Page 12 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

For a while, I forget about all the stress and confusion of the day and enjoy the sweet and loud family.

But as I lie in the guest room that night, my gaze fixed on the ceiling, I realize one big problem.

I can't sleep.

It's almost like a switch has been turned on, preventing even a wisp of sleep from coming my way. My mind races with everything that has happened, everything I've learned. And at the center of it all is Austin – the gray-eyed cowboy who's bought my childhood home and unknowingly turned my world upside down.

As I toss and turn, my initial embarrassment gives way to frustration and then anger. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be in this mess. I wouldn't be homeless, in pain, and completely lost.

Deep down, I know I'm only looking for someone to blame. But in that moment, I don't care.

"Stupid, smug, infuriating, and handsome jerk," I mutter into my pillow.In fact, it’s that kind of handsome that brings on weak knees.

As much as I want to call him an ugly punk, the truth is the jerk is handsome.

But even as I seethe, a small voice in the back of my mind whispers that there is nothing I can do about the house. Andwhether I like it or not, it seems Austin is going to play a significant role in whatever comes next.

With a heavy sigh, I close my eyes, silently praying for sleep to come. Tomorrow is a new day, and I have a feeling it's going to be just as complicated as this one has been.

Chapter six

AUSTIN

The next morning I’m up at dawn as usual. The choking smell of smoke still lingers in the air as I make my way to the damaged barn. The sight of the charred wood and scorched earth makes my chest tighten, but I push the feeling aside. There is work to be done.

As I approach, I see all the ranch hands are already there, hard at work. Their faces light up when they spot me.

"Good morning, boss!"

"Boss, you're here!"

"Morning, boss!"

I tip my hat to them, a small smile playing on my lips. "Morning, fellas. How're we looking?"

Sebastian, my foreman, is already directing the cleanup efforts. "We're clearing the debris, already halfway done."

I nod, rolling up my sleeves. "Mind if I join in?"

Sebastian's eyebrows shoot up. "You joining in, Boss?"

"Sure am," I reply, grabbing a shovel. "Can't let you boys have all the fun, now, can I?"

As we work, conversation flows easily. We talk about everything from the fire to the upcoming rodeo in town. Before long, the sun is high in the sky, and we are already planning how to rebuild the barn.

The heat is intense, causing sweat to roll down my chest. I've long since discarded my shirt, using it to wipe my brow.

Suddenly, I hear a whistle from across the yard. "Hey, boss! I hear you got a lady," one of the hands calls out, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What?" I look over, confused.

"The lady you were with last night. Heard she's a pretty one." Another chimes in.

My mind races. The only pretty lady I can think of is Hayley Miller. But how the heck do they all know she had come here?

"Oh, the boss isn't denying it. I guess it's true," the first-hand cajoles, causing the others to join in.

"Mr. Boss is now a taken man."

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