Page 36 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

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 changethings 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 jalapeños. 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."

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