Page 14 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

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'tdrop her offthis 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, noredecorating 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.

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