Page 19 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

The alarm echoes from another room, each beat is a call to action.

“Right,” I mumble, the word sounding like a growl rather than a normal word as my alarm continues to ring. Blinking my eyes rapidly, I begin to notice other details. I realize I'm not in my bed but sprawled on the small sofa in my office, and my back- it’s killing me. “Hmghhh!”

Groaning, my hand blindly taps around the sofa arm for my phone. After a few attempts, I realize that my phone isn't on thesofa. Rather, the tone is coming from a different direction. And for some reason, the alarm seems to be getting even louder.

With another groan, I sit up, running a hand down my face. I swing my legs to the side, nearly tripping over Rusty and Duke who are sleeping on the floor. Even though they have slept past the alarm, one of them cracks open his eyes as soon as I stood up.

“It’s okay boy “ I whisper, and it seems to work, as he returns to sleep.

Sighing, for the twentieth time since I woke up, I pad over to the office table, finally locating the source of the hellish noise. As I swipe the alarm off, the sudden silence is almost deafening in itself. The screen glares at me: 6:00 AM.

I sigh; sleep is completely gone now. I'd fallen asleep late last night, and here I am, up for another day of work. The silence of this moment reminds me of my old life in the city, but it's different here. I can hear the distant sounds of cows and the chirping of birds. It's a reminder of why I chose this life.

With another sigh, I head out of my office and make my way to the kitchen. I start a fresh pot of coffee and pop two pieces of bread in the toaster. I also turn on the radio, and instantly, an early morning country song floats through the air.

“…have been waiting for a chance to see my lady…”

“My lady with the red shoes, but even with a bigger heart.”

“Makes no sense.” I chuckle, shaking my head. With the coffee brewing, I set the timer on the dog feeder, knowing that at least the boys will eat on time.

A couple of minutes later, it’s my turn, with the beeping sound of the coffee maker pulling me from my thoughts. I pour a steaming cup and grab my toast, then head out to the patio. The crisp morning air wakes me up more effectively than the coffee, and as I settle into a chair, my gaze drifts to the path leading to the cottage.

A small smile forms against the mug as I remember my encounter with Hayley last night. I had thought she might come back that same night and move in right away, but she hasn't come back yet. She'll probably take a couple more days, I think.

As I take another sip, my phone starts ringing from the kitchen table. I hurry back inside and grab it, seeing my horse guy Russell's name on the screen.

"You ain't sleeping, are you?" Russell's gruff voice greets me.

I chuckle. "No chance of that now. What's up? Any problems?"

"Nah, just the opposite. The vaccinations finished faster than expected. I was wondering if you'll be able to receive those horses you purchased today."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Yeah, I'm free. Bring 'em over whenever you're ready."

"Alright then. See you in a few hours."

The line goes dead, and I drain my coffee cup. Looks like I'm going to need all the caffeine I can get. It's going to be a long day.

***

“Lift the post higher!”

“The nail gun! Who took my nail gun!”

“Pass me the rule, I think it needs a 2 by 4.”

It is currently ten o’clock, with the sun halfway up in the sky. The ranch hands and I are rebuilding the burned half of the second barn which is now empty. Some of the cows have been rehoused in the stables, but since this one was only half destroyed, it's been easier to add new wood rather than knock the whole thing down. With the way things are going, I’m sure the cows will be back in before the horses arrive.

Squinting at the sky, I’m once again reminded of how cold early mornings are. But look at it now. The hot sun is bringing upa sweat on all of us. Most of the guys have taken off their shirts, but I've kept mine on, my sleeves rolled up.

I’m not about to give them another route to make me the center of their banter.

Almost like someone had heard my thought, I hear, "Hey, boss, heard any more from that pretty lady of yours?"

I clamp my mouth shut, causing more of them to grin. “Will you guys quit it? We’ve got a barn to build.”

"Sure, sure," he grins, "that's why you were smiling to yourself all yesterday."

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