Page 41 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"Honey, in this town, the news travels faster when I’m there," she winks.

I chuckle, ready to change the topic when she says,

"So how was the date?"

Blast it,I think inwardly.

"It was a thank you dinner. She helped with the birth of a calf," I continue, hoping this would suffice.

"Is it," she says, her eyes glistening with the new information. "Now, what's on your mind? You never stick around for my 'intrusive questions' as you call them."

I clear my throat. "It's about Hayley's new law firm..."

"Ah, looking out for your girl, eh?" Mrs. Beatrice's eyes twinkle mischievously.

"She's not... I mean, we're not..." I stammer. "I was hoping you could spread the word to the ladies during brunch. You know, promote her firm a bit."

Mrs. Beatrice's grin widens. "Oh, Austin Hawkins, you've got it bad. Don't worry, sugar. I'll make sure every gossip in town knows about Hayley's firm by sundown."

I feel a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Thank you, Mrs. Beatrice. I appreciate it."

"Oh, don't thank me yet," she winks. "This favor comes with a price. You'll have to join us for tea sometime and give us all the juicy details about your budding romance."

I groan inwardly but manage a smile. "You drive a hard bargain, ma'am."

As I walk away, I hear Mrs. Beatrice call out, "Don't you worry, Austin. We'll have that girl's calendar filled up faster than you can say 'objection'!"

I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. As I drive back to the ranch, I feel a warmth in my chest. It might not be much, but at least I've done something to help Hayley. And maybe, just maybe, this will give me another excuse to see her again soon.

***

I hear the sound of birds fluttering through the blinds, my wake-up call to stand up. Groaning, I'm about to turn to my side when I'm met with the heavy weight of one of my dogs around my midsection, immediately waking me up.

I gently push Rusty off before stretching, feeling the satisfying pop of my joints as I swing my legs over the side of the bed. It's another day on the ranch, and there's work to be done.

As I pull on my worn jeans and button up my plaid shirt, my mind drifts to Hayley. She's been struggling to attract new clients to her law firm, and I've been doing what I can to help—without her knowing, of course. Yesterday, I spent my lunch break at the local diner, casually mentioning Hayley's office to anyone who'd listen.

"Didn't you have a problem with some of the tourists," I'd said to Mrs. Rice. "I bet she’ll be able to take care of the problem for you in no time."

I grin, remembering how Mrs. Rice's eyes had lit up. "Well, I've been meaning to call the station again, but there was nothing they could do," she'd mused.

Shaking off the memory, I head out to start my day. The cool morning air nips at my skin as I make my way to the stables. The ranch hands are already bustling about, and I nod a greeting to each of them.

"Mornin', boss," Tom croaks, tipping his hat. "We've got those new horses to break in today."

"Right," I reply, rolling up my sleeves. "Let's get to it."

The morning flies by in a whirlwind of activity. We mend fences – a problem we had found after three of the horses went off property. After that, I check on the cattle, including mama and baby, and tend to the endless list of chores that come with ranch life. By midday, I'm covered in a sheen of sweat, my shirt clinging to my skin as I work.

As the afternoon sun beats down, we gather in the corral to tackle the main task – breaking in the new horses. Most of the ranch hands have gathered to watch- because after all, this is supposedly exciting.

"Alright, boys," I call out, "let's show these horses who's boss."

We start with the easier ones, but as we work our way through the group, we come to a stunning black stallion that's been giving us trouble all week.

"Watch out!" Sebastian yells as the horse rears up, nearly trampling one of the younger hands.

My heart races as I see the panic in the horse's eyes. Without thinking, I grab my lasso and swing it over my head. Time seems to slow as the rope flies through the air, landing perfectly around the horse's neck.

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