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Chapter 33: Hailey's Father Worsens
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2023-08-18 14:05:42Related chapters
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 34: Noah Shows Another Side
"Let's leave Henry alone to look through everything," Noah said."I'll take a look at your father and review his chart and any medical records I can find. It'll only take me fifteen minutes," Henry said. "Thank you, Dr. Forsythe," Hailey said. Noah put his arm around her and led her out of the room. She wasn't concerned about what the doctor would say. She was concerned about how much it was going to cost. "I wish you hadn't called him."When they reached the waiting room, Noah pulled Hailey into a full-body hug. She needed his warmth and strength and would genuinely miss it when he was gone. For now, she melted into him, taking whatever he was willing to give. He kissed the top of her head. "Why not?"She loosened her grip on him and looked up. She rested her chin on his chest. How did she tell him? She chose to just say it. There was an elephant in the room and she was willing to point it out. "I can't afford him."Noah looked down at her, brushing a hair from her face. "Don't worr
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 35: Surgery
Fifty percent of the people who had this operation survived. It was risky, made worse by how long her father had been sick. As she walked back to the waiting room, she hoped her father was part of that demographic.She couldn't imagine being alone in the world. He'd always been there for her. Lately, she'd been there for him. Noah stood when she entered the waiting room. "We're supposed to go to the Cardiac Suite waiting room," he said. "Cardiac Suite. Sound like a bad hotel?"He flashed her a quick grin. "Not a place I'd want to stay, but I think your father will be in good hands.""Thank you for all that you've done. You don't have to stay. This could be hours."He picked up both of her hands. "I'm not going anywhere. I've told the director that I've had a family emergency and he's rearranging the filming schedule for me tomorrow.""Oh, Noah. I've disrupted your life."He shrugged. "You forget. I'm a big star. I can hold my breath until they do my bidding."She appreciated the lev
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 36: After Surgery
Hailey warmed to the subject of her father. She had many stories since it had just been the two of them for many years. Noah listened to everything she said as if she were the only other person on the planet. He made the time go quickly. "When I was sick as a child, he would bring me a new coloring book on his way home from work.""That's nice.""I loved to color as a kid so it was always a welcome gift. I managed to fill them up before I got better," Hailey said.It was a sweet memory. Her father had always been her hero. To see him this sick had taken a piece out of her. She was pretty sure her father was equally unhappy with being laid up. Noah looked at his watch. "I'm sure they'll be done soon.""We haven't had an update since the first one.""Henry's pretty focused so he may have lost track of time. It doesn't mean anything, Hailey. Henry is the best. I promise you he'll do everything in his power to make your father better."She appreciated Noah's pep talk. Her anxiousness wa
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 37: The Morning After
When Hailey returned to the waiting room, she had a smile for him that warmed him to his soul. She also had a piece of paper that she handed him. "It's from my father."He tucked it into his pocket. "I'll read it later. How is he?""He's good. Sleeping. Henry said the surgery went well," Hailey said. She looked like she could fall asleep on her feet. She flopped into a chair. "Let's get you home. I'll send Kevin a text.""I'm not ready to go home. A little too a wired.""You look tired, Hailey.""Thanks for the compliment."He laughed. "Sorry. I'm just worried.""I need food.""You're hungry?"She smiled up at him. "Yes.""There' s diner down the block I saw on the way in here. That sounds good?""Pancakes. My father used to make me pancakes when I was sad.""But you're not sad," Noah said, sitting down next to her. He could wait as long as she needed. He'd gotten to see into her soul tonight and he liked what he'd seen. She was devoted to her father and that warmed Noah's soul. Fam
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 38: Hailey's Past
Each time Hailey learned a new fact about Noah, she liked him even more. That was bad. He was going to leave in months and she couldn't let him take her heart with him. She wasn't the type of woman to have a fling. This relationship couldn't go any further, but she did like him a lot. "Wow. That's very...""Odd?" he said, finishing her sentence for her. "No. Sweet."He flashed a wan smile. "Okay.""You don't think it's sweet?""I'm not sure I like being called sweet. I'm a man and all."Hailey laughed. "Yes, you are a man and no one would question that, Noah. It's unexpected your ideas about nudity, that's all. Not odd. Nice."Noah grimaced. "I'll take nice. I do my best to be nice."Hailey picked at the rest of her pancakes. She was full, but they had been the best pancakes she'd ever eaten. She didn't know if that was because of the diner or the company. Maybe she just needed comfort food so badly right now that the pancakes tasted good. They could be crap on another day."That's n
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 39: Hailey's Confession
Noah climbed into the limousine beside Hailey and she didn't know what to say. He must have heard what the reporter said. Her head spun as she grasped at words, but the reporter wasn't completely wrong. Noah's jaw was clenched, which was the only indication that he was angry. Hailey couldn't blame him. She should have said something, but she never imagined it would come up. The records were sealed because she'd been a juvenile."Noah."He put up his hand. "Kevin, can you get us out of here?"He should have left her behind. He could have left her to the wolves, but he didn't. Noah was a much nicer man than she deserved. "I can, sir. I can back up in the alley.""I'm impressed, then.""All in a day's work sir," Kevin said. The car lurch backward and Hailey wondered at Kevin's talent. He didn't scrape the limousine on either side as he traversed to the other end of the alley. In reverse.Hailey held her breath until they were on the street moving forward again. Noah hadn't reached for
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 40: Noah Calls His Lawyer
Noah was probably a complete *ss for ditching Hailey at the moment. She'd been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours, but he needed some space.She'd been arrested. He was a man who had never rebelled. He'd done stupid things as a youth, but nothing criminal. Could he be around someone like that? One of the things he disliked about Hollywood was that they all bent the rules. He liked the rules. They kept things polite. He glanced back as he rushed into the house and his heart broke at how forlorn Hailey looked. He steeled himself. She should have told him everything. No, he hadn't told her everything about his life, but there were no skeletons. One of the reporters had talked about someone dying. It had made Noah's heart seize. He should have had his lawyer do a more thorough background check before any contracts were signed. Noah would be part of a scandal and he'd spent his life avoiding them. He didn't know where to go so he headed to his office. "Sir?" Rochester said.
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 41: Noah's Regret
Hailey watched helplessly as Noah stormed into the house. He'd almost knocked Rochester over. Kevin held the car door open, but his mouth was in a grim line. "I'm sorry, Miss Johnson. Mr. Magellan doesn't normally have a temper.""Well, I guess I've stretched him these days. No need to apologize. I've done it to myself.""I doubt that, Miss Johnson."She'd miscalculated, was what she'd done. She had never thought that her past would come back and rear its ugly head. "Thanks for your support, Kevin.""Yes, Ma'am."Hailey left Kevin in the driveway. She wouldn't pursue Noah. He had a right to his space. She went to her room. She might as well pack. She doubted that he would let her stay here. Her apartment lease wasn't up yet and she'd paid the rent so she could go back there. She shuddered at the idea having enjoyed the quiet and lack of crime out in the suburbs. She was tough. She could go back there and still be okay. She might lose her job, but she didn't want that job anymore. Hav
Last Updated : 2023-08-18
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Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 50: Noah Comes Clean
"Noah," Hailey said as she slid off of her father's bed. Noah strode into the room. He still had manners so he extended his hand to Hailey's father. "I'm Noah Magellan."Judd took his hand and the grip was firm. He looked a lot better than the last time Noah had been here. Judd had been unconscious. Noah had done his best to give Hailey and her father space while he was recuperating. "Judd Johnson.""I've heard a lot about you," Noah said. His gaze strayed to Hailey who hadn't moved away from her father. Her mouth hung up as if she'd been surprised to see him. "I've heard a lot about you, too.""Thank you for that note, sir. It has made a difference in my life," Noah said. That was why he was here. Life was too short to be away from the woman he wanted by his side. "I'm glad. It's important to remember that," Judd said.Noah now couldn't take his gaze off Hailey. "Can we go somewhere and talk?" Noah asked. "If you don't mind."Judd waved a hand. "I think it's time for my morning
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 49: Hailey Makes Some Moves
"You look amazing, Daddy," Hailey said. She wasn't sure how much of the last few hours she should share with her father. He would want to know everything. He'd want to know the truth. He was probably healthy enough to help her deal with it all or even just listen.She sat on the edge of his hospital bed. He would be released later today back to his rehabilitation facility. His prognosis was better than it had ever been. She couldn't be happier to know she would have her father back. Having made a mess of her life, it might be nice to just be under his wing again. Even if it was only for a little bit. "I'm not sure about amazing, but I feel better than I have in a long time. The surgery worked and I couldn't be happier.""Me, neither.""You don't look so happy, Hailey. Troubles?"She frowned and sighed. "It's been a crazy day and now I'm adrift."She couldn't keep any thoughts in her head. She had no idea what her future held, but she knew Noah wasn't in it. Even if Cassandra had bee
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 48: Noah Finishes Filming
Noah asked a crew member to bring Hailey to the set. She'd never seen him act and he was excited for her to be there. Even if he never planned to make a movie again, he wanted to share this with her. He wanted to share everything with her, but the contact had held him back. That was ending and then he could tell her how he truly felt. His heart leaped in his chest at the idea that he and Hailey could begin a true life together. No contract. No lying. He couldn't wait to bring her back to Tennessee and work out the logistics of them being together. He could build a house for her father on their property. He would do anything for Hailey. He wanted to spend his life making her happy and if she needed her father close then he would accommodate. The crew member came back. "I can't find her.""Maybe she was in the restroom."The crew member shook his head. "Cassandra said she'd seen her walking towards the parking lot."What had Cassandra done now? Noah couldn't deal with it. "Could you s
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 47: Hailey Questions Things
Life is short.That was what was on the piece of paper that Hailey's father had given Noah. Hailey wondered if she should take that advice also. Production of the film had been delayed because of Noah's stitches, but now they were down to the last days. She hadn't made any moves and they'd hummed along like friends who kiss. If Hailey was going to express anything to Noah, she needed to do it soon.He'd invited her on set that day and she accepted. She hadn't gotten to see much filming last time and her editor had had her busy with other assignments. Today would be the day. Hailey would stake her claim. She'd gotten the impression from Noah that he was interested so she was going to go for it in a public way. Kevin parked the new limousine Noah had rented. The driver still had some bruising on his face, that was the last of the evidence of their accident. A man had been arrested in the case and Noah and Hailey would have to testify. She wasn't afraid and it would cause Noah to come
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 46: Noah's Change of Heart
Noah breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't one of his fans that put them in the emergency department. It was some random person.He didn't like that they were there at all, but at least he didn't need to feel responsible. She squeezed his hand as she answered questions. "I'm sorry we couldn't tell you more. It was dark."The office grimaced. "It always is and it isn't the same car every time, but we think it is the same person. The accidents have happened in the same mile stretch of that road," the officer said.He closed up the notepad he was writing on a frown on his face. He handed Noah a card. "If you think of anything else, please call me.""Will do," Noah said. "You're going to have to get a new limousine," Hailey said. "If there ever was a first-world problem, this is it. Kevin called a tow truck. I called a rental place to get a car to drive us home," Noah said. "Should any of us be driving?" she asked. She had a point and Noah had no plans to make Kevin drive them home. He
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 45: A Turning Point
"Is everyone okay?" Kevin asked from the front. When Hailey looked that way, she could see blood. "Sore, but I think I'm okay. What about you Kevin?""The airbag hit me that's it. Nothing was broken from what I can tell.""Noah?" Hailey asked.He had been quiet, but he reached out to her. "I'm bleeding."Hailey could see that he had a gash on his head. "I'll call for an ambulance.""Already done," Kevin said.Hailey had an overwhelming desire to just get out of the car. She needed fresh and to make sure she was still in one piece. "Let's climb out."Her door was wedged into a bush and she couldn't budge it. "Let's try my side."Kevin was outside yanking the door open. "Let's assess and meet the ambulance crew by the road. We didn't travel that far down the hill."Noah took Hailey's hand as they ascended to the road. When they reached it, they found a streetlight where they could look at their wounds. They were all bleeding. "We are a sight, I'm sure," Hailey said. "Do you think that
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 44: Trouble
"Filming always seemed glamorous."Noah grimaced. "It's a lot of waiting around to make it all look seamless in the end.""I guess it's like sausage. You shouldn't see it made. It loses its appeal," Hailey said. "I have a confession to make," Noah said. Hailey's heart seized. What could Noah need to confess? "Okay.""I've been putting off telling you something.""Go ahead," Hailey said.She couldn't imagine it was any worse than her revelation of juvenile hall. If Noah had something comparable to say, he would have said it then. Still, she couldn't imagine what was going on in his head. He stopped them and turned to her. "I have an event tonight.""Okay." She shrugged. "What kind of event?""It's a fundraiser for a charity I often give to. I'm not in town usually, but they always invite me. I should have told you sooner. It's tomorrow night."Hailey wasn't sure how to unpack all of that. "Do I need to attend?""Yes, and be a loving girlfriend."That wasn't going to be difficult. She
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 43: Their Date
Hailey studied him. "Like a date?""Yes. It's normal for a man to take his girlfriend out for dates.""But I'm not a real one.""But we need to be in public at least a little bit. I feel as if you've been cramped in this house for days since your father's operation. You've been to see him and nothing else. Let's go for a drive.""Is Kevin available?""I gave him the afternoon off. Just you and me, Hailey."She liked that idea, but why was he doing this? No one would see them."I scoped out a cool road along the river," Noah said."You have a plan."It sounded like a date. It felt like a date. Why was he doing this? She would have preferred to only pretend when they had to. She would lose her heart to him if she kept spending time with him. His face had that small smile on it that she found irresistible. She was going to give in and she knew it. She'd have a good time, but at what cost? "It'll get your mind off of your father," Noah said. He was always thinking of her. "So what's th
Her Reluctant Billionaire Boyfriend Chapter 42: Day of Filming
Noah was still thinking about that kiss the next day when he was on set. He was distracted, but he'd learned his lines so no one noticed. Well, Cassandra might have noticed. They were filming outside again and the weather was cooperating. Noah couldn't complain about the day. What he could complain about were the constant interruptions. He and Hailey had laid low since their interaction with the reporters. He knew eventually they would have to make a statement, and his publicist was working on it. Until then, she's insisted that they stay out of the public eye.Noah would do that happily if there wasn't a gaggle of his fans in the parking lot to the studio. An amateur could have found out where they were filming. The director, Marvin Knight, had built it himself so he could be close to his family. What he hadn't provided was enough security to keep the crowd away. Marvin grimaced as he yelled, "Cut."The crowd shouldn't be there making that much noise and Noah sighed. Cassandra loo
