Page 45 of Only Ever You

“I know. I just have to take care of something. So let’s get out of here.” I pop a kiss on her nose, and she screws it up as if she knows I’m full of it. But seeing her in that dress gave me an idea that she’ll love and hate all at the same time, and I want to show her just how much she means to me.

“Okay.” She pecks me on the cheek and disappears back into the changing room.

Mallory races into the cubicle next to her, and I sit down.

This is still going to take a while.

Chapter Fourteen

Pippa

I’m not sure why I have an apartment anymore.

When I’m not at work, I’m at Deacon’s. And I’m not complaining. It feels like he’s finally caught up to where I am. I’ve loved him for so long, it’s just right. He smothers me with affection as if he’s scared I’m going to up and leave any second.

I haven’t told my parents or Lucas yet. Telling them will stir up old feelings, and while I know my parents will be happy that Deacon’s on the scene—I’m not sure how Lucas will feel. Deacon was just like a part of the family before that day.

The day we never talk about.

Deacon’s apartment is amazing. It’s about four times the size of mine, easily, and has a view to die for. We look out over the Hauraki Gulf with a view of Rangitoto. It’s beautiful and serene even though we’re right in the city.

And it’s like this place was just made for me with the window seat right by that beautiful view. It’s perfect for me to curl up and read there while Deacon’s dealing with a work issue. It’s spring, and still a little chilly outside, but the sun streams in the window and all is right with my world.

My nose is buried in a book—which isn’t surprising. I’m going through a romantasy binge right now. Maybe it’s because I found my knight in shining armour.

“Pip.”

I’m so engrossed in my book, I don’t hear Deacon at first but squeal with laughter when he flops down on the window seat, stretching out and dropping his head on my lap.

“Have you finished work?”

He shrugs. “My guys are still working. A switch in the network failed, and I’ve had no explanation yet as to why the backup didn’t kick in. So they’re getting to the bottom of that, and I’ve come to pester you.”

I chuckle. “You could never pester me. But you could wait until I’ve finished my book.”

“Pippa. I’m dying.”

Deacon’s expression causes me to double take.

“What are you talking about?”

He looks at me with those puppy dog eyes. “My mouth needs your pussy, Pippa. I’ll die if I don’t taste it now.”

I drop my book next to me and shake my head. “You’re an idiot.”

“I’ve been thinking about it all day. Don’t make me suffer. Please put me out of my misery.”

Rolling my eyes, I laugh. “I don’t know if that’s hot or you’re sounding pathetic.”

He leaps up to sit beside me and pulls me into his arms. “Whatever it takes to get you to come to bed.”

“But I want to finish my book. I’m so close to the end.”

Deacon shakes his head. “You always were such a bookworm.”

I shrug. “I like to read.”

“But you’re seriously choosing your book over sex with me?”

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