Page 42 of Starting Over with Her Billionaire Boss

Kinsley looked flustered. “Nothing.” She was quick with her response, like a child getting caught.

He raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin. “Something I should know about?”

“What? I can’t get into my suitcase?” She stood, brushing some pet hair off her knees.

“Come outside with me. I thought I could show you around, maybe have a quick bonfire before the storm rolls in.”

“Are you sure you’re not just trying to get me alone again?” Kinsley’s smirk was as playful as her tone.

“What if I am?” He closed the gap between them, voice low as his gaze locked onto hers.

“Then I guess I’d better make it worth your while,” she murmured.

“I’ll show you all the cool spots,” he laughed with the giddiness of a child. “I used to love exploring this place when I was a kid. But first, we should grab a blanket in case it gets chilly by the fire.”

Daegan gave Kinsley a tour of the outside along with a few of the animals, including LeBron—the stallion—and Snoop Dogg—the bull. He shared a few family stories, including one about how he once had to track down three escaped horses, one properly named Houdini.

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” she joked teasingly.

“Maybe to you I am,” he laughed.

“So what’s with all the interesting names for the animals?” Kinsley asked as Daegan led her towards the firepit.

“Aunt Tilly thinks she’s staying relevant—or something like that.”

“I guess that’s one way to do it.” Kinsley smiled.

It took a few minutes to get the firepit set up. But, as the sun began to set, crackling flames were casting a luminous glow around them.

They sat down on a log bench near the fire, basking in its warmth. The flickering light danced across their faces. Kinsley scooted closer to Daegan, their shoulders brushing against each other beneath the blanket.

“This is nice,” Kinsley said softly, her eyes reflecting the flames. “I’ve always loved bonfires. There’s something magical about them.”

Daegan chuckled. “That’s this entire property—magical. Something about a vortex or energy center.” He shifted his eyes to Kinsley. “According to Aunt Tilly, anyway.”

“I don’t know what any of that means,” she admitted.

“None of us do.”

The scent of smoke mixed with the crispness of the night air. The breeze rustled the nearby leaves, the flames dancing in the cool evening chill.

When Daegan pulled out a crisp white envelope from his pocket, Kinsley eyed it curiously.

“What’s that?” she asked, tilting her head as the wind tousled her hair.

Daegan held the envelope up, a contemplative look on his face as the usual warring emotions were dredged up. For a moment he reconsidered it. He could shove it back into his pocket. But sweeping it under the rug wouldn’t get rid of it. “Just some old memories I need to let go of.” He turned to Kinsley, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I thought burning them might be a good way to do that.”

“I think Aunt Tilly would approve of the symbolism.” She offered a supportive smile.

“Last week,” he began, feeling a heat come over him that was separate from the fire, “when you stopped by my house to pick up some books…”

The smile on her face gave way to a small frown.

Daegan placed a hand reassuringly on her thigh. “I’m sorry for how I acted—for how I snapped.”

“It’s okay. I may not know what’s going on with you, but I know you didn’t mean to get angry.” She placed her hand over his, her fingers delicately settling on top.

“But it isn’t okay, Kins. I just don’t talk about personal stuff like that with people. I wasn’t ready.” He flipped his hand, interlocking his fingers with hers.

---