Page 14 of Only Ever You

I pored over the corporate website so many times looking for any new information on Deacon. He’s the CTO.

“I’m sorry?”

She nods. “Don’t panic. The salary and benefits are all the same. It’s just an internal thing, but I thought it was important that you know.”

“Thank you?”

“Let’s get on with this interview and Mr Miller has asked that we go up to his office afterward.”

My heart thuds.

I knew if I got the job I’d see Deacon at some point, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared to do it today.

“Okay, then, Philippa. I see from your application you have a Bachelor’s in business. Have you ever considered applying for our intern program? It’s something you could do in future if you’re interested.”

“I … uh … Please call me Pippa.”

She smiles. “Okay, Pippa. Same question.”

I’m not sure how I make it through the next hour, but Rochelle seems happy with my answers. Yes, I might consider applying as an intern at some point. Yes, I’m perfectly happy applying for a PA role despite my qualifications—I’ve done it before, and I want to get some work experience under my belt. And so on.

After all the questions are answered and we make small talk for a few minutes, she leads me to the elevator and presses up.

Butterflies take over my stomach and I blow out a long breath.

“Nervous?” Rochelle asks.

I nod, unable to speak.

“You’ll be fine. The executive management are great.” She smiles. “They’re a group of uni friends who have worked together to build the company. It’s all fantastic product, and the perks of working here are amazing.”

“Sounds perfect.” I manage to get the words out, but inside my heart is racing.

The elevator dings, and the doors open.

Here we go.

I scrape the palms of my hands with my nails. I didn’t think I’d come into contact with Deacon so soon. I’m so not ready.

We walk down a corridor before she opens a door and I follow her into an outer office. A desk sits by the door I assume leads to Deacon’s office.

I draw in a deep breath before she knocks briefly and then pushes it open.

She’s in my way, so I can’t see Deacon yet. Anticipation makes me quite faint. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in the flesh and he’s not just a picture on a website.

“We’ve just finished our interview. You wanted to see Pippa?”

“Yes.”

Rochelle steps out of the way and ushers me through.

Deacon rises from behind his desk.

Oh my.

The years have been good to him. He was always a good-looking boy, but as a man he’s devastatingly handsome.

His dark hair is short at the sides, a little longer on top. Last time I saw him, he was clean-shaven, but his short-trimmed beard makes him look so grown up. Although, I guess he’s now in his early thirties.

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