Page 9 of The Billionaire's Second Chance
Her life in California was amazing. Not only was her career something to be proud of, but her apartment was in one of the most sought-out areas to live. She had everything she’d ever wanted…except Link. That moment, the thought of him being with someone else, had nearly crushed her under the agony of just imagining it. How would she feel when it was real?
Hadley rubbed the spot over her heart and fought to control another wave of tears. She’d been so determined to show people she wasn’t just another kid in the foster system that she’d neglected the one person she loved.
With all her heart, soul, and mind, she wanted Link. She’d give everything she owned, all her awards, everything to be with him.
Then another thought hit her. What if she was too late?
A vision of her life without Link unsettled her to her core. She got out of the car and shut the door, practically running to the restaurant. Whatever it took, she was going to show him that he meant the world to her. That he was all she wanted.
Chapter 8
“I’m telling you, this will work,” Maddison leaned over and whispered to Link. “Trust me. If it doesn’t, then you’ll know for sure.”
What started as asking for a mere ride to the restaurant had turned into a confessional. He hadn’t meant to say anything, but then Maddison had asked about the strange exchange between him and Hadley. From there, it had all just spilled out. From meeting her, to dating her, to the breakup, and finally the strange way she’d behaved when he was helping Maddison.
Link shook his head. “Her career means everything to her. She’ll probably love that I’m moving on. Knowing her, she’d want to meet the new girlfriend even. But I still don’t want to hurt her on purpose with a charade.”
Maddison pulled back with her eyebrows near her hairline. “Oh, I hope to meet a man like you one day. You really are sweet.”
Shaking his head, he smiled. “I’m single.”
She blinked. “First, I’m not a cheater—and, yes, I know, you’re not officially taken. But youaretaken. Second, a man who loves a woman like you love Hadley doesn’t just get over her. I’m not a rebound hound.”
A bark of laughter popped out of him. “That’s one I’ve never heard.” He inhaled deeply, crossing his arms over his chest. “Seriously, though, she’s chosen her career over me time and time again. I’m just done. She’s in a relationship with her career, and there’s no room for me.”
Just then, Bethany stopped next to Maddison and leaned down, hugging her. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Of course I was coming. There’s no way I’d miss your wedding.” Maddison covered Bethany’s hand with hers. “I do need to talk later, though, okay?”
“You bet.”
Out of nowhere, Maddison giggled loudly and smiled wide. “She just walked in the door, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead,” she said through her teeth. “Link, don’t look and be aloof.”
Bethany leaned down again. “What trouble are you stirring?”
Maddison rolled her eyes and turned sideways in her chair, whispering, “His ex is so jealous, it’s a wonder she isn’t turning as green as a bullfrog.”
Bethany’s gaze flicked up and back to Maddison. “Ah.” Pierce’s soon-to-be wife looked at Link. “Yeah, she is not a happy camper. I’m going to go do my host duties and say hello.”
Before Link could peek over at Bethany and Hadley, Maddison placed her hand on his arm. “Just…trust me. Okay?”
He locked eyes with her and nodded. “Okay, but I think you’re wrong.” Then he quickly added, “I don’t have to act like I’m done. I’m moving on, and I mean it this time.” It was less for Maddison and more for himself.
Maddison’s gaze flicked from Link to Hadley and back. “All right, but I’m not wrong.”
“I guess we’ll see.” And just like that, hope built in his chest. He wanted so much for Maddison to be right. If she wasn’t, at least he’d know for sure and he could walk away once and for all.
* * *
Hadley was a woman on a mission.She was going to pull Link aside and tell him she was done. Her career, her choices, everything…they were nothing without him. A few hours ago, she would have thought someone was on something to even suggest she’d give up everything she’d ever worked for. It was like a switch had flipped in her. Seeing Link with someone else had made her nauseous.
“Hey, Hadley.” Bethany stopped her and smiled. “I’m so glad you could make it. We were just about to order dinner. It’s a good thing I live here because if I didn’t, I’d be tempted to eat enough to outgrow my dress. You’re going to love this place.”
Bethany was easy to like, and under normal circumstances, Hadley could spend hours talking to her. To find they had so much in common was a pleasant surprise. Anyone who loved salmon mousse as much as Hadley did was a rare find.
“Uh, yeah, I bet I am.” Hadley peeked around Bethany, watching as Maddison laughed again. It was loud, annoying, and obnoxious—and it had to stop. “I really need to talk to Link.”
“Well, the live music is about to start. Not sure you’ll get much talking done, but there’s a seat across from him. No one’s taken it yet. Maybe during breaks you could talk.” She smiled.
