Page 29 of Only Ever You

But the excitement only lasts a short time.

“Mr Miller.” A woman’s voice rings out. The maître d’ greets us with a warm smile before she gives me the once over.

Wait. They know him by name?

Does he come here that often?

Does he bring other women here?

As she leads us to the table, Deacon gives my hand a squeeze. “You’re thinking,” he whispers. “For what it’s worth, I’ve had business lunches here but never brought a date. Only you.”

I swallow hard.

“Right this way.” She leads us to an intimate table in the corner.

My heart’s racing. This is my idea of a romantic dinner, complete with candles on the table. My previous dates have always been much more casual, so I’m not sure I have much to compare it to, but it feels like Deacon’s putting in the effort.

Deacon pulls my chair out, and I share a smile with him as I sit.

We’re given the drinks menus, and he sits opposite me before giving them a quick look over.

A few moments later, we’re joined by a waitress. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

Deacon looks at me, and I nod. “A glass of the house white?”

She smiles and shifts her gaze to him. “And for you, sir?”

“The same.”

When she leaves, he reaches across the table and takes my hand in his. “You look nervous.”

“We’re on a date. I think. I’m trying not to freak out.”

His grin brings a smile to my face. “You’re trying not to freak out. How do you think I feel?”

“What do you mean?”

Deacon laughs. “From the moment you walked into my life, this is all I’ve thought about. And now you’re here. Thank you for coming out with me tonight.”

I shrug. “Could I really refuse?”

“What do you mean?”

My heart thuds. It’s now or never. His gaze is fixed on me, and it’s unnerving, and my stomach’s still churning. But I have to go for it. “I’ve had a crush on you my whole life. Why would I ever say no to dinner with you?”

A smile plays on his lips. “You did?”

His reaction slows my heart rate. At least he’s not freaking out.

“Ever since you rescued Roger from the tree.”

Deacon chuckles. “How old were you?”

“Five, I think?”

He shakes his head. “I had no idea.”

Growing more confident, I laugh. “I’m glad because I would have been mortified back then if you knew.”

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