Page 27 of Only Ever You

Her gaze shoots back to me, and her mouth hangs open.

I nod. “Pippa, we’re both adults. There’s something there that wasn’t—couldn’t be there before.”

To my relief, she nods. “I made up the story because despite no being a complete answer, it’s not always enough for some men.”

My brows knit. “What do you mean?”

She drops her gaze to the floor. “I had a bad experience once with a guy in a bar who didn’t want to take no for an answer.”

In an instant, I’m around the desk and kneeling in front of her, placing my hands on the arms of the chair. “Please tell me that doesn’t mean what I think it does.”

Her eyes flicker and meet mine. “Oh, no.” She places her hands on mine and squeezes. “After pestering me in the bar, he … he followed me home and tried approaching me again. My flatmate at the time was a six-foot-three rugby player built of solid muscle. He dealt with it.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief. “If anything had happened to you …”

“That was three years ago. Since then, I’ve used the old boyfriend excuse. Still doesn’t always work, but most guys back off.”

“Most?”

She gives me a smile, a warm and genuine one that tugs at my heart. “I’m fine, Deacon. I appreciate you looking out for me.”

“I’d have killed the guy.”

Pippa cups my face in her hands. “I’m fine.”

“I’m beginning to think I’m going to have to wrap you in bubble wrap.”

Her laughter makes me smile, and she drops her hands.

“So, when do I meet Bob?” I make an extra-special effort to enunciate the word and take in the glorious sight of her cheeks going pink.

“No one meets Bob.” She laughs again, leaning forward in her chair.

I meet her, pressing my forehead to hers. “I’d like to be the first. I’m sure we’d work together well.”

Her breath hitches. “Deacon.”

“Have dinner with me. Tonight.”

She pulls away, her eyes searching mine. “Deacon …”

“After work, go home and do whatever you need to do before we go out. I’ll pick you up from there.”

Pippa nods, a smile spreading across her lips.

This is it—our fresh start.

It doesn’t matter what came before.

This amazing woman is stealing my heart—regardless of our past.

Could she really be my future?

Chapter Ten

Pippa

Half my wardrobe is on the bed.

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