Page 100 of Only Ever You

By the end of the week, he’s begun to chip away at the icy wall around my heart. It’s clear he’s going nowhere.

He’s determined to wait me out.

I assume he’s working remotely because the Deacon I know wouldn’t take this much time off work—not after he’s already been away a month.

There are so many questions to be answered. I’m not sure whether to let him back into my life or not, but to make any kind of decision, I need to know everything.

The apology from Adeline left me unsettled. He’s fighting for me—there wasn’t any need for him to do what he did, but he wants back in enough to be out there dealing with the Adelines of this world.

He did tell me once he’d fight my dragons.

After a week of the breakfasts and the notes, I’m done holding him at arm’s length for an explanation.

By midday, I give up and make my way across the sand.

The speed at which he opens the door after I knock is enough to give me whiplash. It’s like he was poised, just waiting for me to arrive.

“Pippa? This is a nice surprise.”

“Why aren’t you at work? It’s the middle of the day.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs. “You’re more important.”

“I just wanted to let you know I’ll be here for dinner. I’ve got questions.”

Deacon nods. “I’m surprised you haven’t asked them earlier.”

Swallowing hard, I shrug. “You being here is confusing. It’s taken me time to get my head together.”

He reaches for me, grasping my chin and pulling my gaze to his. “Take as long as you need, Pippa. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You’re infuriating.”

Deacon pops a kiss on my nose and lets me go. “I’m here when you want to talk. I’ll tell you everything—even the things I should have originally told you.”

“What does that mean?”

“Whenever you’re ready, Pippa. Come and see me.” He turns to walk away before looking over his shoulder. “I won’t push myself on you any further. But I am enjoying bringing you breakfast in the morning.”

Despite myself, I smile. I enjoy that too.

I stop on the way back and stare out to sea for a while. Deacon’s presence is unnerving, but I’d still rather be here than anywhere else right now. There are some big decisions coming in my future, and although I’m delaying making them, things will come to a head soon.

I’ve got to start looking for a new job, but this is the first time in my life I’ve just had time out, away from everything and everyone—at least until Deacon arrived.

Screw it.

I’m having dinner with him, but I think I’ll go into the township for lunch. I need some groceries anyway.

It’s only a few minutes away, but I jump in the car and make the short drive.

After a coffee at the cafe, I’m feeling a bit more settled and head to the local Four Square. It’s not a big grocery store, but then again there aren’t a lot of people out here for it to service. We’re probably lucky it’s here at all.

Mrs Lewis waves at me from behind the only checkout. “Hi, dear. You’re still here?”

I nod. “Yep. Will be for a little while, I think.”

After heading toward the first shelf, I grab a loaf of bread.

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