Chapter 56
“You’ll sleep in my rooms, Byron replied with a straight face. “Unless you prefer to squeeze onto the couch–it’s up to you?
Maeve quickly shook her head. “If you’re willing to share the bed, I’m not going to be difficult about it.”“
She thought. ‘Sleeping on the couch in this weather? I am not that eager to catch a cold,‘
Still, she couldn’t help but feel like their roles had somehow reversed since the last time.
Pushing those thoughts aude, she turned her attention to the open balcony outside the living ro
“Mr. M
can I ask you
(you a favor?” she asked.
Byron gabbed two bonles of water from the fridge and looked at her. “What is it?”
“Could I use part of your balcony to grow some vegetables?” Maeve’s cheeks flushed as she made the request. “I only need a small section, and I promise Til keep it neat and clean, I’ll even take care of the regular upkeep.”
You don’t need to ask me about things like that. Do whatever you want, Byron replied, handing her one of the water bottles, his dark eyes meeting her. “And not just the balcony–anything in this place?
Maeve stared at him, moi entarily stunned.
She thought. ‘Is he saying I can treat the whole place like it is mine? As if I were the lady of the house! Wait–what am I even thinking?”
Her ears grew warm, and she quickly averted her gaze. “I–I think it’s getting late. I’m going to take a shower.”
She dashed into the bathroom, hoping to escape before he noticed her flustered state.
Half an hour later, Maeve emerged in her pajamas, her hair still slightly damp.
As she walked into the living room, she couldn’t help but feel how empty and lifeless it was. Probably because Byron didn’t live here regularly, the space felt cold and lacked the warmth of a home
Maeve opened her suitcase and began unpacking a pile of throw pillows, cozy blankets, picture frames, wind chimes, and some small decorative
ITE
After arranging
them around the room, the atmosphere instantly softened, transforming the space from cold and sterile to warm and welcoming. As she mentally noted what else she could bring later to make the place more homey, she headed toward the master bedroom
of his study. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the newly decorated living room.
Byron had just finished his work and stepped out of h
The Layout hadn’t changed, but the addition of Maeve’s little touches had brought a warmth and coziness to the space, filling it with small details that made it feel more lived–in
Suddenly, the idea of having her live here didn’t seem so bad after all.
Later that night, lying in the spacious, comfortable bed, Maeve found herself unable to sleep
She turned her head to glance at Byron, who was lying on the other side. The space between them was wide enough to fit two more people, so there was no chance she’d roll into his arms this time.
With renewed determination, she clenched her fists under the blan
the blanket while staring at his silhouette.
“How long are you planning to keep staring?” Byron’s deep voice cut through the silence as he turned slightly, catching her gaze.
Maeve quickly ducked under the covers. “Y–you’re not asleep?”
“With all your tossing and turning,
- r. how could I be?”
He thought, “Tho you really think I didn’t notice your sneaky glances this whole timer
your grandpa sets
Turning toward him. Maeve hesitated before asking in a small voice, “Mr. Mcdaniel, now that I’m staying here, what about when your up his tarot stall again! What’s going to happen?”
That was what had been weighing on her mind the most. She couldn’t bear the thought of an elderly man out there working alone.
1/2
Chapter 56
As she shifted slightly, a light floral scent from her hair drifted over, causing Byron to frown. He turned to respond but accidentally caught a clunque of the delicate skin peeking out from her pajama collar.
