Page 65 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

By the time I clock out, I'm beyond exhausted and starving. All I can think about is getting home, taking a much-needed warm bath, making something quick to eat, and finally collapsing into bed. Just thinking about it is enough to make me melt.

I get into my car, making my way back to the ranch. And it’s a struggle. I have to keep widening my eyes to stay awake, stopping multiple times to stretch and ensure I'm awake enough to drive safely.

When I finally reach the cottage, I practically crawl up the steps. The temptation to face-plant onto my bed is strong, but my desire to feel clean is much stronger. After a blissfully hot shower, I change into my favorite duck-print pajamas and pad into the kitchen, a towel draped around my neck.

One look around the kitchen, and I know I'm definitely not cooking tonight. I simply don't have the energy. "Ugh," I groan, cursing my past self for not picking up food in town before making the drive back to the ranch.

The thought of going back into town is equally unappealing. With a defeated sigh, I pick up my phone, ready to order delivery. That's when I notice the missed calls.

Instantly, I tense up. The calls are from a foreign number, shortly after my morning chat with my parents. It could be Mom calling from a different phone, or...

My pulse quickens. What if it's Austin?

Gingerly, I perch on a kitchen stool, my heart racing so fast it feels like it might burst from my chest.

And no, I'm not joking.

My heart feels like it's working overtime.

With trembling fingers, I open our chat thread. My left eye twitches nervously as I check the last message - the one I sent last night.

Two blue ticks stare back at me, confirming my fears. He's read it. And he hasn't replied.

The silence feels deafening.

So, it wasn't Austin after all.

"Ha ha, I knew that," I laugh dryly, groaning as I realize how stupid I feel right now.

Looking around, I know I need to cool down. I need air. I need to move.

"A walk," I decide aloud. "I need to take a walk to clear my head."

I return to my room and grab a hoodie, slipping it on over my pajamas. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, I shove one hand into my pocket and open the door.

One.

Two.

Three –

I blink.

This is a dream –right?

The sight in front of me makes my eyes widen to the size of saucers.

There, just a few feet away, stands Austin in the flesh. He's wearing a crisp blue shirt and tie, a big difference to the cowboy image I usually associate with him. His hair is slightly tousled, his tie loosened, and his sleeves rolled up.

Oh. My. Goodness!

Oh. My. Whoah!

The effect is... incredibly attractive.

I catch myself just before my jaw drops even further, managing to call out, "Austin?" I step onto the porch, my voicecoming out in a squeak. "Your cousin said you'd be gone for another week."

He takes a step forward, his eyes never leaving mine. "You said you missed me," he replies, tilting his head slightly.

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