Page 53 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

I close my eyes, the warmth of Austin's kiss still lingering on my lips, and know that whatever I decide, nothing will ever be the same again.

Chapter twenty-two

AUSTIN

I drive back to the ranch with the windows down, hoping the wind will carry away my thoughts of Hayley. But even the rushing air reminds me of her – soft and gentle yet electrifying. I turn on the radio, desperate for a distraction, only to be met with the twanging chords of a country love song.

"Even you are reminding me of her," I mutter to the radio, shaking my head.

I take one hand off the steering wheel, pressing my fingers to my lips. The memory of our kiss is still fresh, still tingling on my skin. I hadn't planned to kiss her, but seeing her cute face, the hint of jealousy in her eyes, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, she was finally ready to accept me – it all pushed me to take that step.

Now, with everything over, I'm left wondering if I've pushed her further away instead.

Did I misread the signs? Was I too forward?The questions swirl in my mind like a dust devil, picking up speed with each passing mile.

I sigh heavily as I turn into the driveway, the gravel crunching under my tires. The house feels even more lonely tonight, dark and quiet – an emotion close to the turmoil in my chest.

I've barely been inside for five minutes when my phone starts ringing. It's on the desk across the room, and I dive for it, my heart racing.Could it be Hayley? Has she decided to reach out after all?

But as I grab the phone, my excitement quickly turns to disappointment. It's not Hayley – it's work.

"Hello?" I answer, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.

"Mr. Austin? This is Zhang Wei from China, I had to use the emergency line," comes the voice from the other end.

My face falls as I listen to what he has to say. Instead of the good news I was expecting about the merger acquisition being finalized, Zhang Wei informs me of a fraudulent alert that's been noticed. The other side has halted the contract for now.

"We need you to come to China immediately," Zhang Wei says, his tone urgent. "They're saying they won't proceed unless you're here in person."

I run a hand through my hair, my mind racing. "How soon are we talking?"

"I've booked a ticket for you," he replies. "But it leaves in an hour. I know it's short notice, but-"

"No, no, it's fine," I cut him off. "Send me the ticket details. I'll be there."

As soon as the call ends, I'm dialing my secretary in the city. "Hey, it's me. I need the helicopter ready and at the ranch ASAP. I've got an emergency flight to catch."

With that arranged, I immediately start packing a small bag, throwing in essentials without much thought. As I zip up the suitcase, I pause, my hand hovering over my phone. I want to call Hayley, to explain why I'm suddenly leaving, to hear her voice one more time before I go. But then I remember my promise to give her space.

Reluctantly, I pocket the phone without making the call, but then I realize how bizarre it will be for her to find me just gone, no explanation. I dial and when her phone goes to voice mail, I tell her briefly that I have to leave on a business trip and that I’ll call her as soon as I get home. After I hang up I add to myself, “Oh yes, and Hayley, I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

The only person who can come here tonight to look after my dogs is Sarah, my cousin. She's been here briefly to see me – and probably to update my mom and sister about my private life. According to them, I barely tell them anything these days.

I quickly type out a message to Sarah: "Emergency work trip. Need you to watch the dogs. I owe you one."

Her reply comes almost instantly:No problem, cuz. But you better tell me all about this Hayley when you get back.??

I can't help but smile. News travels fast in a small town, especially when your family is as nosy as mine.

The distant sound of chopper blades reaches my ears, growing louder by the second. I grab my bag and head outside, watching as the helicopter descends onto the open field near the house. The wind whips around me, and for a moment, I'm reminded again of Hayley – of how it felt to hold her close, to finally taste her lips.

As I climb aboard the helicopter, I cast one last look towards the cottage…Part of me is relieved; I'm not sure I could have left if I'd seen her. Another part aches, wishing for one last glimpse.

The helicopter lifts off, and I watch as the ranch grows smaller beneath us. Hayley's car isn't in the driveway – she's not back yet. My thoughts are a jumble of business concerns and memories of Hayley – her laugh, her smile, the way she looked at me tonight. I don't know what I'll be coming back to when this trip is over. Will she have decided to give us a chance? Or will my sudden departure have ruined everything?

***

Sixteen hours after leaving Redstone, I finally touch down in Shanghai. The thousand lights below couldn't be more different from the ranch I left behind…

---