Debra did lift her head this time, her attention focused fully on Billie.
“I can take the spare room,” Billie rushed out. “Or the couch. Honestly, I don’t mind. I just—” Billie took a breath. “I feel different when I’m here with you. I don’twantto leave you.”
Debra studied her, her gaze steady. Billie held herself as still as possible, those old instincts whispering that asking had consequences, even when logic told her otherwise.
Then Debra regarded her with one of those soft, uncomplicated smiles that melted Billie completely. “Of course you can stay.”
“You’re sure?”
Debra laid a gentle hand on Billie’s chest. “And you don’t have to take the spare room unless you want to.”
Billie frowned. “I don’t?”
“You can have the other side of my bed.”
Billie’s breath stuttered as emotion rose suddenly behind her ribs. She nodded once, afraid her voice would fail her if she tried to speak.
“Do youwantthe other side of my bed, Billie?”
“I…yes,” she managed. “I’d like that.”
Debra settled back against her, fitting easily into the space between Billie’s arm and shoulder as if they’d done this a hundred times before. Billie stared ahead, a small smile tugging at her mouth.
She wasn’t kneeling and she wasn’t apologising. She was simplywanted.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Debra woke slowly.The light that filtered through the curtains was that soft, grey London morning light, the very light that made her want to stay in bed all day and not face the world. The other side of the bed was warm but empty, the indentation beside her proof that last night hadn’t been imagined. That she had, in fact, fallen asleep in Billie Brown’s arms.
She lay still and listened to the sounds coming from beyond the bedroom door. She could hear Billie’s voice, businesslike and professional as always. Only this time, it didn’t have that cutting edge to it. It didn’t make the hairs on the back of Debra’s neck stand on end. No, it made her smile instead.
She climbed from her bed and pulled one of her jumpers on, then strolled down the hallway, stopping just short of the kitchen doorway.
Billie stood by the counter with her phone tucked between her shoulder and her ear, that gorgeous dark hair a beautiful mess. She was cradling her cup in both hands, wearing one of Debra’s t-shirts, the hem brushing her bare thighs. God, it was disarming how normal she looked like that.
“Yeah, that’s fine,” Billie said. “I’m not logged into the system anymore, remember?”
Debra leaned against the frame, watching and enjoying the moment.
“No, it was the best thing for me. I don’t want access outside of work hours anymore. I need to keep that boundary.” Billie paused and nodded. “Mmhmm. Yeah. Thank you for checking in, though.” Another pause, then a small smile tugged at Billie’s mouth. “If you’re comfortable handling the two fittings this morning, then that’s perfect. I’ll be in by midday.”
Debra sensed something ignite within her. It wasn’t quite relief, but rather…admiration. Billie’s words came across neither tense nor domineering…no, they were composed and precise, but more importantly, they were authentic.
“Okay. Thanks, Nina. I appreciate it.”
She ended the call and turned, her smile widening the moment her gaze landed on Debra. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realise you were up.”
Debra crossed the space and leaned in, kissing Billie’s cheek. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“Oh, it’s fine. It was just work.” She set her phone down on the kitchen island, suddenly looking a little sheepish. “I don’t keep the schedule app anymore.” Billie poured Debra a cup of coffee and handed it over. “I prefer to switch off when I leave the shop these days.”
“That’s quite the change considering how tied down you were to the place the last time we were…not together, but you know?”
“I do know.” Billie took Debra’s hand and held onto it. “It’s important to me that I can shut down once I leave. I don’t want anything to distract me from you, Debra.”
Debra’s pulse kicked up a little. She’d dreamed of seeing this side of Billie on so many occasions now, but to actually have it? It was going to take her a moment or two to get used to it. “Am I right in thinking that Nina is handling your clients this morning?”
“Mmhmm. She is. She’s always been excellent at her job, so I know the place is in safe hands.” Billie lifted her coffee and sipped, closing her eyes as she smiled against the rim. “God, you have to tell me what blend this is. It’s so good.”
