28. AUSTIN
Chapter twenty-eight
AUSTIN
It's finally Saturday, and once again, I'm spending the whole day with my favorite gal - Hayley.
As I think of her name, the corner of my lip tilts up slightly. I'm taking Hayley to see the car show, and I truly hope she enjoys today as well. I'm about to grab my cowboy hat when my phone rings. My first thought is that Hayley is calling, but the number belongs to my sister, Jenny. It's a video call, but I decline and change it to a normal call.
Grinning, I wait until she picks up the call. "Look who we have here…" I tease.
"Austin, put me on a video call – pleaseeee."
"I am very busy right now. You can tell me what you want."
"You're acting very suspicious right now," she accuses.
"What-" I brush it off. I can only imagine that Sarah has indeed told her something.
"Come on, I haven't seen your face in forever. And you're always too busy to visit."
I feel a bit guilty, causing me to sigh. "Fine," I say, switching to video call.
Immediately as she sees me, she begins to grin like a Cheshire cat. "Look who we have here – it's the old bachelor, or should I say the taken-man?"
"Oh come on. I darn well knew that Sarah said something," I say, shaking my head.
"Where's she? Is she there with you? Can I see her? Should I come over?" My sister rushes on, and I can tell she's excited for me.
"Whoa, whoa. Slow down. I don't need any more people to frighten her away."
"What did I do?" she protests.
I can't help but chuckle, and after a few back-and-forths – I'm finally able to successfully get away. I just know my mama's call will be coming up next, sooner or later.
Of course I want my family to meet Hayley, but I don't want her to get overwhelmed all at once- but I'm sure my family would like her immediately. "She's an amazing woman after all," I mutter, as I finally step out.
As I pull up to her house in my pickup truck, I see her step out onto the porch. She's wearing a darling sundress that flows gently in the breeze, and her smile lights up her face as she spots me.
"Hey there, cowboy," Hayley calls out as she walks towards the truck.
I hop out to greet her, tipping my hat. "Howdy, ma'am. Ready for a day of adventure?"
She laughs, a sound that makes my heart skip a beat. "With you? Alright – as long as you don't break the law."
"I'm a law-abiding citizen ma'am." I open the passenger door for her, and as she climbs in, I catch a whiff of her perfume – the same floral scent, that fits her so well.
"Don't worry, if you do break the law – I'll represent you in court."
"Well, I appreciate that," I chuckle. The drive to the road show is filled with easy conversation and stolen glances. And every chance I get, I reach out to grab her hand.
By the time we arrive, the fairgrounds are bustling. The scent of popcorn and cotton candy is everywhere, making it feel more fest-like. There's also music playing from speakers, followed by the sounds of laughter from different groups.
I offer Hayley my arm, and she takes it without hesitation.
"So, what's first on the agenda?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"How about we check out the livestock competition?" I suggest, knowing she's never been to one before.
As we make our way through the crowd, I notice people glancing our way and whispering. It doesn't take long for Russell to spot us.
"Well, well, well," he drawls, sauntering over with a knowing grin. "If it isn't Austin and the lovely Hayley. You two sure make a handsome couple."
I feel the tips of my ears heat up, but Hayley just smiles and extends her hand to Russell. "Nice to meet you. I take it that you're a friend of Austin's?"
Russell shakes her hand, his grin widening. "And business partner. Known this cowpoke since the year he got to Redstone. And let me tell you, Mrs. Beatrice is gonna have a field day when she hears about this."
I groan inwardly. Mrs. Beatrice would probably scold me for not telling her first. And I know by sundown, everyone in a fifty-mile radius will know about Hayley and me.
"Come on, Russ," I say, trying to steer Hayley away. "We're just here to enjoy the show."
Russell winks at us. "Sure, sure. You two lovebirds have fun now. And Hayley, don't let this one get away. He's a keeper."
As we walk away, Hayley leans close. "So, I'm guessing the cat's out of the bag about us dating?"
I squeeze her hand gently. "Looks like it. Is that okay with you?"
She nods, her smile soft and reassuring. "More than okay."
The rest of the day flies by in a whirlwind of activities. We watch the livestock competitions, try our hand at some carnival games, and sample way too much fair food. Throughout it all, I find myself constantly reaching for Hayley's hand, just enjoying the warmth of her touch.
As the sun begins to set, we make our way to the car show.
"I've been waiting for the new Mustang. This thing is a beast!"
"I'm thinking of trading in my Civic for the new Accord. Thoughts?"
"What's the 0-60 on this Corvette?"
"How many miles do you drive annually? This hybrid might be perfect."
"Check out the exhaust on this Lamborghini!"
"I swapped out my stock engine for a performance upgrade."
I can't help but feel a swell of pride as I introduce Hayley to some of my rancher friends.
"This is Hayley," I say, unable to keep the smile off my face. "She's a lawyer, if you need someone to represent you – she's got you covered. Not a single loss."
Hayley jabs my side slightly at the attention but holds her own in the conversations that follow. I find myself even more impressed by her intelligence and wit. She's accomplished so much, and yet she's here with me, a simple cowboy. Well, maybe part cowboy, I admit to myself.
As the evening wears on, I turn to Hayley. "How about we grab some dinner? I know a great little place not far from here."
She nods eagerly. "I'm starving and even after all the junk food I put away today. Lead the way, Austin."
The restaurant is a cozy, family-owned Italian place. The soft candlelight casts a warm glow over Hayley's features, making her even more beautiful if that's possible. As we settle into our seats, I decide to take a chance.
"Hayley," I begin, my voice a little shaky. "I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel like I've been waiting for you my whole life. And as silly as this might seem. I thought I might ask you correctly this time. Would you... would you be my girlfriend? Officially?"
I expect her to say yes immediately, but instead, her expression grows serious. "Austin, before I answer that, there's something I need to tell you – and no, I'm not turning you down. I just feel you should know this."
My heart sinks, but I nod, encouraging her to continue.
Hayley hesitates. "After I passed the bar exam, I joined a large law firm in the city. I was so excited, ready to take on the world. That's when I met him – my ex-boyfriend. He approached me, charming and seemingly genuine. I trusted him, Austin. I fell for him hard."
I can see the pain in her eyes, and it takes all my willpower not to reach across the table and pull her into my arms.
She continues, her voice almost a whisper. "It turned out he was working for a rival firm. He used me, got insider information. When it all came out, I lost my job, my reputation... everything I had worked so hard for."
My fists clench under the table, anger boiling inside me at the thought of someone hurting Hayley like that. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," I say, my voice tight with emotion. I almost want to ask her what his name was.
A name can go a long way, and there are many things I could also do.
Hayley looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Because of that, I've been scared to be in a relationship again. But Austin, I want to take that leap with you. You make me feel safe, and cherished. So yes, I would love to be your girlfriend."
Relief and joy wash over me. I reach across the table, taking her hands in mine. "Hayley, I promise you; I will never do anything to hurt you. I'll always be by your side, supporting you, and cheering you on. You can trust me with your heart."
The tension in the air is noticeable, the candlelight flickering in Hayley's eyes. Before I know what I'm doing, I'm leaning forward, and our lips meet in a kiss that's even better than our first. It's soft and sweet, full of promise and hope.
Just knowing that she is now officially my girlfriend makes me feel like the luckiest man on earth.
When we finally pull apart, I can't stop smiling. I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles gently. "I want this for life, Hayley. I'll always try to be the man you deserve."
As we finish our meal, I can't help but ask, "Is there anywhere you've always wanted to go? Any dreams you haven't fulfilled yet?"
Hayley thinks for a moment. "You know, I've always wanted to take a real vacation. Maybe somewhere like the Royal Resort or the Blue Stock Hotel." She pauses, her eyes lighting up. "No, wait! I've always wanted to go to a Johnson Luxury Resort. I've heard it's absolutely amazing."
I nearly choke on my wine. The Johnson Luxury Resort is my hotel chain, but Hayley doesn't know that. For a moment, I'm tempted to tell her, to offer her a free stay, but knowing Hayley, she might not take it. Right here, right now, I don't want to be introducing myself as Austin Johnson, hotel mogul, and seem like I'm bragging.
When I think back later, this might have been a stupid reason. I may wish I would have just told her. But in this moment, surrounded by her twinkling eyes as she continues talking, I decide I might just tell her later.
After all, there is nothing special about me after all. I am just a cowboy. Hayley's cowboy.
"That sounds wonderful," I say instead, watching her eyes sparkle as she talks about her travel dreams. "Maybe we could plan a trip sometime."
As we leave the restaurant, hand in hand, I know I have said this before, but – I can't help but feel like the luckiest man alive. Hayley chose me, trusts me, and wants to be with me. And I'll spend every day making sure she never regrets that decision.
The night air is cool as we walk back to my truck, but I feel warm all over. Hayley leans into me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders.
All I want to do is protect her … and love her.