Page 38 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"So," Hayley begins, breaking the comfortable silence, "how are the dogs doing? Still causing trouble in the vegetable garden?"

I laugh, remembering their antics. "They've been on their best behavior lately. I think they're trying to impress you."

"Oh really?" she grins. "And what about their owner? Is he on his best behavior lately?"

I feel my cheeks warm. "Maybe a little. What do you think?"

Her laughter fills the truck. "We'll see, Mr. Cowboy. We'll see."

Before I know it, we're pulling up to the restaurant. I help Hayley out of the truck, and we walk in together. The tourists are everywhere, and I'm glad that we can blend in. As soon as we enter, the hostess leads us to our table, a cozy spot near a window overlooking the town square.

As we settle in and check the menus, I can't help but steal glances at Hayley. The soft candlelight casts a warm glow on her face, making her even more beautiful.

"So, Hayley," I begin after we've ordered, "tell me something about yourself that I don't know yet."

She takes a sip of her wine, considering. "Well, I used to be terrified of horses when I was a kid. Ironic, considering where I've ended up, right?"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you get over that fear?"

"My father," she says, a fond smile playing on her lips. "He was patient, kind, and stubborn as a mule. He wouldn't let me give up. By the end of one summer, I was riding like I'd been born in the saddle."

"Well, whenever you feel like going for a ride let me know. I can lend you one of my horses."

"Really?" she muses.

"I have fifty of them," I reply, trying to hide my smile.

"Tch, fine. I'll let you know." She rolls her eyes.

I can't help but laugh, each banter keeping me alive.

"So, what did you do back in the city?" I ask.

"Guess." She mutters, tucking her hair behind her ear.

I pause, keeping eye contact with her. Hundreds of professions cut across my mind, but for some reason, there's one that keeps popping up.

"You're a lawyer, aren't you?"

"Wow. How did you get that? Did I ever… did Mrs. Beatrice tell you something?" She asks, unable to hide her surprise.

I can't help but chuckle again,

As she speaks, I find myself captivated not just by her words, but by the passion in her eyes. We spend the rest of the meal trading stories, laughing, and getting to know each other better. I learn about her dreams of starting her own firm here in Redstone, and how she hopes to stay here for a very long time.

Before we know it, hours have passed, and the restaurant is starting to empty. As we drive back to the ranch, a comfortable silence settles between us, broken only by the soft country music playing on the radio.

When we reach her cottage, I walk her to the door, our steps slow as if neither of us wants the night to end.

At her doorstep, Hayley turns to me, her eyes shining in the moonlight. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Austin. Thank you."

"The pleasure was all mine," I reply, meaning every word. "Maybe we could do this again sometime?"

She smiles, and my heart skips a beat. "I'd like that. Goodnight, Austin."

Before I can respond, she leans in and places a soft kiss on my cheek. Then, with one last smile, she slips inside, leaving me standing there, grinning like a fool.

"Goodnight, Hayley," I say softly to the closed door. As I walk back to my truck, I can't wipe the smile off my face. It was more than a good night – it was perfect.

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