The Billionaire's Widow

16

Hailey’s POV

The rest of the week flew by. I’d go to work, come home to my beautiful twins, and spend more time with them—helping with homework and anything else they needed.

Brooke was spending more time with her boyfriend. I guess now that I wasn’t being the workaholic, lonely woman I used to be, she didn’t feel the need to constantly check in on me. I was happy for her. Seeing her in a loving relationship made me happy too.

It was Sunday evening, and I was watching a movie in my bedroom. The rain was pouring outside, making everything feel calm and cozy. My phone buzzed with a message. It was Paige’s personal number. I’d taken it when I needed her address once, and since then, we’d texted occasionally.

Paige: I don’t know if you’re sleeping, but I was wondering if I could ask you something.

Hailey: I’m still awake. What’s wrong?

Paige: Nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to know if your kids have any allergies.

I frowned.

Paige: I wanted to bake brownies for them to bring on Saturday.

Hailey: Oh. Um, no—they’re not allergic to anything. I just don’t like them having too much sugar, but it’s okay. You can make the brownies. Cammy will probably love them the most.

Paige: She has a sweet tooth, I’ve noticed.

Hailey: Yup. But wait... you can bake?

Paige: Yes, I can.
Paige: My father’s a chef. We’re really close, so he taught me how to cook and bake.

I suddenly remembered the file Marcus had brought me about her. It said her father was a chef, her mother worked in a bank as an accountant, her older sister was a journalist, and her little brother had just started university.

Hailey: So is the brownie recipe his?

Paige: Nope.
Paige: It’s my late grandmother’s.

Hailey: I’m sorry about your grandma.

Paige: It’s okay.
Paige: Can I ask you another question?

Hailey: Shoot.

Paige: Do you have siblings? You never really talk about your family.

I got that question now and then. Most people were more interested in the Anders than in my own family.

Hailey: I have an older brother. Our parents passed away. He’s married to a French woman, and they live in Paris. He’s a fashion designer. I don’t talk about him much because he’s private, and honestly, interviewers only care about the Anders, not my actual family.

Paige: I understand.
Paige: Before I oversleep again, I better get some rest. Goodnight, Hailey.

Hailey: I’d kill you if you did. Goodnight, Paige.

I placed my phone on the bed and smiled. Paige was really something else. There was something about her that made me feel so comfortable—like I could talk to her about anything. I could tell she was still a little cautious around me, probably because I was her boss, but I always tried to make her feel at ease.

I definitely liked her. But I couldn’t figure out why I liked her so much. It was different from how I felt toward Brooke or anyone else. Every time I tried to understand this feeling, I thought of Xavier.

But unlike before, it didn’t feel like I was betraying him. Back then, even the thought of another man made me feel guilty. This was different. It reminded me of the feelings I had when I first started falling for Xavier... but I couldn’t be falling for her, right?

That would be crazy. Paige was sweet, yes, but I doubted she was someone I could see that way—or even should. What if she had another side I didn’t know about?

No, no, no, no. Stop it, Hailey. She’s just your assistant. Don’t go there.

Paige’s POV

I stared at the ceiling, thinking about Hailey. Barely five minutes had passed since we stopped texting, and I already missed talking to her.

I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I kept thinking about her—whether she was okay, whether she needed anything. I couldn’t possibly be falling for my boss, right? I mean, she was definitely straight. And even if she wasn’t, I didn’t stand a chance.

I turned to my side and sighed, my mind shifting to the upcoming party. If it was a pool party, I’d need a new swimsuit. I had a few already, but I wanted something new—something expensive and classy. Thankfully, I had just been paid.

I smiled at myself for thinking of something that made me feel good. I didn’t want to disappoint Hailey, so I needed to look my best. I already knew she hated people who couldn’t dress well, so I had to go shopping before Saturday.

Okay, Paige, now you're thinking straight. Just stop daydreaming about your boss.

________________________

The scary boss has now finally realised she likes Paige. Who else can't wait to see how long they can keep lying to themselves?