Page 81 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

I find myself angrily wiping away tears as I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I realize that I’m not angry with Austin, not really. I'm angry at the situation, at the world, at myself… it's just too hard to put all my emotions into words.

On the second night, I decide to go out. I'm determined to have dinner and a few drinks and just relax.

But as soon as I open my hotel room door, my heart stops. Austin is there, looking completely disheveled, with dark bags under his eyes like he hasn't slept in days.

A multitude of emotions hits me at once – the urge to run into his arms, to punch him, to yell at him, to laugh, to cry. But not a single word comes out.

"Hey-" he starts.

"Don't call my name," I snap, pushing past him and striding down the corridor. I have to remember why I am angry in the first place.

I can't give in. I need to stay angry.

"Please look at me, please..." he pleads, following me. "Hayley…"

I keep walking, anger fueling my steps. I head for the elevator, then suddenly change my mind. I spin around, nearly colliding with Austin who is right on my tail.

"I told you I needed time!" I yell, slamming my fist against his chest.

"If I stay away from you, I'll break," he whispers, his voice raw with emotion.

I almost melt, but I force myself to stay strong. "How did you find me? Wait – don't answer that. You have all the money and power to do that, don't you?" I say sarcastically, gesturing wildly.

"I am sorry," he says simply.

"Right, okay," I shrug, trying to act tough. "It's okay, Austin. Or should I say, the owner of Johnson Luxury Hotels? And what else? Do you own Europe too?"

He looks taken aback, then lets out a sigh of relief. "I never meant to hide it from you, Hayley. I just... I loved being just Austin with you. No expectations, no corporate mask. Just me."

"And the case?" I press. "Did you interfere?"

He nods slowly. "I couldn't bear to see you hurt when I had the means to help. I love you, Hayley. This isn't how I wanted to tell you, but I want to spend my entire life with you."

His words chip away at my resolve. "You should have told me," I say, my voice softer now.

"I know. I'm sorry. I was afraid... afraid you'd see me differently. Afraid I'd lose the most real thing I've ever had."

I fight back tears. "Austin, I fell in love with you, not your money or your hotels. But relationships are built on trust. You should have trusted me with the truth."

"You're right," he says, stepping closer. "I promise, no more secrets. I love you, Hayley. All of you. The brilliant lawyer, the small-town girl, every part."

Whoa … he steps back with his head snapping up and says, “WHAT did you say? You love …”

My defenses crumble and I break in. "Yes, I love you too, you idiot," I say, finally allowing myself to get closer, my lips twitching as I try to hide my tears. "But if you ever hide something like this from me again, I swear I'll sue you for emotional distress."

He takes a deep breath, pulling me into his arms. "I'd deserve it. So, with full disclosure, let me tell you that I believe I fell in love with you when I saw you coming over that vegetable garden fence."

Suddenly, we hear applause. We turn to see a group of people in the elevator, grinning at us. They've been holding the door open, watching our entire exchange.

My face burns with embarrassment. "Oh," I mutter, burying my face in Austin's chest.

"Are you folks still going down?" one of the elevator spectators asks, clearly amused.

Austin looks at me. "Do you still want to go out?"

I shake my head. "No. I want to go home."

"Back to the hotel room?" he asks.

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