Page 6 of Starting Over with Her Billionaire Boss

“Mary baked an apple pie earlier. Your mother’s recipe.”

“I’ll grab myself a slice, Stewart. But thank you.” Daegan grabbed his phone and stood up from the sofa. “That’s all for tonight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Stewart nodded and left the room.

The slice of pie was delicious, the large chunks of apple were as fresh as any, though it was only a fleeting comfort. As he lay in bed that night, fiddling with the television remote, the satisfaction was replaced by a familiar gnawing. The project. The house. The last piece of the puzzle. It was all so close, yet just out of reach.

Whoever the new owner was, Daegan knew she wouldn’t hold out forever. Everyone had a price—he just had to figure out hers.

Out of the dozens of projects that were going on within his company, this was the only one he truly lost sleep over. This wasn’t justanyproject—it washisproject, the one that he felt would make his late father proud, and pay a tribute to his legacy. This was the project that could save Trueport.

All I need to figure out is how to get that last house.

3

A week after meeting Lourdes,Kinsley made the call. The interview wasn’t just about the job—it was a step toward making her dream a reality. If she wanted to have the bed-and-breakfast ready for winter, she would need to hire a contractor. After crunching the numbers, it would make money too tight, especially if the contractor found surprises along the way—which was more than likely in a house this old.

When the day for her interview came the following week, she put on a pastel-pink blouse with a black pencil skirt, slipped into some high heels, and made her way to Westerhouse Investments Group. Getting the job would help get things moving. Once the bed-and-breakfast was on its feet, she could simply put in her two weeks’ notice. It wasn’t going to be forever, Kinsley reminded herself as she parked her car, just for now.

The building was indeed the tallest in the town for as far as the eye could see. Kinsley’s nerves were once again out in full force, and the dominating structure didn’t help. The sleek, sharp-edged tower stood like a monolith of modern ambition against the quaint town backdrop—just like she felt. Out ofplace, and maybe a bit too polished for a town that had always been about warmth and history.

Her reflection in the many glass windows gave Kinsley a bolt of confidence. She had almost forgotten how amazing she looked in outfits like this. She didn’t mind staring a little longer, trying to perfect the gentle sway of her hips as she walked.

Gorgeous interior decorations adorned the large reception area. For a moment, Kinsley felt as though she’d walked into a mansion, or an exclusive resort. The scent of freshly polished wood greeted her, mingling with the faint aroma of coffee from a nearby café cart.

“May I help you?” a kind voice rang out from the desk.

Kinsley’s heart raced as she approached the reception area.So much for that confidence.Her hands began to tremble, so she folded them in front of her as she walked. Reminding herself of her goal, of the house restored to its grandeur, she took a deep breath.

The receptionist’s kind smile helped ease her anxiety, if only a little. “Yes, I’m here to see Lourdes,” Kinsley said, over the lump in her throat.

“Oh, I’m afraid Lourdes isn’t in today. Can I take a message for her?”

“I had an interview scheduled with her today.” Kinsley nervously fiddled with the fabric of her skirt. “But I can come back another time.”

The woman smiled, a bit of pity crossing her face as she typed and clicked around her computer monitor. “She was called away to a meeting, but I see your name here. I’m sorry about this mishap. Let me make a call and see if someone else can meet with you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to.” Kinsley hoped her fingers weren’t too unsteady as she adjusted her blouse.

“I’d hate for you to have come all this way for nothing. Let me make a call, okay?” the woman insisted as she picked up her desk phone.

“That would be great. Thank you.”What else can I say?

“Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll see what I can do for you, sweetie.”

Kinsley walked to the seating area. With each step, the echo of her heels seemed to cheer her on, bolstering her confidence. She straightened her posture, her stride becoming more assured.I can do this,she thought, pushing aside the lingering doubts.Granny always did say heels were boosts for both height and confidence.As she waited, her mind drifted back to being a child, trying on a pair of her grandmother’s heels for the first time, while her Granny and Aunt Jodie beamed with delight.

What if I trip? What if I make a fool of myself in front of everyone?She shook her head at her own self-doubt, trying to banish the negative thoughts.No, I can do this. Ihaveto do this.Although the fear tried to tower over her confidence, Kinsley kept it at bay. Sometimes, the back-and-forth between self-doubt and self-confidence was like a game of tug-of-war.

Trying to stay out of her head, Kinsley watched as men and women in business attire came and went. She had a few minutes to study the walls, covered in artwork and large photographs of other Westerhouse Investments Group buildings in larger cities. Yet, somehow, this small city was their main hub. Poised on an opposite wall was a photo of an older man, whom Kinsley assumed to be the owner. She watched the receptionist at the desk make phone call after phone call, apparently trying to get someone to interview Kinsley.

After about fifteen minutes, a tall blonde exited the elevator, her stride confident and purposeful. Dressed in a tailored suit, she exuded an air of authority. As the woman made a beelinefor Kinsley, she straightened up in her chair, realizing she had become perhaps a bit too relaxed.

“You’re here for the receptionist position?” the blonde asked, eyes checking over Kinsley with a smile that followed.

Kinsley nodded. “I’m Kinsley Pruitt.”

“Tina Richards, head of human resources,” Tina said, thrusting out her hand toward Kinsley for a firm handshake. “I’m sorry Lourdes isn’t in today. But don’t you worry,” she paused, “we are gettingeverythingsorted. Why don’t you come follow me?”

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