Hailey’s POV
“So how is it that you’re into women and the world doesn’t know?” Paige asked, sipping her wine with a teasing glint in her eyes.
We were out for lunch—just the two of us. Normally, if Paige came along during lunch, she'd sit at a separate table while I mingled with family, friends, or business associates. But not today.
“Because I’m not into women,” I replied with a soft laugh.
She raised an eyebrow. “Last I checked, I’m not a man.”
I laughed harder than I meant to. “You’re something else, you know that?”
She smiled, satisfied with my reaction.
“You’re the first woman I’ve ever liked,” I admitted, my tone softening. “And I honestly can’t see myself feeling this way about anyone else.”
That caught her off guard. She stilled, processing my words.
“You mean that?” she asked, eyes wide.
I nodded, giggling at her stunned expression but meaning every word.
“I grew up around people who didn’t judge. Brooke and I had a close friend in high school who was gay. He moved to Tokyo before I met Xavier.” I paused, thinking back. “So, I guess it’s not surprising that I’d fall for someone like you. You’re beautiful, kind, and... you make me feel seen.”
She blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear. Today, she wore it down. She never did that at work, and I found her even more breathtaking like this.
“Okay, since we’re talking childhood and family...” Paige began, grinning mischievously.
I raised an eyebrow. “We weren’t talking about family.”
“Well, now we are,” she said with a cheeky smile.
I shook my head, laughing.
“I want to know about your brother. Do you talk often?”
“Of course we do. He’s my brother—we talk every day.” I sipped my wine. “You’ll probably meet him one day. Either he’ll visit or I’ll take the kids to see him.”
“Really?” Her face lit up with curiosity.
I nodded. “Only if you’re comfortable, of course.”
“I’d love to,” she said. But then her smile dimmed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Paige,” I said gently. “Talk to me.”
She hesitated, then sighed. “I’m just... worried.”
“About what?”
“What if he doesn’t like me?”
I shook my head. “Don’t overthink it. My brother is the coolest person I know. He’ll love you. And even if you’re not ready to meet him yet, that’s okay too.”
She relaxed slightly. “Right.”
“Tell you what—when I take the kids to Paris, if you’re not ready, you don’t have to come. We’ll go another time. Together.”
“And if he comes here?”
“Same rule. You meet him only when you’re ready.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Paige’s POV
“Hey.” Jason sat next to me on the couch, reaching for the remote on my lap.
“Hey, I was watching that!” I pouted.
“You’ve been smiling at your phone for the last fifteen minutes. You weren’t watching anything,” he teased.
I giggled. “That’s not true.”
He raised a brow just as my phone lit up with another message from Hailey.
“There it is,” he said with a laugh, switching the channel to a documentary.
I smiled, texting her back. She was telling me how much she missed me already—even though I’d left her place barely two hours ago. Her energy for sex amazed me. Part of me figured she’d just been touch-starved for the past five years. She must’ve really loved her husband.
And then... that strange feeling again. Jealousy. He was gone, and yet I envied him. He had years with her. I’d only had weeks.
“You okay?” Jason’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah. Just thinking.”
The elevator dinged before he could say more, and we both looked up as the doors opened. Stephen walked in holding a grocery bag, grinning like he owned the place.
“Hey, guys!” he said, heading toward us.
“Stephen?” I blinked. Jason chuckled beside me.
“He didn’t say he was coming, did he?” Jason whispered.
I shook my head. “Didn’t even know he was back in town.”
“I’m starving,” Stephen said dramatically, dropping the bag on the coffee table and flopping onto the couch. “Oh, right. Surprise!”
I laughed. “You’re so weird.”
“I had a whole speech planned from the lobby,” he said, stretching, “but your apartment is nineteen floors up. I forgot everything by the time I got here.”
Jason and I both burst out laughing.
“Oh God, I can’t breathe,” I said between giggles.
Stephen pouted. “What’s so funny?”
“What’d you bring?” I asked, pointing to the bag.
“Food! Please tell me you guys didn’t cook.”
“We were just about to order in,” I said, standing. “I’ll get you a plate.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Paige.”
“Don’t I know it,” I said with a wink.
____________________
YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Widow
RomanceHailey Anders After the death of her husband, the only thing that can keep Hailey going are her two little kids. They remind her that he still lives in them. Together with the company he left for her. Paige Carson Fresh out of college with impressi...
