Page 72 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"I swapped out my stock engine for a performance upgrade."

I can't help but feel a swell of pride as I introduce Hayley to some of my rancher friends.

"This is Hayley," I say, unable to keep the smile off my face. "She's a lawyer, if you need someone to represent you – she's got you covered. Not a single loss."

Hayley jabs my side slightly at the attention but holds her own in the conversations that follow. I find myself even more impressed by her intelligence and wit. She's accomplished so much, and yet she's here with me, a simple cowboy. Well, maybe part cowboy, I admit to myself.

As the evening wears on, I turn to Hayley. "How about we grab some dinner? I know a great little place not far from here."

She nods eagerly. "I'm starving and even after all the junk food I put away today. Lead the way, Austin."

The restaurant is a cozy, family-owned Italian place. The soft candlelight casts a warm glow over Hayley's features, making her even more beautiful if that's possible. As we settle into our seats, I decide to take a chance.

"Hayley," I begin, my voice a little shaky. "I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel like I've been waiting for you my whole life. And as silly as this might seem. I thought I might ask you correctly this time. Would you... would you be my girlfriend? Officially?"

I expect her to say yes immediately, but instead, her expression grows serious. "Austin, before I answer that, there's something I need to tell you – and no, I'm not turning you down. I just feel you should know this."

My heart sinks, but I nod, encouraging her to continue.

Hayley hesitates. "After I passed the bar exam, I joined a large law firm in the city. I was so excited, ready to take on the world. That's when I met him – my ex-boyfriend. He approached me, charming and seemingly genuine. I trusted him, Austin. I fell for him hard."

I can see the pain in her eyes, and it takes all my willpower not to reach across the table and pull her into my arms.

She continues, her voice almost a whisper. "It turned out he was working for a rival firm. He used me, got insider information. When it all came out, I lost my job, my reputation... everything I had worked so hard for."

My fists clench under the table, anger boiling inside me at the thought of someone hurting Hayley like that. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," I say, my voice tight with emotion. I almost want to ask her what his name was.

A name can go a long way, and there are many things I could also do.

Hayley looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Because of that, I've been scared to be in a relationship again. But Austin, I want to take that leap with you. You make me feel safe, and cherished. So yes, I would love to be your girlfriend."

Relief and joy wash over me. I reach across the table, taking her hands in mine. "Hayley, I promise you; I will never do anything to hurt you. I'll always be by your side, supporting you, and cheering you on. You can trust me with your heart."

The tension in the air is noticeable, the candlelight flickering in Hayley's eyes. Before I know what I'm doing, I'm leaning forward, and our lips meet in a kiss that's even better than our first. It's soft and sweet, full of promise and hope.

Just knowing that she is now officially my girlfriend makes me feel like the luckiest man on earth.

When we finally pull apart, I can't stop smiling. I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles gently. "I want this for life, Hayley. I'll always try to be the man you deserve."

As we finish our meal, I can't help but ask, "Is there anywhere you've always wanted to go? Any dreams you haven't fulfilled yet?"

Hayley thinks for a moment. "You know, I've always wanted to take a real vacation. Maybe somewhere like the Royal Resort or the Blue Stock Hotel." She pauses, her eyes lighting up. "No, wait! I've always wanted to go to a Johnson Luxury Resort. I've heard it's absolutely amazing."

I nearly choke on my wine. The Johnson Luxury Resort is my hotel chain, but Hayley doesn't know that. For a moment, I'm tempted to tell her, to offer her a free stay, but knowing Hayley, she might not take it. Right here, right now, I don't want to be introducing myself as Austin Johnson, hotel mogul, and seem like I'm bragging.

When I think back later, this might have been a stupid reason. I may wish I would have just told her. But in this moment, surrounded by her twinkling eyes as she continues talking, I decide I might just tell her later.

After all, there is nothing special about me after all. I am just a cowboy. Hayley's cowboy.

"That sounds wonderful," I say instead, watching her eyes sparkle as she talks about her travel dreams. "Maybe we could plan a trip sometime."

As we leave the restaurant, hand in hand, I know I have said this before, but – I can't help but feel like the luckiest man alive. Hayley chose me, trusts me, and wants to be with me. And I'll spend every day making sure she never regrets that decision.

The night air is cool as we walk back to my truck, but I feel warm all over. Hayley leans into me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

All I want to do is protect her … and love her.

Chapter twenty-nine

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