Page 51 of Only Ever You

For a moment, I waver. Is this where it all falls apart? When all my fears come to pass? But Deacon wants me. He hasn’t said he loves me yet, but he always leaves me thinking he’s waiting for me to catch up while I’m already there. I’ve been there for years.

I should bite the bullet and tell him.

Flipping the lock, I take a deep breath and open the stall door.

Adeline’s eyes widen as I step out and walk toward the basins to wash my hands.

She says nothing as I turn the water on and squirt the soap.

But when I turn to reach for the paper towels, she’s in my face.

“I’m not sure who you are, but Deacon’s on a whole other level to you. He’ll ditch you anyway, so why slow things down.”

One of her friends takes a step closer. “Addie, I’m not sure?—”

“You’re so not his type. I am.”

I pause, licking my lips to give my mouth the moisture it so desperately needs. “Is that why he’s never been with you?” I say.

She scowls.

My heart leaps. I didn’t know for sure whether they’d been together at some point or not, but her reaction tells me I hit right on target.

I tug on the paper towels, pulling two out and wiping my hands dry before throwing them in the bin. “Maybe he’s just good at seeing the ugly on the inside and staying away from it.”

As I walk away, her friends part to let me through. Once I’m out the door, I stop and catch my breath. I’m not good with confrontation, but I will defend my relationship with Deacon.

I love him. He loves me.

I know he does.

“Pippa?”

Looking up, I meet Mallory’s gaze. Her face is a mixture of curiosity and concern, but I smile to make her think I’m okay.

She flicks a gaze at the bathroom door. “Did something happen in there?”

I shake my head. “I’m fine.”

Making a break for it before she can ask me more, I scan the room before my eyes find Deacon. He’s in a conversation with Garrett and Victor, but he seems to sense my approach as his azure gaze hits me and tracks my steps.

He grins when I reach him, wrapping his arms around my waist and tugging me against his side.

“Young love.” Victor laughs.

“Nothing better.” Deacon plants a kiss on my lips. Out of the corner of my eye, I spy Adeline’s posse making their way out of the bathroom and slide my arms around his neck. “Maybe we’ll cut tonight short after all.”

Victor reaches over and squeezes my bicep. “Seriously, Pippa, I’m so happy for you two. Deacon’s always needed someone to keep him in line.”

I drop my arms down to intersect with Deacon’s and wrap them around his waist. “Tell me about it. He’d be lost without me.”

Victor’s chuckle makes me smile. “You know what? I really think he would.”

He spots someone and waves. “We’ll catch up again later.”

Deacon nuzzles my ear. “I would be lost without you.”

“I feel the same way.”

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