The Billionaire's Widow

22

Hailey’s POV

“Hey.”

Brooke’s voice pulled me out of my trance.

“Hey,” I responded, sitting up from the loveseat like I hadn’t just been staring into space for the past ten minutes.

“You okay? You look... gone.”

I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired. Long day.”

It had been a long day—but not the kind that tires your body. My mind was the problem. One person was taking up every inch of it. Paige.

She barely looked at me today unless it was about work. No mention of the kiss. No awkward apology. No lingering glances. Just straight-up professionalism like it never happened.

Was I that easy to forget?

“Hailey!”

Brooke’s voice shot through my thoughts, sharper this time.

“What?” I snapped, more irritated than I meant to be.

She blinked. “You seriously didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”

I sighed. “Brooke, I said I’m fine.”

“You look like someone ran over your heart,” she muttered. “This about a guy?”

“I’m not seeing anyone.”

She raised an eyebrow.

I froze. “What?”

She smirked knowingly. “Come on, Hails. I’ve known you since we were twelve. You forget I can read you like a book.”

I shook my head and looked away. “You’re being ridiculous.”

She crossed her arms. “Then tell me the truth. Who is he?”

“There’s no one,” I lied, then immediately regretted it. “I mean… I still love Xavier. That hasn’t changed.”

That was half true. Xavier would always be a part of me. But for the first time in years, I wasn’t aching from missing him. I wasn’t lying awake wishing he was here. Now… I was lying awake thinking about her. Paige. Her laugh, her voice, the way her lips felt against mine.

“You can love someone and still move on, Hails,” Brooke said softly.

“I don’t know if I’m ready.”

She grinned. “No one’s ever ready. Sometimes love just slaps you in the face.”

“Well, love needs to mind its business.”

She laughed. “Girl, you need sex.”

“Brooke!”

“What? I’m a doctor. You’re wound up like a ticking bomb. You’ve been snappy, moody, and don’t think I haven’t noticed your recent doctor visits. All signs point to you need a good time.”

I rolled my eyes, hiding my smile.

“And don’t worry, I’m not bringing up one-night stands again. You made your views clear. But you do need someone. For real.”

“It’s not that simple. People talk. They’ll say I’m spending Xavier’s money on someone new.”

Brooke scoffed. “Let them talk. You’ve been running that company for five years. You’ve earned every cent.”

I was quiet. She always knew how to silence my insecurities.

“And speaking of changes,” she said, her tone shifting, “I think Kenneth might propose soon.”

I gasped. “Seriously?”

She nodded, biting her lip. “He’s been talking about weddings and kids lately. Nothing official yet, but…”

I hugged her. “That’s amazing. You two are perfect.”

She smiled. “If he does, you’re my maid of honor, deal?”

“Obviously.”

“But,” she added with a mischievous grin, “only if you find a boyfriend before my wedding.”

I blinked. “You can’t be serious.”

She raised her eyebrow. “Dead serious. Hailey Finley, I’m not letting you show up alone. It’s time.”

I laughed but something in me tightened. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time.

“I’ll talk to Karen and Tony,” I said. “I owe them that much.”

“They’ll understand,” Brooke said, taking my hand. “They love you. And more than anything, they want you to be happy.”

I nodded. “Thank you. For everything.”

“You’ll always have me, babe. But I’d love to see you with someone who makes you smile again.”

I thought about Paige. Her smile. The way my heart fluttered when she walked into a room.

Was it crazy to hope?

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