Page 60 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

I freeze as she begins to speak, my heart swelling with each word she says.

She feels the same way.

To know that someone you like feels the same way is an effing beautiful feeling. I don't know when I started walking toward her. But before I know it, there's barely any space between us.

"I guess all our past bickering was meant to be," I tease, reaching out to hold one of her hands.

"Oh, pleas-"

Before she can complete her sentence once again, the phone begins to ring.

Wei sure knows how to pick his timing.

"I have to take this," I say apologetically, answering the call. "Wei, what is it?"

As Wei speaks, I feel my heart sink. The Japanese team has moved up their arrival time. If I don't leave now, I'll miss the meeting entirely, and the deal will fall through.

I end the call and turn back to Hayley, a deep frown between my brows. "Hayley, I…"

She holds up a hand, a sad smile on her face. "You have to go," she finishes for me.

I nod, feeling torn in two. "I'm so sorry. I want nothing more than to stay here with you, but if I don't go back now..."

Hayley steps forward, closing the distance between us. Before I can react, she's on her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. "Go," she whispers. "We'll talk when you get back. I promise."

My heart soaring, I pull her into a quick, fierce hug. "I'll be back as soon as I can," I promise.

As I rush out of the cottage and back towards the main residence, I begin to make a call.

Chapter twenty-five

AUSTIN

As soon as I climb into the helicopter, I pull out my phone and dial a number from my contact list.

The number is for Vida, the owner of the restaurant Hayley had ordered on our last date.

"Vida, it's Austin. I need a favor," I say, raising my voice over the whir of the helicopter blades.

"Anything for you, boy. What can I do? Sebastian told me you ain't in town."

"Yes, I'm away on business," I reply, raising my voice so she can hear clearer.

"Can you prepare a meal for Hayley and have it delivered to her cottage? Something comforting. She likes your chicken pot pie."

"Consider it done, honey. I'll make sure she's taken care of."

I end the call, a sense of relief washing over me. At least I can do this small thing for Hayley, even as I'm rushing away from her again.

As the helicopter takes off, the wind from the open window brushes against my cheek where Hayley's lips had been just moments ago. I lean back in my seat, my lips twitching into a smile. Despite our interrupted conversation, one thing is clear – we both feel the same way. It's nothing short of a miracle, and the thought makes my heart soar even as the helicopter climbs higher into the Texas sky.

So it's official. But – I still need to ask her again, and this time, come with flowers I couldn't get this time.

I can just imagine the field day the whole town would have when they hear the truth.

I mean – this time, I don't mind a single bit.

I feel like going on national TV and telling the whole world that Hayley and I are now a thing.

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