Page 21 of Only Ever You

“If you say so.” Deacon’s bemused tone makes me smile. He turns to focus on me. “I’ll get back to the reports I was working on this morning. Ladies.” With a nod to Simone, he leaves us to go into his office, and she breathes a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness he’s gone. Now we can get down to the gossip.”

I gawp. “Gossip?”

“The executives are all talking about you. I know you’ve known Deacon for years. And you’re still putting up with him? That’s messed up.”

“He’s not that bad.”

She grins. “I know. Come on. I’ll grab another chair and walk you through everything. I meant what I said about making changes. Do what works for you.”

It doesn’t take long to fall into easy conversation with Simone, and by the end of the day, I feel like I’ve made a friend.

Deacon heads out mid-afternoon for a meeting, and he hasn’t returned by the time I finish. After our morning when I felt a connection with him, it’s disappointing. But I’ll be back tomorrow and so will he.

One of the best things about landing this job is the parking. It’s ridiculously expensive in Auckland to pay for parking. And because I’m the PA to the CTO, my car’s nice and close.

I scan the parks to find Deacon’s. His car’s not there so I’m guessing his meeting ran over, or he’s just gone for the day.

After sliding into my driver’s seat, I close my eyes for a second. Spending the day with Simone was taxing. There’s not a huge amount I have to learn, but I do need to know where everything is. It’s been a while since I’ve had that much information pumped into me in a single day.

She’s keen to move on and start her new job, and I get it. At least I’m a fast learner, and I don’t have to keep everything set up the way she had it.

It’ll take some time, but I’ll soon have the office running the way I want it.

The traffic this time of day is awful, but I make it back to the studio flat I’m renting before six and heat up leftovers from last night’s roast chicken for dinner before sinking into the couch.

With a full stomach, and nothing to do but watch television, I’m nodding off before I know it. I’m even more tired than I realised.

I barely make it to 8.30 p.m. before climbing into bed.

My phone buzzes on the bedside cabinet.

Deacon?

I’d programmed his number into my phone today on Simone’s advice. She said he never called her after hours, but it’s better I’m prepared if he calls me needing something.

My stomach falls. What did I do wrong? Is he calling to tell me off?

I draw in a deep breath, and press accept call. “Hello?”

“Pippa? It’s Deacon.”

Heat traverses my body at the sound of his deep voice. I shouldn’t feel this way—not when he’s my boss. “Deacon?”

“I just wanted to check in on you because I didn’t get to say goodbye today. How was your first day?”

I sigh and close my eyes. “It was good. Simone went through everything, and it all looks pretty straight forward.”

He chuckles. “If anyone can keep me in line, it’s you. I just wanted to say I’m really glad you applied for the job. I’ve missed you, Pip.”

“I’ve missed you too,” I croak.

“Are you okay?” His concerned tone does things to my stomach. The butterflies are back. I thought over time my crush on him had faded, but it’s already back with a vengeance. I’m not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.

“I’m fine. Just tired. I didn’t sleep too well last night, and today was a lot to take in.” I bite my bottom lip. “I’m already in bed.”

There’s silence for a moment.

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