Page 22 of Only Ever You

Have I overstepped?

“That worn out, huh? I hope that doesn’t put you off working with me.”

“Never.” I laugh.

“Good to hear. Get some sleep, sweetheart, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

When the call is disconnected, I snuggle down into the sheets and smile. Sweetheart. I’m probably reading way too much into this, but I think Deacon sees me in a whole new light.

At least, I hope that’s the case.

Chapter Eight

Deacon

Having Pippa in the office is unnerving.

I have to keep reminding myself I asked for this.

For the first few days, Simone flits back and forward between my office and Garrett’s, picking up both her new work and passing hers onto Pippa. They seem to get on, so at least there’s no dealing with jealousy and bitterness.

Pippa seems content to work for me instead of the CEO.

I do my best to steer clear of them while they’re training. Neither of them need any more pressure from me, and everything’s running smoothly, so I don’t have any reason to be in their ears.

I’m content to watch Pippa from a distance. She’s taking everything in her stride—always with a smile on her face. If nothing else so far, she’s lightened the mood in my office.

But I’m not sure I’m that impressed at my team popping in to visit, which seems to happen much more often now she’s here. Where I’m used to getting emails or even phone calls, I don’t think I’ve had so many in-person visits since we started the company.

I can’t blame them. Pippa dresses professionally, but those killer curves of hers can’t be hidden.

She blossomed into a beautiful woman, and I’ve seen her in a whole new light.

It’s driving me crazy.

At the start of the second week, she disappears at lunchtime rather than eating at her desk as she has been.

I give up stalking her and head down to the cafeteria. On Mondays, my friends can usually be found there. We all like to keep a hand in the business, making sure we’re accessible to everyone. It helps prevent an ‘us against them’ mentality.

Mallory’s nowhere to be seen, but Garrett and Victor sit in our spot and I give them a wave before grabbing today’s lasagne special and heading to our table.

“How’s it going?” Victor asks. “Pippa settling in well?”

I nod. “Seems to be. She’s been with Simone a big chunk of this week, so we haven’t had time to catch up.”

“Come to check on her?” Garrett asks.

“Do I need to?”

He nods toward the corner of the cafeteria.

Pippa’s surrounded by men. Her beaming smile lights up the whole room, and when she laughs, it’s full and throaty and sends an unexpected signal to my dick.

Oh, hello.

I frown and growl before I realise I’m doing it.

Garrett and Victor laugh.

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