Chapter 12

12

They walked back to the house under a blanket of stars, their footsteps soft against the gravel path. The faint hum of cicadas harmonized in the cool night air, and the soft glow of scattered porch lights was a secret welcome guiding them home. They felt like teenagers sneaking to bed after being out past curfew. Kinsley’s body still hummed from Daegan’s touch, pleasantly worn out from everything he had given her again and again.

“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 than sleeping 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 felt right . 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 stairs seem 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 to trip over 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.

“This is a beautiful house,” he commented. “I wasn’t expecting all the original wood trim upstairs—the molding.” His eyes lowered, noticing the unamused expression on her face.

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m still not selling, Mr. Westerhouse,” Kinsley said with a look of contempt.

“Oh, are we no longer on a first-name basis?” he teased. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her gently against him and placed a gentle peck on her forehead. Her arms tightened around him.

She laughed as his fingers brushed over the short hem of her dress, covering her bottom. “Okay,” she teased, “Daegan.”

“That’s what I thought,” he whispered teasingly in her ear. When he let go, the look in her eyes was a melting pot of emotions, calm yet fierce. Daegan reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Kinsley’s ear.

“I didn’t think you would compliment my home unless you were trying to butter me up,” she admitted.

Daegan furrowed his brow. However, he chose to make light of it. “I was only commenting about the woodwork. It seems you have an affinity for fine wood. Well, I have my own wood for you,” he glanced down, embarrassment rising to his cheeks before she even responded.

Kinsley bit her lip, unamused as it pressed thin.

“That was a bad joke, wasn’t it?”

Kinsley nodded. “Terrible… Please never say that again.” She burst out laughing as he did the same, pulling her closer.

Already hard in his pants, his cock prodded her thighs. “I can’t get enough of you,” he whispered, his tone deeper as he lifted the hem of her dress. Pulling her panties down with his fingers, he let them drop on the floor.

Their eyes locked. Kinsley opened her mouth, hesitating to speak. Daegan could feel her heartbeat racing as he held her close. He wanted to open up—to tell her how he felt. He wanted her—wanted this—so much more than she realized. He still needed to figure out what this meant for them at the office. But for now, he wanted her.

I want this every day for the rest of my life.

Kinsley finally said, “Prove it.” Some of her hair fell over her darkening eyes. He gently tucked it behind her ear, using that hand to pull her into a kiss. He felt like every piece of the puzzle was coming together. Here, in her house, with her in his arms, he felt…at home.

“Let me love you again?” his voice asked, rough, unfiltered, though coming across as more of a statement than a posed question.

“What about Richard? You don’t want him to come looking for you and walk in on us,” she giggled. “Tell him to come back in a few hours.”

Daegan checked his watch. “I have that dinner meeting at seven. I should get home around six to get ready.”

Kinsley frowned. “I forgot all about that dinner meeting—on a Sunday, too.”

“It’s the only day they could do it. But,” he played through ideas in his mind, “we can still have half an hour. I’ll ask Richard to wait.”

Wrapping her arms tight around his neck, Kinsley pulled him to her with such force that he nearly lost his own balance. “Call him,” she whispered, already working to undo his belt.

Daegan reached into his pocket, quickly dialing. “Richard, I’ll be about half an hour,” he said into his cell phone as Kinsley fumbled with his buckle. “Kinsley needs help moving an armoire,” he lied.

“I can come in to help, sir,” Richard suggested.

“No,” Daegan was quick with his reply, startling Kinsley. His hand trembled, though only slightly. “You catch up on that audiobook. We got it.”

Kinsley gave him a teasing grin as she tugged the belt loose, letting it drop to the floor with a soft clink.

“As you wish, sir. I will be here,” Richard said.

Daegan hung up and tossed his phone on a nearby end table. He pulled a condom out of his pocket, which landed next to it. He was going to have to start buying in bulk.

Kinsley worked slowly to pop the button of his jeans, lowering the zipper tooth by agonizing tooth. Daegan’s hands clenched at his sides, his restraint palpable as he felt his cock stiffen. Kinsley got down on her knees. Leaning forward, she pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the hard ridge that strained the fabric of his boxer briefs.

His hips twitched forward as he groaned, eager for her. She placed another kiss against his bulge. He held his breath, fighting the temptation to hold her head there and give her a taste. Not now, he thought to himself, yearning to feel her pussy come on him again.

He let go of the breath he was holding as Kinsley hooked her fingers in the waistband of his underwear. Finally, she pulled them down along with his jeans, freeing his hard cock. His legs tensed. “Turn around and brace yourself on the next step up.” Breathing quickening, he fumbled for the condom wrapper, feeling like he couldn’t roll it on fast enough.

He pulled up her dress, taking in the beautiful view of her curvy ass. There was so much to grab, enough to spank if he chose. His fingers found her pussy, teasing in delight when he found her already dripping for him. His cock twitched between her ass cheeks, already aching for her.

“Your body is like an addiction,” he laughed under his breath. “It’s like the more I have you, the more I want you.” His free hand traced her flesh.

It was more than that—it was her, too. Her laugh. Her smile. Her warm personality—even the fiery side.

What did this mean for them? For work? Could he really work alongside her without wanting to explore her body? He had to. It had to work out. He could get a new personal assistant. Kinsley didn’t need to work; he could support her in every way she needed.

Kinsley let out a soft moan as Daegan brushed against her sensitive clit with his fingers, bringing him back to the moment. He gripped his cock, rubbing the head along her entrance to ease the way as much as he could. Almost instinctively, she eased back into him, the head of his cock pressing into her. Daegan closed his eyes tightly—listening to Kinsley’s satisfied moan—as his hands searched for her waist.

Daegan marveled at Kinsley’s insatiable desire for him, at the way her body craved his touch, his possession, even after he had stretched her twice in as many days. She had confessed to him during the flight, her voice soft and shy, that her tender pussy was sore, her sensitive clit still throbbing from their time in the barn. Yet here she was, bent over the staircase, pushing her perfect ass back against him as if she needed his hard cock buried inside her to survive.

He skimmed his hands reverently over her curves, gentling her, soothing her. The last thing Daegan wanted was to cause her any pain. No, he would take his time, go slow and easy, worship her body with his own. Even if that meant focusing solely on Kinsley’s pleasure. He could always get himself off later. Maybe he could call her tonight, after dinner.

Seeing her shake and shudder, feeling her pussy clench and flutter around his aching cock as she drowned in bliss, that was a gift, a natural wonder as breathtaking as any force of nature. And who was Daegan to deny her?

Jaw clenched as he reined himself in, Daegan tightened his grip on Kinsley’s waist, fingers digging into her supple flesh. Slowly, carefully, he pushed forward, sinking into her welcoming pussy inch by tortuous inch. Groaning low in his throat, his heavy cock throbbed as he buried himself fully inside her, fighting the urge to let instinct take over, to pound into her willing body with mindless abandon until they both shattered.

Instead, Daegan forced himself to be still, to savor the way Kinsley fit him like she was made for him alone. Then, with a shaky exhale, he began to move. Barely rocking his hips, he worked them into a deep, gentle rhythm. Pulling out until just the broad head of his shaft remained inside her, he glided gradually back in, achingly deliberate and controlled. His legs shook, a testament to his control.

Each smooth thrust brought a new angle, a different sensation. The way her hungry pussy rippled around him as he withdrew, the delicious resistance and give as he surged forward again, was threatening his control.

“God, Kinsley,” Daegan rasped, fingertips skating up the elegant line of her spine to curl possessively around the nape of her neck. His next thrust was a little harder—a little deeper than he’d intended. It wrought a breathy moan from her kiss-swollen lips. “You feel incredible. So fucking perfect.”

He wished he could make this last, to draw out her pleasure until Kinsley was mindless with it. Until the only thing she knew, the only thing that existed, was his body loving hers. Until she could feel nothing but him, think of nothing but him. Until his name was the only word she remembered how to say.

Kinsley moaned again, more urgently this time. Pushing back to meet his increasingly powerful thrusts, her body begged him for more. Daegan slowed, keeping his focus on Kinsley’s pleasure—on her sore, but hungry pussy that couldn’t help but devour him.

Kinsley could tell Daegan was holding back. He was being gentle, considerate, yet hitting a spot deep within her that made her feel dangerously close to the edge. With each thrust, the staircase creaked.

This position allowed Kinsley to feel more of Daegan than she had before. As he hit her cervix, she felt a fullness she couldn’t describe. Reminded they were limited on time, she reached down to rub her clit, edging herself closer to a quick orgasm as his cock begged her to come.

“I wish I had more time to please you.” His voice was commanding; if he could manipulate time itself to make it happen, he would.

She wanted to tell him to stay the night. Move in. They could do this every night and she wouldn’t complain. He could have her all the time.

She wanted this forever.

Kinsley felt her core get tighten with each thrust as she continued to rub her sensitive clit. “Daegan, I’m close,” she whined, keeping herself on the edge.

“Come for me, baby,” he grunted, fingers digging into her ass. His grip softened as her orgasm took hold, rippling through her. Her left arm trembled, threatening to give way beneath her. Luckily for her, Daegan noticed and pulled her up and away from the steps. It also tugged her back even deeper onto his cock.

He’d even called her baby again.

As the ripples continued to flow through her body, Daegan held her up, his free hand rubbing her ass. It took a minute or two for her strength to return as her breaths evened out.

“I tried to go easy on you,” he said, letting her go as she got her bearings. Her dress dropped back over her bottom as she stood. His slacks were still bunched around his ankles.

She glanced down at his cock. “You didn’t come.”

He smiled a devilish grin. “Well, I’m not trying to break you, Kins. Besides, we only have half an hour. I wanted to focus on you.”

Kinsley’s heart raced as she stood before Daegan, the air between them electric with passion and desire. This man selflessly had pleased her, but she wanted nothing more than to make sure he went home satisfied.

She hesitated, her hands resting on his thighs as she gathered her courage. But as she looked up at him, saw the heat in his eyes and the soft encouragement in his touch, her resolve solidified. She wanted to give him everything, just as he had given her.

Refusing to look away from him, Kinsley sank gracefully to her knees. Her fingertips skimmed over his muscular thighs, the heat of his skin warming her palms as coarse hair tickled her fingers. The faint scent of his cologne mingled with the musk of their shared passion, a heady combination that made her pulse race. She heard his sharp intake of breath, saw his eyes darken with need, and a thrill of power ran through her.

His cock was still standing at attention, begging for her. She removed the condom and watched as it bobbed before her, thick and hard and perfect. Her mouth watered. She looked up at Daegan, resting a hand on his leg which he quickly covered with his own—a comforting consent.

“If I lick it, it’s mine, right?” she teased with a small laugh.

Daegan smiled, letting out a breathy, “Right, that’s how it goes.” His hand tightened on hers, a silent “thank you” in the way his fingers traced hers.

Her lips hovered for a moment, her breath teasing his sensitive skin as her eyes flicked up to meet his. The anticipation made time feel stretched before she finally leaned in, closing the distance. Her tongue trailed leisurely along his length, savoring the way his body trembled for her.

She held his gaze, running her tongue along his length, relishing the taste and the way he shuddered and gasped at the contact. His head fell back, a low groan escaping his lips as he gave himself over to her completely, trusting her to lead him to the edge.

There was power in this, Kinsley realized, in the way his body tensed under her touch, in the quiet groans that escaped his lips. She could make this strong, commanding man come undone. This was her gift, and she intended to drive him just as wild as he’d driven her, to wring every ounce of pleasure from his body until he was lost to everything but the feel of her loving him with lips and tongue and wicked intent.

Daegan’s world narrowed to the wet heat of her mouth as Kinsley engulfed him, surrounding him in a blissful embrace that made his knees threaten to buckle. Kinsley wasn’t just taking him in—she was claiming him. The way she worked him, deliberate and confident, made it clear she was enjoying the power she held over him. His body responded as helplessly to her every touch as Kinsley did for him.

He tangled his fingers in her silky hair, not guiding or demanding (although that temptation lurked), but simply needing to touch her as he unraveled. The tip of his cock was hitting the back of her throat, and he couldn’t hold back the guttural moan that escaped him. “Fuck Kins, you’re taking me so good.” The hum of her approval vibrated around his length, and his hips jerked forward, chasing more of that incredible sensation.

But Kinsley was relentless, setting a pace designed to drive him out of his mind. She alternated long, slow licks from base to tip with quick, fluttering swirls around the sensitive head. Her hand joined her mouth, pumping the base of his shaft as she lavished attention on the rest of him. It was a devastating combination. Already he could feel the telltale tingle at the base of his spine, the tightening in his groin that signaled his impending release.

Her mouth was like a velvet furnace, searing him with its welcoming warmth. The wet glide of her tongue sent jolts of pleasure skittering down his spine, igniting nerve endings he didn’t know existed. His pulse thundered in his ears, drowning out everything but the symphony of her motions and the rasp of his own ragged breaths.

He looked down, wanting to imprint the erotic sight of her pleasing him into his memory forever. The image of her lush lips stretched around him, the hunger in her eyes as she glanced up at him through her lashes, nearly did him in right then and there. Her gaze held his, raw and electric, letting him see just how much she was enjoying this, how much she loved reducing him to a quivering mass of sensation.

The way she looked up at him, her eyes filled with unrestrained hunger and tenderness, unraveled something inside him. This wasn’t just about lust—it was about trust, about letting himself be vulnerable in her presence. It was sending him hurtling toward the edge.

Every mind-melting pull of her lips had his control slipping until it fractured. Fingers tightening reflexively in her hair, his thighs began to tremble; he couldn’t hold on much longer. Kinsley must have sensed it too, because she redoubled her efforts. Taking him impossibly deeper, she moaned around him like he was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted.

“Kins, you’re going to make me come,” he warned between staggered breaths.

She looked up at him, wide-eyed and hungry. She wasn’t backing down. Every pass of her tongue, every subtle change in pressure, drove him closer to the edge. His breaths came shorter, his thighs tightening as he tried to hold on. But she was relentless, demanding him to let go, to surrender completely to her.

It was too much; the desire in her eyes and the wet heat of her sucking him down had him at the point of no return. With a deep groan, he let go. Wave after wave of intense pleasure crashed over him as he emptied down her eager throat. Through it all, Kinsley held him steady, working him through the aftershocks until he was spent and sensitive. His fingers loosened in her hair as she milked the last drop with a grin.

She pressed a tender kiss to his softening cock before rising gracefully to her feet. Her arms wrapped around him as he fought to catch his breath. As he held her close, face buried in the crook of her neck, Daegan was suffused with a profound sense of desire and gratitude. This incredible woman had given him her trust, her care, a safe haven in which to lose himself and find himself anew.

Kinsley relished in his touch, a few drops of him still on her lips and in her mouth. Desire. Passion. Love? Is that what this was? She hadn’t wanted to admit it completely, but that was exactly what she felt. Love had controlled her too often, leading her to disappointment and rejection. Love was what gave her such a high from his touch. But did he really feel the same?

Daegan pulled her into his arms. “Kins, I…I really like this. What we have.”

What did they have exactly? Were they in an unofficial relationship? Were they dating? Or were they no more than just sexual partners? He was still her boss; was that what he meant?

Her heart said this was leading toward something serious—something real. But without confirmation from the man himself, it was like building a house on sand.

“Me too,” she agreed, wanting to ask for clarification, but afraid of the answer she might get.

Daegan pulled her into his arms like he was afraid to let her go. “There’s something about you. Something that makes me want more of…” His voice was hesitant as he trailed off; she wished she knew why. “This feels different.” He pulled her into a deep kiss instead of explaining what that meant.

This was different, she agreed, but where did that leave them?

When he kissed her at the door, he promised to see her in the morning. Of course. In the morning. For work. She smiled, still tasting him on her tongue. Locking the door behind him, she found herself sitting on the stairs where their bodies had just met again. She had to shift to find a way to sit that didn’t make the soreness worse, but it was worth it. Taking a deep breath, her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as thoughts ran through her mind at the speed of a bullet.

This thing between them was intoxicating and all-consuming. Daegan had called it an addiction, and the truth of that made her shift her hips again. She craved him, his touch, his presence. It was as if Daegan Westerhouse was a lifeline she hadn’t known she needed. But wasn’t addiction dangerous? If Cameron or Brienne had described a new man as such, she’d have told them it wasn’t healthy.

Did Daegan really feel the same? Could there really be more to this than just sex? Or was she only getting her hopes up like a fool?

Her fingers trailed over the fine woodworking of each baluster, as if searching for answers hidden in their grooves. She sighed, wishing Granny was here right now—she would know what to say. Her heart was heavy as she tried to recall what Granny had said during her last breakup. Kinsley hadn’t said much about it.

As she pivoted on the steps to follow the next baluster down, her core found a new way to ache, and all she could think about was how she’d noticed a slight nick in one of the risers while Daegan had fucked her senseless. She wanted to believe his words, that this was more than just physical desire. But what if it wasn’t? What if she was building a future in her head that was doomed to crumble in reality? The idea of losing what they had—whatever this was—was almost more unbearable than the thought of never having it at all.

Daegan sat in his study and poured himself a whiskey. It was late—he needed to sleep. But his mind wouldn’t quiet enough to let him find rest. He’d tossed and turned for over an hour until he threw the covers aside in defeat.

You said you wouldn’t, Westerhouse.

The whiskey burned its way down Daegan’s throat, a sharp, fleeting comfort against the knot that was growing tighter in his chest. The glass felt heavy in his hand, the etched crystal catching the dim light from the desk lamp, casting fractured patterns across the dark wood. Leaning back in his chair, his gaze drifted to the ceiling as he allowed himself to face the truth he had been avoiding all day.

You said you wouldn’t fall in love again, especially with the woman whose house you’re trying to buy.

But here he was, doing exactly that. He set the glass down and forced his jaw to relax with one hand. The tension ebbed away as he let himself sit with what he was feeling, to listen to it rather than lock it away. He’d already done the work of breaking down those walls, so why did he still feel like he needed to run?

What was so hard about love? What was it that kept him at arms’ length from loving someone? What made him shy away from it even now?

Fear.

He swallowed hard as the harsh weight of that settled in. His ex had tainted it for him. And his brother. But hadn’t he let that go in Montana last night when he burnt the letter and the article—right in front of Kinsley? The flames had consumed those pieces of his past, turning them to ash before his eyes. He thought he had moved on, so why was it still keeping him up at night, when that drawer of his desk was finally empty?

Running a hand through his hair, he let out a shaky breath. Kinsley didn’t deserve his suspicions, or this jealous ire. She had never once acted untrustworthy. She wanted Daegan, seemingly more than anyone ever had, to the point where she practically swallowed him whole. She was putting her whole job on the line just to take him in her arms. And he wanted her, too—every inch of her flesh, every laugh, every smirk.

I love you.

The words had almost slipped out. But they were the three words that he could never take back. It wouldn’t have been a slip of the tongue or a mistake. It would have been honest.

He could still feel the softness of her skin under his hands, the way she’d looked at him, vulnerable and open. He couldn’t imagine life without her.

Kinsley.

Her name alone sent a wave of calm through him, chasing away the lingering ghosts of betrayal. She wasn’t Megan. She wasn’t his brother. She wasn’t anyone but herself—honest, kind, and fiercely loyal. She wasn’t trying to break him. She was trying to heal him, even if she didn’t realize it.

Love wasn’t a weakness. It wasn’t the enemy. Love was what he had been missing, what he’d been too afraid to seek again.

For the first time in years, he let himself imagine a different life—one where the house wouldn’t feel so empty, and his life wouldn’t feel so cold. He could almost hear her laughter echoing down the halls, warming every icy corner.

Daegan smiled, and it felt foreign but right. He had spent so long running from this, convinced it was a trap. But with Kinsley in his life, he realized something else.

The greater risk was never letting himself feel at all.

What was the other option? Living out his days alone, haunted by the love he never allowed himself to feel? Avoiding the one person that had tried to heal him?

The fear was still there, lingering in the shadows of his mind, but it no longer held him captive. Instead, it spurred him toward a love he hadn’t thought he deserved, but now couldn’t imagine living without.

Sitting in the quiet of his study, he realized for the first time that he didn’t have to face this alone. Love wasn’t a trap. It was a choice. One he was finally ready to make. Rising from his chair, he turned off the light, promising himself that this was something they could do together.

“You did what?” Cameron shouted over the video call.

“We had sex,” Kinsley repeated. Her voice was shaking, almost as if she couldn’t believe it herself.

Brienne’s jaw dropped. After a moment, she picked it up off the ground and said, “We called it, Cam! I mean, we knew you’d cave, but wow, you guys really went all-in.”

“Literally ‘all-in,’” Cameron added.

“Three times,” Kinsley added, hoping the two of them would keep talking over her.

“I’m sorry, did you say—” Cameron started before being cut off.

“Who’s counting, but—” Kinsley was trying to gloss over it.

“He’s just trying to get into your heart to get your house!” Brienne burst out, interrupting the other ladies as she tied her blonde hair up into a messy bun as if she was ready to get to work.

The video call fell quiet, before Cameron added under her breath, “Get into her pants and her heart.”

“He still isn’t getting the house, guys, it doesn’t change any of that,” Kinsley assured them, though she couldn’t help but wonder if she was right or wrong.

“But it does when he holds some power to sway you,” Brienne replied.

“If it’s true,” Cameron said, “he won’t back down. He’s a businessman, not a family man. Westerhouse makes deals, not love.”

“Oh, that’s a good one,” Brienne chuckled under her breath. “Makes deals, not love.”

“Prove me wrong,” Cameron challenged.

The words were stuck on the tip of her tongue as her heart raced. “I think…” Kinsley started, her voice faltering. She bit her lip, as the truth pressed against her throat, demanding to be set free. “I think I’m in love.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Brienne’s teasing smile fell to wide-eyed surprise. Cameron’s eyebrows shot up, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came.

“Oh, Kins...” Brienne breathed, her expression softening. “You’re really serious about him, aren’t you?”

Kinsley nodded, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “I know it sounds crazy. I know we haven’t known each other that long. But the way I feel when I’m with him... It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Like I’m finally whole. Like I’m safe.”

Cameron sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Look, we’re sorry if we came on too strong just now—or before. We didn’t realize how deep this went for you.”

“Yeah, we were just worried,” Brienne added, looking contrite. “After what happened with…” she lowered her voice, “what was his name?”

“Oscar the ghost, not grouch,” Cameron said, rolling her hazel eyes.

“Yeah, Oscar,” Brienne continued, “how he used me to go watch that playoff game. I guess I’m a little jaded. I jumped to conclusions about Daegan.”

“We both did,” Cameron admitted. “But that wasn’t fair of us. We don’t know him like you do. After all, I rarely date and Brienne has a horrible taste in men.”

“Hey!” Brienne snapped.

Kinsley offered a wobbly smile. “I appreciate you guys looking out for me, I really do. But I truly believe Daegan cares about me—not just the house. The way he looks at me, the way he touches me...it feels real. Honest.”

Brienne reached out as if to squeeze Kinsley’s hand, forgetting for a moment that they weren’t actually in the same room. “If you say he’s the real deal, then we believe you. We trust your judgment.”

“Absolutely,” Cameron agreed. “And hey, if he does turn out to be a snake, we’ll fly down ready to kick his ass for you. Or, you know, hire someone to do it.”

That startled a laugh out of Kinsley, but it was quickly replaced by a pensive frown as a heaviness came over her.

“What do you think you’re going to do from here?” Cameron asked, tucking an unruly curl behind her ear. “At work, I mean.”

Kinsley sighed. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “We didn’t discuss it.”

“What did you discuss?” Brienne questioned.

Kinsley thought for a moment. “That we just like what we have.” She paused before whispering, “Whatever that is.”

“Kins, I think you both need to talk this out and make sure you’re on the same page. It seems like you don’t even know what chapter you’re in. For all you know, he could be wanting a casual fling with his sexy personal assistant while his sexy personal assistant is head-over-heels in love with him.” Cameron offered a sympathetic smile. “But you need to talk this out or you’ll never know.”

It was true; Kinsley needed to have this conversation with Daegan. Yet the fear of knowing the truth was too much.

“This could affect your job,” Cameron continued. “But you need to know what’s going on inside of him and take things from there.”

Kinsley diverted her eyes away from the screen. “I want to believe he’s genuine. I really do. But part of me can’t help wondering... What if this is all just an act? What if he’s playing the long game, making me fall for him so I’ll give in and sell him the house?”

They were silent for a moment. “Do you really think he would do that?” Brienne asked gently.

Kinsley shrugged helplessly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I don’t know. I don’t want to think so, but...how can I be sure? He’s a businessman, like you guys said. What if this is just another deal to him?”

“Oh, honey.” Cameron’s face was etched with sympathy. “We didn’t mean to put those doubts in your head. Only you can know what’s truly in Daegan’s heart.”

“And yours,” Brienne added softly. “Listen to your instincts, Kins. Do you feel like he’s being authentic with you? Do you trust him?”

Kinsley was quiet as she considered this carefully. “I want to,” she whispered at last. “More than anything.”

But a flicker of uncertainty danced in her eyes. As much as Kinsley longed to believe in Daegan’s love, to have faith in the connection they shared...she couldn’t quite shake the nagging fear that perhaps this was all too good to be true.

Kinsley stared at her reflection in the dark screen after the call ended. The doubts lingered, but so did the memory of Daegan’s touch, his voice, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. Somewhere between fear and hope, she sat suspended, unsure of which way she’d fall.