Page 48 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

Once we’re inside, I steer us toward the fresh produce. I pick out some ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, and a loaf of crusty bread. Lily watches me with a bemused expression.

“Are you planning tomakebreakfast?” she asks with a hint of amusement in her voice. “I thought we came to an unspoken agreement after the egg incident.”

I chuckle, remembering the mess I’d made in my kitchen. “I’ve been taking an online cooking course,” I admit, feeling a little sheepish. “I wanted to surprise you.”

She laughs, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Thomas, you didn’t have to do that. I would’ve been happy with takeout.”

“I know,” I say, stopping to look her in the eye. “But I wanted to do this for you. All I could think about was waking up with you in my arms and making you breakfast.”

She blushes, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Well, in that case, I look forward to your culinary masterpiece.”

We finish our shopping, picking up a few more fresh items, plus coffee and filters. As we head back to the car, I fight off the urge to jump for joy like a kid. This is what I want, what I’ve been missing all this time—these simple, everyday moments with Lily.

Back at the house, I set to work in the kitchen, Lily watching me with an amused smile. I’m no expert, but I manage to whip up a decent avocado toast and eggs benedict. I serve it to her with a flourish, watching as she takes her first bite.

Her eyes light up, and she gives me a thumbs up. “This is really good,” she says, her voice sincere. “Almost good enough to make me forget the charred horror you served me last time.”

I give her a mock-offended look, but I can’t keep it up. “I’m glad you like it,” I tell her, kissing her forehead. This is what I needed—this time with her. It’s simple, it’s domestic, and it’s perfect.

Today is the day. The last day of the month. The day Lily was supposed to move out of her house and back to Colorado. Her things are scattered around the house or packed up in boxes. She is sleeping peacefully in bed, I know it’s time to ask her to stay with me.

I want to talk to her and discuss what’s next. Her landlord has already signed a new lease with a replacement, so staying here isn’t an option. I don’t want to pressure her; I don’t want her to feel like she has to move in with me officially.

With a sigh, I pour myself a cup of coffee and head back to the bedroom. Lily is still asleep, her hair spread out on the pillow, her face peaceful. I sit on the edge of the bed, watching her, my heart full of love for this woman.

“Lily,” I say softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open.

“Thomas?” she murmurs, her voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”

“Early,” I reply, giving her a small smile. “But we need to talk.”

She sits up, rubbing her eyes. “About what?”

“About…us,” I say, my heart pounding in my chest. “About what happens next.”

She looks at me, her eyes wide and alert now. “Okay,” she says, her voice steady. “Let’s talk.”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I know you’ve been looking for a new place,” I begin. “I know your landlord has already found a replacement for this one. But…I was thinking…maybe you could stay at my house. Just until you figure out your next move.”

I try to keep my voice casual, try to play it cool but inside, my heart is pounding. As much as I want her to stay, the decision must be hers. A smile spreads across her beautiful face and my heart flutters. “You want me to move in with you?” she asks. I nod, smiling back at her.

Lily looks at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. I hold my breath, waiting for her response. Finally, she nods.

“Okay,” she says, her voice soft. “I’ll stay.”

A wave of relief washes over me, and I pull her into a hug. “It’s going to be great,” I whisper into her hair. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”

We spend the rest of the day making arrangements. I call a moving company and schedule a time for them to come and move Lily’s things. Some of her stuff will come to my place, and the rest will go to a storage unit until she decides what she wants to do with it.

This is right. Having Lily with me, it’s justright.

When Lily leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer.

“We did well today,” I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“We did,” she agrees, her voice muffled against my chest. “Thank you, Thomas. For everything.”

I tighten my hold on her, my heart full. “Anything for you.”

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