Page 54 of Only Ever You

Her lower lip trembles. Pippa feels everything so deeply. I didn’t want to tell her like this—I think I’ve loved her since I saw her again, but if Mallory’s right, she’ll have been hurt by whatever the bitch squad said in the bathroom. There’s no reason for me to hold back anymore.

“I love you too,” she whispers.

Pressing my forehead to hers, I take a deep breath. “Those women out there? They are nothing compared to you, Pippa. I wouldn’t touch them with a six-foot barge pole.”

She giggles, tilting her head up slightly. I press my lips to hers before deepening the kiss, savouring the taste of her.

When I let her come up for air, I brush my lips down her neck. “God, I just want to fuck you now.”

“I’m not sure we’re in the right place for that.” Her breath tickles my skin.

“I’m not sure I care.” I slide my hand up her thigh, up under her dress.

She gasps as I brush my fingers across to the waistband of her panties and slip my hand in.

“Deacon,” she whispers.

“What did she say at the table?”

“Huh?” Her eyes are glazed over as I sweep my fingers over her clit.

“What did Adeline say to you?”

Pippa moans. “Does it matter?”

She’s breathless. Just the way I want her.

“Tell me.”

“She said she wouldn’t touch the food because she didn’t want chunky thighs.”

Stroking her clit, I run my tongue up her neck. She lets out a sigh and rests her head against mine.

“I fucking love your thighs.” With my free hand, I squeeze the fleshy part of her thigh to drive my point home. “Come for me, baby. I want to hear you.”

Her breath is hot against my ear, and she’s trying so hard to be quiet, but I don’t care if anyone hears us. For the first time in my life, I’m in love and as far as I’m concerned, Pippa’s my endgame.

“Deacon,” she cries out, panting as I draw my fingers back out of her and over her clit.

She falls apart in my arms, shuddering as her legs go out from under her, and I catch her because I’ll never let her fall.

When she straightens up, I keep hold of her while she steadies herself.

Not dropping my gaze, I raise my fingers to my lips and suck on them. “I need to get you home.”

She looks at me from under her lashes. “I’m not going to argue.”

Linking my hand in hers, I give it a squeeze. “Let’s say goodbye to everyone and get out of here.”

She beams, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

Leading her out the door and back into the launch party, I cast my gaze around the room.

Garrett’s on stage, and everyone’s eyes are on him.

Except for Simone.

She marches toward us, one eyebrow arched high. “Where have you been?”

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