The Billionaire's Widow

73

Kim's POV

"It's open!" I called, tightening the laces on my boots. The Christmas holidays couldn’t come soon enough. I was desperate to see my family again. Honestly, if I wasn’t the most headstrong employee Logan had, I’d be working that day — the busiest of the year — but after everything that man put me through, I think I’ve earned a break.

And just like that, speak of the devil — Logan walked into the room.

“Good morning.”

“Morning, Logan,” I replied, reaching for my jacket.

“You know, by now I thought you would’ve quit the hotel. You’re not obligated to work there anymore, Kimberly.”

I had thought about quitting — more than once. But then I realized… no one else could spend the whole day around him and still survive.

I didn’t say that out loud, of course.

“It keeps me busy,” I said simply, pulling the jacket over my shoulders. “Stops me from overthinking.”

“I could get you a better job. One you’re actually qualified for. It’ll still keep you busy.”

I let out a breath. “You never wanted me to be an accountant, Logan. Not in your company, not anywhere else. You chose waitress for me. I’ve gotten used to that now.” I picked up my phone from the bed.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Logan, you don’t need to apologize for being yourself.”

He cleared his throat. “I wanted to ask… would you be okay spending Christmas with my mom and the rest of my family?”

“Your mom?” I blinked. I hadn’t seen her in years.

“Yeah. I know it’s been a while, but I thought maybe you’d be alright with it.”

I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to see my own family. I'd already made plans. But if I said no, would that make him snap again? How was I supposed to play the perfect wife in front of his family, after everything?

“Kimberly?”

I looked up.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to go,” he said gently. “I told you — I won’t force you to do anything anymore.”

I took a deep breath, my chest tight. “I had planned to be with my family. Spend time with my siblings. My parents. I haven’t seen them in two years.”

He nodded slowly. “I know. And that’s my fault.”

He looked like he meant it this time.

“It’s okay,” he added after a moment. “You can use my jet, if you’d like.”

I blinked again. “Really?”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I checked the time. “I should get going.”

“Right. I’ll see you later.”

He left the room.

I sat on the edge of the bed, stunned. Since when did Logan offer options? Since when did he ask instead of order?

“Who told Logan to change?” I mumbled. “This is not him…”

I shook my head, still trying to process it.

“Kimberly, you are one lucky bitch,” I whispered to myself. “That man just let you say no… and offered you his jet?”

Then it hit me.

“Shit — work!” I grabbed my bag and bolted out the door.

Paige's POV

I had just sat down with my coffee when someone knocked.

“Come in!” I called.

Kimberly walked in, shutting the door behind her before stepping closer.

“Can I help you?”

“Not really,” she said casually. “Just here to let you know I won’t be around from the twenty-fourth.”

I frowned. “You quitting?”

“Maybe.”

I sighed. “Kim, I’m your boss. I need a real answer.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, not yet. I’ll be back next year.” She grinned, as if amused.

I studied her. “I still don’t understand what Logan sees in you. He lets you get away with everything.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Who I’m with is none of your business.”

“I’m not saying it is. I’m just wondering why he gives you this much freedom.”

“Why does everyone think he likes me? Do you make someone you like a waitress?” she asked sharply, clearly annoyed.

“Then what is your deal with him?”

She scoffed. “Paige, you told me to stay out of your life, remember? So please — return the favor. Stay out of mine.”

She stood up and turned for the door.

“Miserable life?” I echoed, catching the words she’d let slip. She stopped walking.

“Kim, you barely work unless you want to. You vanish for days and I don’t say a thing — because Logan told me not to. You’re practically untouchable here. How is that miserable?”

She turned and looked me dead in the eye. “Paige, I thought you were smart. If I’m his ‘favourite,’ why am I stuck cleaning tables instead of working at his company?”

I blinked. She had a point.

She had a degree. She could be anywhere. Why here?

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “You tell me.”

“As what?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“As what, Paige?” Her voice sharpened. “You want me to admit that Logan isn’t keeping me here because he likes me — he’s punishing me. But what are you to me, really? You said we’re not friends. So what right do you have to ask?”

Something about that stung more than I wanted to admit. I looked at her — really looked — and she looked tired. Not physically. Emotionally. Like she’d been fighting a battle every day and didn’t have much left in her.

I exhaled slowly. “You still should’ve told me. I know I’ve said some horrible things. But I thought you were trying to ruin my relationship with Hailey. That’s why I was angry. If you’re in trouble, that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me. I do care, Kim.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t care about me, Paige.” She started to walk but then stopped. “And for the record, I did try to tell you that night at your place but you were to drunk to hear me out.”

And then she walked out.

And for once, I didn’t chase after her.

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