Page 51 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"I uhm, I need to get back. I just wanted to say hi," I say.

"Oh OK," she responds.

I expect her to leave as I slowly walk away, but for some reason, she remains at the door.

Wasn't she about to leave earlier?

As I get to my car, I can still feel her gaze on my back.

Friends, hmm? Is that really all?

My mouth feels bitter.

Later that night, I get a text from Austin.

Hey, sorry I'm texting late, I just came back from town. Are you still interested in the pumpkin pie? I can bring it for you tomorrow?

The longer I stare at the words, the harder it feels to reply.

In the end, I send only six words.Thank you, but maybe next time.

As I slowly drift to sleep, Mrs. Jenkins's words keep coming back. "There are multiple women in town looking for a chance with him."

There are multiple women – indeed.

***

A few days later, late evening with barely anyone around, I run into Austin at the flower shop.

The first thing that comes to my mind is to run towards him and talk to him – since it has been a few days.

But as I get closer, I realize he's examining a bunch of daisies, his brow furrowed in concentration.

They are my favorite flowers.

At that moment, I feel my mouth turn bitter once more.

It's probably for her isn't it!

The sentence flashes through my head, startling me.

Flustered, I'm about to walk away when Mrs. Jenkins calls out to me. "Hayley, are you here to see Austin?"

I wince, knowing there's no way to escape.

Immediately, Austin looks up, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Hayley! I was just about to come to your office."

"Yeah?" I reply, sounding a bit defensive as I fold my arms against my chest.

I know Austin hasn't done anything wrong, but for some reason, I find it hard to soften my tone.

"How are you?"

"Good…"

"You must have been busy, uh…" he says.

"Yeah."

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