Page 17 of Only Ever You

“Nothing you’ll get any complaints about.” I deadpan.

She drops into the chair on the other side of my desk. “I mean it, Deacon. You cause any issues and I’ll?—”

“Do what? I’m not going to harass her. I’ve known that woman since … forever, and I won’t do anything to hurt or upset her.”

She gives me a short, sharp nod in response.

“But I might just marry her.” I grin.

Rochelle shakes her head, seemingly fighting a smile. “Just be careful. I don’t want you putting your own company at risk.”

“I’m not about to do that. I also know there are no rules against staff fraternisation, and while there’s a power imbalance between us, I’d never pressure Pippa into doing anything she doesn’t want to. Hell, she’s a grown woman who can make up her own mind.”

Rochelle straightens up and nods. “That’s a much better response.”

“Pippa’s always been dear to me. I’ll make sure if either one of us has concerns, we talk to you.”

That seems to satisfy her as she rises from her chair and walks toward the door. “She’s nice. I like her.”

“So do I.”

* * *

“Knock knock.”

Last night I kept thinking about today, and I didn’t sleep that great. I’m not sure why the thought of seeing Pippa again makes me nervous—I practically lived at the Chapmans’ sometimes. But grown-up Pippa is a very different prospect than the Pippa I knew back then.

For a distraction, I buried myself in reports this morning.

I look up and Pippa’s gaze locks onto mine.

“Is it ten already?” I smile.

“Right on the dot.”

I push myself up from my desk. “Prompt. I like it.”

She beams a radiant smile at me. “I’ve been doing all the paperwork with Rochelle.”

“So you’re all set?”

Nodding, she walks into the room, and takes my breath away. She’s wearing a black, knee-length skirt that hugs her curves. Her jacket’s nestled in her arms, and her crisp, white blouse tucked into her skirt emphasises that hourglass figure.

Holy shit.

I’m not supposed to have this reaction to my ex-best friend’s little sister, but it’s all I can do to keep my jaw off the floor.

She tilts her head. “Deacon? Are you okay?”

I blink to break my stare. Her first day, and she’s going to think I’m some kind of pervert. But this was not what I expected even after seeing her yesterday.

“I’m looking at you, Pip. You’re gorgeous.”

She blushes and slides her hand over her eyes. It’s familiar, and I’m taken back to the fun and laughter we all shared as kids—back before Lucas broke us.

I walk around the desk and remove her hand from her face.

“Deacon,” she murmurs.

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