Page 77 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

I'm about to say something else when the sound of tires on gravel catches our attention. My heart leaps – I'd know that engine anywhere.

"Looks like your lady's here," Sebastian says with a knowing smile. "Go on, we've got this covered."

I don't need to be told twice. "Thanks, guys," I call out, already jogging towards the house.

"Boss! Boss!" Noah yells causing me to cringe.

"Fireman, you do good to leave the boss alone!"

The other ranch hands laugh, while some share amused glances, but I couldn't care less. Hayley's here, and that's all that matters.

By the time I reach the driveway, Hayley's just stepping out of her car. Her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, and there's a tightness around her mouth that wasn't there before.

"Hey, beautiful," I say, pulling her into a hug.

Hayley leans into me, her body tense. As we continue to speak, I begin to notice more signs. The way she's forcing a smile, her lips tilting downwards a bit… I have no choice but to ask if she's okay.

She shakes her head, forcing another smile. "I'm fine, just tired. It's been a long week at work."

I don't push it, even though my gut tells me there's more to it. If Hayley needs something, she knows she can come to me. For now, I'll just be here for her.

With a plan in mind, I decide I'll drive Hayley to town. So, the next day, I get to the cottage as early as possible. During the drive, as I continue to look her way, I hope Hayley will say something- but she doesn't say anything.

As we pull up to her office, just when I think I'll have to try again later, she surprises me with a quick peck on the lips before darting out of the car. The sight of her running away, all flustered, is so adorable it makes my heart swell.

On a whim, I decide to stop by Ms. Jenkins' flower shop before heading back to the ranch. I'll get Hayley her favorite flowers, then we can talk. The bell chimes as I enter, and Ms. Jenkins looks up from her arrangement.

"Well, if it isn't Austin Johnson," she says warmly. "Let me guess – flowers for Hayley?"

I nod, feeling a bit sheepish. "You know me too well, Ms. Jenkins."

As she puts together a bouquet, her expression turns serious. "Speaking of Hayley, is everything alright with her?"

My heart rate picks up. "What do you mean?"

Ms. Jenkins hesitates. "Well, I saw her yesterday. She was arguing with someone outside her office. She didn't look good, Austin."

"Did you hear what they were talking about?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

She shakes her head. "No, but the man lingered around after Hayley left. It gave me an uneasy feeling."

"Was it someone from town?"

"No, a new face. It didn’t seem like a tourist either, but I could be wrong."

I thank Ms. Jenkins for the information and the flowers, my mind racing as I drive back to the ranch. Could it have been one of the people Hayley fought against in court? Something doesn't feel right, and worry gnaws at my gut.

I try calling Hayley that evening, but she doesn't pick up. My texts go unanswered too. By nightfall, I'm so worried that I drive to her cottage, but the lights are off. She must be sleeping, I tell myself, trying to quell the unease in my chest.

The next morning, I'm at her door at dawn. When Hayley opens it, the look in her eyes makes my stomach drop. Her face is pale, eyes red-rimmed from crying.

"Hayley," I breathe, cupping her face in my hands. "What's wrong? Please, talk to me."

She breaks down then, tears streaming down her face. I've never felt so helpless in my life. Seeing her in pain is like a physical ache in my chest.

Between sobs, she tells me everything. Hank Ryder, her ex-boyfriend, the one who betrayed her and ruined her career, is back. He's threatening to drag her name through the mud again because he's involving her in the corruption case.

As she speaks, my sadness turns to rage. I have to restrain myself from leaving to find the miserable man right then. Instead, I focus on comforting Hayley.

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