“If you’re sure, but please be careful.”
She thought about Blaise, his sweet smile and the heat in his eyes after he’d kissed her. “I am. And I will.”
* * *
On Friday, as Hadley waited for her flight to board for Las Vegas, her phone rang. Wes Lockhart’s name on the screen made her smile. He’d had a date last night with a woman Hadley thought would be perfect for him, and she couldn’t wait to hear how it went. “Hi, Wes.”
“Ready to join us in Las Vegas?”
All of Blaise’s friends would be at the conference, but he’d promised they would spend time alone. She wouldn’t be greedy as long as she got a kiss. Okay, a few kisses. Not to mention hugs. “I’m at the gate now.”
“I wanted to talk to you without Blaise around.” Wes sounded…troubled.
“What’s going on?” She kept her voice light.
“I went on my date. Julia is a lovely woman. I can see why you chose her for me. Any other time…”
Hadley had heard this from clients before, but Wes had a reason why he felt this way. Or at least she thought he did. “It’s not her, it’s you?”
“I should be ready to date again, but I’m not.” Wes sighed. “Or maybe I don’t want to or… I don’t know.”
The mix of confusion and anguish in his voice made her want to reach through her phone and hug him. If only that were possible. “There are no shoulds. No one can decide when you’re ready, only you.”
“But the guys—”
“Care about you. They want what’s best for you.”
“Like we do with Blaise.”
“Exactly. You’ve been through a lot with the cancer. You’re young.”
“Dash would beg to differ.”
She laughed. “Okay, you’re young compared to everyone but Dash.”
That brought a laugh from Wes. “I just think I need more time to deal with everything I’ve been through.”
“Then take it. There’s no reason to rush.”
“Blaise…”
“Do you want me to talk to him about it?”
“Would you?” Relief filled Wes’s voice. “I was a jerk when he told us about his past, more out of being hurt he didn’t trust me when I trusted him with everything when I was sick.”
“He understands.”
She had no doubt about that, but Blaise would have to realize Wes’s well-being was more important than the bet. Because this was two separate issues. They just affected each other.
“How about I bring it up to him first?” she offered. “Pave the way so to speak?”
“That would be great. Thanks, Hadley.”
A boarding announcement that included her row was made.
“I need to get on the plane.”
“Have a good flight,” Wes said. “I’m happy Blaise found you, Hadley. You’re perfect for him.”
