, suddenly suspicious. "What?"
He looks at me, eyes twinkling. "Oh, nothing, boss. Just... I hear things have been pretty interesting back at the ranch lately."
I feel a sense of dread creeping up my neck as I suddenly remember the running joke about Hayley and me that's been circulating among the hands. "And who, may I ask, has been keeping you so well-informed?"
Noah ticks off names on his fingers. "Oh, you know, Sebastian, Antonio, Ma'am Beatrice. She visited me the other day, and also …
"So, all the ringleaders," I say dryly, cutting him off.
"Well…" Noah says sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
"Well, in that case, I think you should recuperate at home for one more month. Just to be safe." I say sarcastically.
"But boss..." Noah whines, his face falling comically.
I can't help but chuckle inwardly at his reaction. Despite my embarrassment at being the subject of ranch gossip, I find I don't really mind. In fact, there's a part of me that's quietly pleased. As I look at Noah's crestfallen expression, I relent a little.
"Tell you what," I say, leaning in with a smirk. "You focus on getting better, and I promise to keep you updated on any... interesting developments. Deal?"
Noah's face lights up. "Deal, boss!"
As I leave the hospital, I find myself looking forward to Saturday more than ever. It seems the whole ranch is invested in this budding romance – no pressure or anything. But as I think of Hayley's fierce spirit and witty remarks, I realize I'm ready to take that chance.
But will she?
***
Saturday arrives, and it's finally time for my date with Hayley. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't distracted all week, my mind constantly wandering to thoughts of her and our upcoming evening together.
As I apply aftershave, I stare at myself in the mirror, taking a deep breath. "This is it," I mumble, giving myself a confident nod before leaving my room.
I hop into my truck, planning to drive to the other side of the ranch to collect Hayley from her cottage. The short drive feels like an eternity, my heart racing with anticipation. As I pull up to her place, I take another deep breath to calm my nerves.
I make short work of the three steps leading to her door and raise my hand to knock. Before my knuckles can make contact, the door swings open, and I find myself staring right at Hayley.
She looks absolutely stunning. Her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and she's wearing a simple yet elegant green dress that brings out the color of her eyes. I've never felt nervous in front of a woman my whole life until this moment, and I find myself at a loss for words.
"Hi, Austin," Hayley says softly, bringing me back to the present.
I clear my throat. "Hayley, you look beautiful. That dress... it really suits you."
A light blush colors her cheeks. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself, cowboy."
I chuckle, feeling some of the tension ease. "We should probably head to the restaurant. Are you ready?"
"Absolutely," she replies with a smile. "Lead the way."
I open the truck door for her, helping her in before walking around to the driver's side. As we drive into town, all I can think about is spending the evening with her and getting to know her better.
"So," Hayley begins, breaking the comfortable silence, "how are the dogs doing? Still causing trouble in the vegetable garden?"
I laugh, remembering their antics. "They've been on their best behavior lately. I think they're trying to impress you."
"Oh really?" she grins. "And what about their owner? Is he on his best behavior lately?"
I feel my cheeks warm. "Maybe a little. What do you think?"
Her laughter fills the truck. "We'll see, Mr. Cowboy. We'll see."
Before I know it, we're pulling up to the restaurant. I help Hayley out of the truck, and we walk in together. The tourists are everywhere, and I'm glad that we can blend in. As soon as we enter, the hostess leads us to our table, a cozy spot near a window overlooking the town square.
As we settle in and check the menus, I can't help but steal glances at Hayley. The soft candlelight casts a warm glow on her face, making her even more beautiful.
"So, Hayley," I begin after we've ordered, "tell me something about yourself that I don't know yet."
She takes a sip of her wine, considering. "Well, I used to be terrified of horses when I was a kid. Ironic, considering where I've ended up, right?"
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you get over that fear?"
"My father," she says, a fond smile playing on her lips. "He was patient, kind, and stubborn as a mule. He wouldn't let me give up. By the end of one summer, I was riding like I'd been born in the saddle."
"Well, whenever you feel like going for a ride let me know. I can lend you one of my horses."
"Really?" she muses.
"I have fifty of them," I reply, trying to hide my smile.
"Tch, fine. I'll let you know." She rolls her eyes.
I can't help but laugh, each banter keeping me alive.
"So, what did you do back in the city?" I ask.
"Guess." She mutters, tucking her hair behind her ear.
I pause, keeping eye contact with her. Hundreds of professions cut across my mind, but for some reason, there's one that keeps popping up.
"You're a lawyer, aren't you?"
"Wow. How did you get that? Did I ever… did Mrs. Beatrice tell you something?" She asks, unable to hide her surprise.
I can't help but chuckle again,
As she speaks, I find myself captivated not just by her words, but by the passion in her eyes. We spend the rest of the meal trading stories, laughing, and getting to know each other better. I learn about her dreams of starting her own firm here in Redstone, and how she hopes to stay here for a very long time.
Before we know it, hours have passed, and the restaurant is starting to empty. As we drive back to the ranch, a comfortable silence settles between us, broken only by the soft country music playing on the radio.
When we reach her cottage, I walk her to the door, our steps slow as if neither of us wants the night to end.
At her doorstep, Hayley turns to me, her eyes shining in the moonlight. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Austin. Thank you."
"The pleasure was all mine," I reply, meaning every word. "Maybe we could do this again sometime?"
She smiles, and my heart skips a beat. "I'd like that. Goodnight, Austin."
Before I can respond, she leans in and places a soft kiss on my cheek. Then, with one last smile, she slips inside, leaving me standing there, grinning like a fool.
"Goodnight, Hayley," I say softly to the closed door. As I walk back to my truck, I can't wipe the smile off my face. It was more than a good night – it was perfect.
As I drive up to the house under the star-filled Texas sky, I find myself looking forward to whatever comes next in this unexpected, wonderful new chapter of my life.