Page 56 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

I've barely settled in when my pen decides to explode, ink pouring over the first page and seeping into others.

"No, no, no," I mutter, trying to blot it up. My efforts only smear the mess further. With this mess - I'll have to reprint everything and start from scratch, losing all the case notes I wrote on the pages.

Normally, I write it separately. But now, it was too late for what-ifs.

I decide a coffee break is in order, but of course, I used the last pod yesterday. Instant coffee it is, then. I grab a packet, tearing it open with more force than necessary. Coffee grounds explode everywhere, dusting my desk and clothes.

I freeze, staring at the mess in disbelief. I can't even bring myself to laugh - it's that kind of day.

Irritated, I head to the bathroom to clean up. Fate, apparently not satisfied with my suffering, delivers another blow. The faucet decides to spray all over me.

"You've got to be kidding me," I groan, leaning against the sink.

Throughout the rest of the day, I navigate a minefield of minor disasters. My thoughts keep drifting to Austin. I find myself checking my phone, half-expecting (hoping for) a text from him. Then I remember our agreement to take some time apart.

The urge to call him is almost overwhelming. Tears prick at my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Instead, I scrape my hair into a messy bun and throw myself back into work.

By the time I return to the ranch, I'm beyond starving. I realize I haven't eaten all day beyond that single piece of bread this morning. Once again, I'm tempted to go to the main house. Maybe Austin will be there. Maybe we can talk...

But in the end, I don't. I retreat to my cottage, trying to ignore the gnawing ache in my chest that has nothing to do with hunger.

I also can’t sleep. And so, I was left with tossing and turning, replaying every moment with Austin in my mind. His smile, hislaugh, the kiss, the moment at the garden, the kiss, swimming together, the kiss. The meals we've shared, the stolen moments of laughter. The way his texts always seem to arrive when I need them most. His voice on the phone, a lifeline when I'm feeling lost.

It's only as dawn breaks that I finally drift off into a fitful doze. And as my body slips into rest, the blasted alarm rings.

I silence it immediately, but the damage is done. Feeling exhausted, I decide to take a much-needed day off. I cocoon myself in blankets, trying to find a position that doesn't hurt.

As evening falls, I finally manage to eat - a bowl of warm tomato soup that soothes both body and soul. Curled up on the couch, I let my mind wander back to Austin. Putting it all in perspective, I realize how deeply he's woven into the strings of my life here. And how much I miss him, even after such a short time apart.

"Enough," I mutter, setting down my empty bowl. "This is ridiculous."

I need to see him. To clear the air, to figure out where we stand. Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm grabbing my keys and heading for the main house.

As I approach, I hear voices. Charles and Antonio are at the barn, engrossed in conversation. I slow my steps, not wanting to interrupt.

"...should be back soon," Charles is saying. "With the boss not around, everything slows down."

Antonio nods. "Austin hates leaving on such short notice, but you know how it is with these business emergencies."

My heart sinks. Austin's not even here? I retreat quietly, not wanting to bother them. For a moment, I consider calling Austin but decide against it. This is a conversation we need to have face-to-face.

"Tomorrow," I whisper to myself. "I'll come back tomorrow."

The next day, I find myself once again standing in front of the main house door. My palms are sweaty as I knock, my heart racing with anticipation.

It feels like my heart will jump out, my breath becomes ragged.

One.

Two.

The door swings open, but it's not Austin. Instead, I'm greeted by the same woman from that night – Sarah.

"Hi there!" she says brightly. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, um..." I stammer, thrown off guard. "I'm looking for Austin?"

Her face lights up even more, and for the first time I could see the resemblance. "Come on in!"

---