Page 50 of Starting Over with Her Billionaire Boss

“I’m going to put this blanket in the washing machine,” Daegan whispered, his breath tickling Kinsley’s ear. “You go get ready for bed.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in the morning then,” Kinsley replied through a jaw-cracking yawn.

Daegan chuckled. “Sure, Kins. See you then.” With a quick peck on her cheek, he headed off toward the laundry room.

In the hallway, Kinsley hesitated, her fingers grazing the doorframe. The warmth of Daegan’s touch still lingered on her skin, but the echo of Aunt Tilly’s mischievous grin replayed in her mind. What if she already knew? Would she say something? Would it change anything if she did?

Stifling another yawn, she made her way into the guest bedroom, ready to collapse into bed and let sleep claim her.

When she flicked on the light there were two small toiletry sets laid out on the bed. Kinsley frowned. Was one for Daegan? But he was meant to sleep on the couch, wasn’t he?

Too tired to give it much thought, she got ready for bed and crawled under the covers, sinking into the soft mattress with a contented sigh. Just as she was starting to drift off to sleep, the door creaked open.

Kinsley’s eyes flew open as she bolted upright, clutching the sheets to her chest. “Daegan! What are you doing in here?” she hissed. “You’re supposed to be out on the couch!”

Daegan’s silhouette filled the frame, his grin as audacious as ever. “What’s a sleepover without me, Kins?” he teased, gesturing to the untouched toiletries as he closed the door behind him.

“But... But what about your mom? And Aunt Tilly? We can’t let them find us in bed together!” Kinsley exclaimed, eyes wide with concern.

Daegan laughed softly as he removed his shirt and pants—boxers only. “Relax, Kins. Aunt Tilly probably knew this would happen before we even got here. Why else would they leave toiletries for two?” He pointed out. “And notice how the couch wasn’t made up into a bed when we came in.”

Kinsley bit her lip, considering. He did have a point. And the idea of falling asleep in Daegan’s arms, feeling his warmth surrounding her all night, was incredibly tempting. “Well...okay. I guess you’re right,” she relented, scooting over to make room for him. “But if Aunt Tilly starts planning our wedding over breakfast, it’s your fault.”

His legs tangled with hers when he slid into the bed behind her, as though the space between them had no right to exist. He pulled her close, nuzzling into her hair. “This is much better thansleeping on the couch. It’s freezing in this house; I’d be an icicle in the morning without your body heat,” he murmured, already sounding drowsy. His warm breath contrasted the cold air in the room as if to prove his point.

Resting her head on his chest, Kinsley snuggled deeper into his embrace. His heartbeat, strong and steady beneath her, lulled her toward slumber. As she hovered on the edge of sleep, secure in his arms, one last thought floated through her mind—that no matter where they were, as long as she was with Daegan, she was home.

The next morning,Daegan and Kinsley ate a quick breakfast, said goodbye to his mother and Aunt Tilly (and Seer, who wouldn’t stop squawking) and drove back to the airport. Everything seemed to be settling into a new kind of norm—an easiness that just feltright. The two of them sat together in his suite, enjoying an easy lunch as they flew back home.

It felt…different. In a good way.

When the jet landed that afternoon, his driver picked them up and headed straight to Kinsley’s house. Daegan offered to carry Kinsley’s suitcase inside and didn’t wait for her to answer.

Shaking her head at him, Kinsley unlocked the door. The hinges let out a sigh of relief as the door creaked open.

“Do you want me to carry it up the stairs to your room?” Daegan asked as he entered. That same scent of pine hit him; this time it seemed warmer, more inviting.

“Oh, no, just leave it down here. I can take it up later.”

He frowned. “I don’t want you to fall and get hurt.” He paused, thinking back to the other day. “Or worse. These stairsseem slippery.” The last thing he wanted was for her to get hurt—especially if he could prevent it.

Kinsley scoffed. “Daegan, I’m not going to get hurt. I’m a big girl!” She chuckled.

“Kins,” he said with an easy laugh, “when I picked you up the other day you had managed totripover your suitcase.”

She rolled her eyes. “Alright, go up the stairs, turn right, last doorway to the left.”

Daegan could feel her eyes on him as he carried her luggage up the flight of stairs. They creaked beneath Daegan’s weight, a low groan that echoed in the stillness. It felt like the house was observing, quietly approving of him—at least he hoped.

Following her directions, Daegan found himself at the threshold of her room. He took in the ruby-red walls as the sunlight highlighted the old details. There was a sense of permanence here, a deep-rooted warmth that felt foreign but oddly welcoming. He walked in and set down her bags.

The ornate crown molding was nothing like his crisp, minimalist walls at home. These walls—this house—had a character, a personality all its own. For the first time, Daegan found himself appreciating the history etched into the walls. This place was a reflection of Kinsley herself—strong, full of character, and impossible to forget. Although not one to care about architecture, he was developing a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of such a feat. Maybe it wasn’t so bad to keep these old homes around, after all, especially with those who loved them like Kinsley did.

As he turned to walk out of the room, he noticed a main bathroom across the hall. It looked partially gutted, likely in the middle of one of the renovations Kinsley had mentioned to him previously.

Daegan’s hand lingered on the banister as he descended, the smooth wood warm beneath his touch. This house, this space,it was Kinsley’s world. And for the first time, he wondered if he could truly fit here, not as a guest but as someone who belonged.

He stopped at the landing under her watchful eye.

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