Page 52 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"I thought as much since I didn't get a reply." He shrugs, a smile on his lips.

As I stare at his face, I feel a bit guilty since the truth is I had intentionally left his message unread. "I just… a lot of cases these days," I mutter, unfolding my arms.

"I get it…" He nods. "I’ve also been busy these days. Business meetings and whatnot."

"Yeah, I know," I mumble beneath my breath. I can't shake the memory of Sarah's visit, especially the fact that she has stayed back like she owned the house or something. Before I can stop myself, the words tumble out. "Your girlfriend is really lovely, by the way."

I freeze.

What did I just say? Why did I say that? Why!!!

I wish the ground would open and swallow me.

Austin's eyebrows shoot up. "My girlfriend?" he asks, confused.

I feel my cheeks heat up. "Sarah? She came by the other night..."

Understanding dawns on his face, followed by amusement. "Sarah's my cousin, Hayley. Definitely not my girlfriend."

"Oh," I say, feeling foolish. "I just assumed..."

He steps closer, his eyes locked on mine. "There's no girlfriend, Hayley. There hasn't been for a long time."

The air between us seems to crackle with electricity. I'm acutely aware of how close we are, of the warmth radiating from his body. Time seems to slow as he leans in, his hand gently cupping my cheek.

At that moment, I forget the fact that the flower shop is just a few feet away and that Mrs. Jenkins is probably staring at us through the window.

Heck, I forget everything… and it feels like we are the only ones in the world at that moment.

Our lips meet, and the world fades away. The kiss is soft, sweet, and over far too soon. As we part, I feel dizzy, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Austin murmurs, his forehead resting against mine.

I struggle to form words, my mind reeling. Did that really just happen? I can still feel the warmth of his lips on mine, the ghost of his touch on my skin.

"Hayley," he says softly, "would you like to go out with me? On a real date?"

My heart soars at his words, but fear creeps in, tempering my joy. I want to say yes, more than anything, but something holds me back.

Austin must sense my hesitation. He caresses my cheek gently, his eyes full of understanding. "There's no pressure," he assures me. "Take some time to think about it. I'll be here when you're ready."

I nod, grateful for his patience. We part ways, and how I manage to drive home in a daze – I would never know. Because my emotions are a swirling mess.

I kissed him.

We kissed.

He kissed me.

I-

Kissed!?

Back at the cottage, I don't bother turning on the lights. I make my way to the bedroom and curl up on the bed, hugging a pillow to my chest.

On one side, I'm happier than I've been in years. The kiss replays in my mind, sending shivers down my spine. But on the other hand there's still something holding me back, a nagging fear I can't quite shake.

As I lie there in the darkness, I realize I'm at a crossroads. Do I take a chance on love again, on Austin? Or do I let my fears control me?

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