Page 24 of Only Ever You

She’s a living, breathing work of art. The thoughts I’m having about her are far from brotherly.

“I’ve got a boyfriend,” she says.

My lungs deflate, and I come to a stop. What?

I never asked her if she was seeing anyone. The idea of it makes me fist my hands.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise.”

“It’s really serious. I think I’m going to marry him.”

I start looking at the office wall, wondering which part is the best to punch.

“No worries, Pippa. I’ll get going. Have a good rest of the day.”

“You too,” she sings.

The office is quiet, but for the sound of shuffling paper.

Pippa walks toward me.

Her head’s down, and I stay still just waiting for the …

She slams into my chest and looks up at me with wide eyes. “Sorry.”

“In a hurry?”

Pippa shakes her head. “No. I got these finished before lunch but just wanted to go over them before I gave them to you. They’re the IT reports consolidated.” She manoeuvres around me and places them on my desk.

“Tell me about this boyfriend of yours.”

When she bites her bottom lip, I suck in a breath.

“You heard that?”

My eyebrows rise. “Every word. Is it that serious?”

Her lips curl into a smile. “Very.”

I’m not supposed to feel things for her, and this news is not supposed to make my heart sink. But it does.

“What’s his name?”

She falters before steeling her spine. “Bob.”

“Bob?” What kind of man calls himself Bob? Has she got a sugar daddy I don’t know about? “When do I get to meet him?”

Pippa lets out a choked laugh. “I don’t know if you ever will.”

“Why not?”

Clamping her lips together, she shakes her head. “Are you jealous?”

I cock an eyebrow and lean in, my face inches from hers. “Why would I be jealous?”

“Because you’re acting weird.”

Reaching for her, I grasp her shoulders. “I’m just looking out for you. Who is this guy? Does he take good care of you?”

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