Page 30 of Only Ever You

His smile’s warm, but when he doesn’t respond, the nerves begin to grow again.

“Here are your drinks.”

Our wines are placed on the table, and I give the waitress a tight smile. It’s not her fault that her timing sucks.

“Can you give us a few more minutes to read the menu?” Deacon asks.

“Sure thing.” She’s so bright and bubbly, and I hate that I resent her right now.

As soon as she’s gone, he puts all his focus back on me, and it’s like there was no gap in the conversation.

“Seven years was a big difference back then. It’s not really that much now,” he finally says.

My throat tightens.

“I want this, Pippa. I want to explore us.”

He meets my gaze again, and there’s a question in his eyes.

He’s waiting for me to agree.

“I’d like that.” I’m breathless with excitement. This is Deacon. I never forgot him—I couldn’t. Losing him from my life was the worst thing that ever happened to me.

“I’d really like to kiss you, but I’m not sure the restaurant would appreciate it if I dived across the table to do it.” He grins.

I laugh, but my heart swells and all I can think about now is us kissing.

“Thank you for saying yes to dinner, Pippa.” He holds up his wine glass. “I’d like to think this is just the start.”

I clink my glass with his for his toast.

“Let’s check out this menu.”

* * *

It’s the best pasta I’ve ever eaten in my life.

When I choose the chicken carbonara, Deacon follows suit, reassuring me that even though he hasn’t tried it, everything on the menu is good.

We settle into easy conversation. We might not have been a part of each other’s lives for years, but apart from the obvious topic—nothing’s off limits.

I haven’t felt so comfortable with anyone in a long time.

“I’m so full.” I lean back in my seat and rest my hand on my stomach. “This was a wonderful idea.”

“Too full for dessert?”

“Never.”

Deacon barks out a laugh. “That’s my girl. They do a mean tiramisu here.”

“Ohhh, I love tiramisu.”

“I want to know all about the things you love.” His eyes search mine. “I want to give you the world, Pippa. All I need is to know where to start.”

“You’re starting just fine from where I’m sitting.”

For a moment, we just gaze at each other, until Deacon breaks away.

---