Page 55 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

Sebastian nods, launching into a rundown of the day's operations. I listen attentively, part of me wishing I was there to handle these familiar tasks instead of staying thousands of miles away.

As Sebastian wraps up his report, I hesitate for a moment before asking the question that's been on my mind. "Have you seen Hayley this morning?"

There's a pause on the other end, and I can see Sebastian's brow furrow. "No, I haven't. Is there a problem?"

I quickly shake my head. "No, no problem. Just... keep an eye out for her, will you?"

Sebastian nods, though I can see the curiosity in his eyes. As the call ends, I'm left staring at my own reflection on the darkened screen. The face looking back at me is gaunt, with dark circles under the eyes and a day's worth of stubble on the chin.

I run a hand over my face, feeling the weight of the distance - not just the physical miles between Shanghai and Redstone, but the distance between the man I am here and the man I am back home … the man who kissed Hayley under the stars, who feels most alive with dirt under his nails and the open sky above him.

As I turn back to the window, watching the sun climb higher over the Shanghai skyline, I make a silent promise to myself. If Hayley chooses me – all I have to do is make sure she never regrets her choice.

With another sigh, I straighten my tie and prepare to dive back into the documents I need to review. The sooner I wrap this up, the sooner I can get back to where I truly belong.

Chapter twenty-three

HAYLEY

I groan, blinking the last remnants of sleep from my eyes. A frown creases my brow as I realize how bright the room is. Wait a minute - I didn't turn on any lights last night. My heart races as I bolt upright, suddenly wide awake. Sunlight is streaming through the windows, far too bright for early morning.

"No, no, no," I mutter, scrambling for my phone.

The screen illuminates, confirming my worst fears. I've completely slept through my alarm. I'm beyond late.

"Drats!" I exclaim, leaping out of bed.

I dash around the cottage in a frenzy, nearly slipping as I hop into the shower. The water's barely warmed before I'm out again, hastily toweling off and throwing on the first clothes I grab.

As I snatch a piece of bread from the kitchen, I catch a glimpse of my wild hair in the mirror. No time to deal with that now. I'm out the door in minutes, bread clenched between my teeth as I fumble with my keys.

Once in the car, some of the adrenaline fades. My hands grip the steering wheel as I face the path leading to the main house. Suddenly, memories of yesterday come rushing back. Austin's face, so close to mine. The warmth of his lips...

"Oh no," I whisper, resting my forehead against the wheel. My face feels hot. "It wasn't a dream." I move my head slightly, only to hear –

HONK!

I jolt upright with a squeal, accidentally hitting the horn again. Looking around frantically to see if anyone heard, I groan in embarrassment.

"Get it together, Hayley," I mutter.

Starting the car, I opt for the coward's route and reverse, heading for the second gate instead. Little do I know, everything today is determined to work against me.

As I reach town, nervousness gnaws at my stomach. Part of me expects a crowd to surround my car, demanding details about last night.

“I heard you kissed Austin Johnson! – Mrs. Beatrice

“We are from the local channel! It will definitely not happen

“I saw it happen! – probably Mrs. Jenkins

I groan, shaking my head to remove the mental image. Fortunately, the streets are nearly empty. It seems most people have sought shelter from the intense heat.

Almost squatting, I duck through the parking lot and head straight into the building. I finally let out a sigh when there is no one inside too. Back at work, I dive into a backlog of case documents, hoping to lose myself in the task. As I pull a stack onto my desk, my elbow catches the sharp edge.

"Ow!" I wince, rubbing the sore spot.

Little did I know that today is only the beginning.

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