Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

29. HAYLEY

Chapter twenty-nine

HAYLEY

Someone once ask me what happiness is – I think I know what it is now.

And I mean a different type of happiness.

Dating Austin is like living in a dream. He stays true to his words, making me feel special in ways I never thought possible. I always look forward to our dates, and the more people see us together, the less attention we receive.

I am simply known as Martha's girl, the lawyer, and Austin's girl – each title I embrace.

Last weekend, Austin and I had a picnic by the lake. He surprised me with a basket full of my favorite foods, including homemade strawberry tarts that melt in my mouth. "Gordon Austin showing up again," I chuckle.

"Just tell me whatever you want, I'll cook it for you."

"I might as well die happy," I grin, taking another bite.

"You can't die yet," Austin muses, kissing my palm. "We need to live a long life, so we can spend a lot of time together."

As we sit on the checkered blanket, the sun warming our skin, I can't help but marvel at how perfect everything feels.

Although he hasn't said it outright, Austin always says things like "for a long time, forever, when we are old." Words like that leave me with a type of nervous energy in my belly. It's almost as if he's hinting at –

"What are you thinking about?" Austin asks, drawing me back to the present.

"Hmm..." I mumble, chewing. I smile, leaning into him. "Just how happy I am. How did I get so lucky?"

He wraps an arm around me, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "I'm the lucky one, Hayley."

The next week, he takes me fishing. I used to fish with my dad when I was younger, but it's been a while. Austin is patient, guiding my hands as he teaches me how to cast the line.

"Easy does it," he murmurs, his chest pressed against my back. "Now, just flick your wrist... perfect!"

"I got it now. Want to bet who will catch the most fish?"

"Why not?" Austin says a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Together, we begin to fish, both of us betting on catching at least five fish each. "Come on fishy, fishy," I mutter.

But even after an hour, none of us have managed to catch anything.

"Tch, I was thinking at least one of the fish would bite the bait."

"They must have been scared away by your beauty," Austin comments.

I cringe, looking away to stop seeing his face. "Gosh, you do say the weirdest things sometimes."

Austin laughs.

Even though we didn't catch anything that day, it's still one of the best afternoons I've ever had.

News of our relationship continues to spread through the town like wildfire. It seems like everywhere I go, someone has something to say about it. Just yesterday, as I am picking up some groceries, Mrs. Beatrice corners me in the produce aisle.

"Well, well, well," she says, a knowing smile on her face. "If it isn't our town's newest sweetheart. How are things with your handsome cowboy, dear?"

I feel my cheeks flush. "Things are... good, Mrs. Beatrice. Really good."

"Oh, I bet they are," she winks. "Austin's quite the catch. You hold onto him tight; you hear?"

Before I can respond, Mrs. Jenkins appears, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Ooh, are we talking about Hayley and Austin? Isn't it just the sweetest thing?"

Soon enough, I find myself surrounded by a small crowd of older ladies, each one peppering me with questions about our relationship.

It's overwhelming but in a strangely heartwarming way. I realize that this is what it means to live in a small town – everyone knows your business, but they also genuinely care.

As I answer their questions and listen to their advice (some more colorful than others), I'm struck by a sudden realization. This place, with its nosy but well-meaning inhabitants, its sense of community, its warmth – I wonder why I left for so long. More than that, it feels like it could be my forever home.

The next day, I have a case in court. I'm representing a nearby hotel owner against another case of some tourists who damaged her property. As I stand before the judge, I feel a surge of confidence.

"Your Honor," I begin, my voice clear, "the evidence clearly shows that the defendants willfully and recklessly caused significant damage to my client's establishment..."

I present our case methodically, countering each of the opposition's arguments with well-prepared rebuttals. When the judge finally rules in our favor, I feel a rush of satisfaction.

Outside the courthouse, my client hugs me tightly. "Thank you so much, Hayley," she says, her eyes brimming with tears. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

I feel a different kind of warmth.

As I head to my car, I remember that morning - Austin was supposed to take me to town and also pick me up after work. But I know he's been working hard at the ranch lately, and I didn't want to stress him out, so I decided to drive into town myself.

I'm putting my briefcase in the back seat when I hear a voice that makes me freeze. It's not the good kind of freeze, like when Austin surprises me with a kiss. No, this is the kind of freeze that comes with dread and revulsion. I know that voice all too well.

I turn slowly, hoping I'm wrong. But of course, I'm not. Standing there, with a smug smile on his face, is my crooked ex-boyfriend, Hank Ryder. The urge to slap his sleazy-looking face is stronger than I remember.

"Well, hello there, Hayley," he says. "Fancy meeting you here."

I straighten up, squaring my shoulders. "What are you doing here, Hank? How did you find me?"

He shrugs, taking a step closer. "Oh, you know, I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd look up my favorite girl."

"I am not your girl," I snap. "Not anymore. What do you want?"

Hank's smile turns sickly sweet. "Can't a guy just want to catch up with an old flame?"

I feel my lawyer’s instincts kicking in. "Listen carefully, you jerk. I want you to leave. Now. If you don't, I'll file for harassment. As a lawyer, you know exactly what that means."

His smile falters for a moment, but he quickly recovers. "Come on, Hayley. Don't be like that. We had good times, didn't we?"

Should I just slap him?

I don't bother responding. Instead, I get into my car and start the engine. As I drive away, I hope my exhaust pipe blows a cloud of smoke right in his face. It's petty, but it feels good.

As I drive back to the ranch, I try not to think about him. But his appearance is disturbing. During our relationship, I had once mentioned that I came from Redstone, and he had mocked me for being a "small town girl." Looking back, I can't believe I ever dated such a jerk. Compared to the standards Austin is setting; Hank doesn't even come close.

But one question keeps nagging at me – what is he hoping to achieve by coming here?

When I reach the ranch, I drive straight to the main house instead of my cottage. As soon as I park, I see Austin running towards me, a wide grin on his face. The sight of him is like a balm to my soul, instantly wiping away the dark clouds hanging over my head.

"Hayley!" he calls out, wrapping me in a warm hug. "How did the case go?"

I melt into his embrace. "I won," I say, my voice muffled against his chest.

He pulls back, beaming at me. "Of course you did. I knew you would. You're brilliant, you know that?"

I hug him tighter, trying to forget about my encounter with Hank. For a moment, I almost succeed.

But Austin, perceptive as always, tips my chin up. A frown crosses his face as he studies my expression. "What's wrong?" he asks softly.

"Nothing," I fib. "Just tired."

The scum isn't worth talking about.

***

The next day, Austin drives me to work. I don't turn him down this time, grateful for his company. The ride is silent, but it's a comfortable silence. As we pull up to my office, he turns to me with a smile.

"Have a good day, Hayley," he says.

I glance around quickly, making sure no one's watching. Then, before he can say anything else, I lean in and give him a quick peck on the lips before dashing out of the car. I feel giddy, like a schoolgirl and I can just imagine his expression as I run into the office.

"Good morning, Hayley," my paralegal greets me as I enter the office. Having her on board now is such a blessing. She makes the office run so smoothly that I can’t imagine not having her.

"Morning Cindy, how was your night?" I ask cheerfully.

"It was good."

I nod, about to leave.

"Ms. Hayley –" Cindy calls out, stopping me. "You have a client waiting upstairs. I tried to keep him down here, but he was pretty adamant and truthfully, he frightened me a bit. I made sure your desk and file cabinet were locked before I left him. I’m really sorry."

I frown, a sinking feeling in my stomach. According to my schedule, the first client is arriving by 10 a.m. Somehow, I know who it's going to be before I even climb the stairs. I thank Cindy and let her know she acted properly and not to worry.

Sure enough, when I open my office door, Hank is there, sitting in my chair like he owns the place.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, slamming the door behind me.

He holds up his hands placatingly. "Relax, Hayley. I'm not here to cause trouble."

I feel paranoid, my eyes darting around the room. Has he taken anything? Left something behind? "What do you want, Hank? I thought I told you not to talk with me ever again?"

He sighs, reaching into his suit jacket. He pulls out an envelope and drops it on my desk. "Here."

I eye it suspiciously. "What is it?"

He looks agitated, running a hand through his hair. "You... you might be called to court."

I freeze, my heart racing. Nothing involving him ever brings good news. "What are you talking about?"

He hesitates before continuing. "There's a corruption case. I'm... involved. And since we were together back then, they think you might be part of it too."

The blood drains from my face. "Are you kidding me? Suspicions like this could get me disbarred for life! How could you involve me in this?"

"I didn't mean to!" he protests. "Look, I just need you to testify on my behalf. Tell them I'm innocent."

I feel a surge of anger. "Get out," I snarl. "Get out of my office right now. I will never help you. Do you understand? Never!"

When I finally get home that evening, I go straight to my cottage instead of the main house. I collapse onto my bed, feeling utterly drained. My phone buzzes – it's Austin calling. I can't bring myself to answer. A text follows shortly after, lighting up my screen.

I stare at Austin's name, guilt gnawing at me. How am I supposed to tell him about this? How do you tell your boyfriend that your ex is trying to drag you back into the place you escaped from?

As I lie there, torn between my past and my present, I realize that the happiness I've found here is more fragile than I thought. And I have no idea how to protect it.

***

I must have slept all night in my clothes, because the sky is light when a knock on the door startles me awake. Groggily, I stumble out of bed, my heart racing as I remember yesterday's events.

Don't tell me Hank found a way to find me here.

I open the door to find Austin standing there, worry etched across his handsome face.

I feel instant relief.

"Hayley," he breathes, his voice filled with concern. Before I can say a word, he cups my face in his warm hands. The tender gesture breaks something inside me, and tears well up in my eyes.

"What's wrong?" Austin asks, pulling me into a tight embrace as I begin to sob. "Did I do something? Please, talk to me."

I shake my head against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent. "No, it's not you. Come in, I'll explain everything."

We settle on the sofa, and I pour out yesterday's events—the unexpected visitor, the looming threat to my career and reputation. As I speak, Austin's expression darkens, a different look in his eyes. I've never seen him like this before, and it's both frightening and oddly comforting to see how much he cares.

"I’ll have to go to the city," I tell him, my voice coming out in a croak from how much I cried. "I’ll need to resolve this to cut off the past so I can focus on our future."

Austin's jaw clenches. "I'm coming with you."

"No," I say firmly, though my heart aches at refusing him. "This is something I need to do alone. Please understand."

He looks at me for a long moment, then nods grudgingly. "Alright. But promise me you'll call if you need anything."

I lean into him, grateful for his support. "I promise."

Hank had, of course, sprung the subpoena on me with little time to prepare myself for the court battle. I retained an attorney who Austin recommended and spent hours going over the documents along with him. I knew I had nothing to do with any of Hank’s wrongdoings, but fear was my constant companion, knowing how devious he could be. Were there things I had done or said innocently that he could and would use against me?

The days fly by, and before I know it, I'm checking into a beautiful hotel Austin booked for me in the city. It's his subtle show of support that warms my heart, even as anxiety gnaws at my insides.

The first day I’m in the courtroom is a battlefield. Not only am I caught in the crossfire, but lawyers from both sides bombard me with questions, each trying to twist my words to their advantage. It always circles back to my past relationship, used as a weapon against me.

"If you stole information to provide to your ex-boyfriend, how can we trust you weren't involved in this corruption case?" The accusation hangs in the air, growing my frustration.

"I never stole any information. Mr. Ryder stole it behind my back. I never once handed over any information," I argue my case.

By the third day of the court case, I'm frustrated and exhausted. And then all of a sudden, everything changes. I'm thrust into a new reality that breaks my heart all over again.