Page 34 of Only Ever You

Tonight is different. Tonight is when I make my move because I don’t just want Pippa on my arm, I want her in my bed.

She hasn’t been to my place before, so I’m pulling out all the stops.

I’m going to wine and dine her, and ask her to spend the night with me.

The ghosts of our past still linger—I can’t pretend they don’t. Lucas betrayed our friendship, and that had a devastating impact on my family. It wasn’t just Mum and Dad. Words were said that broke me at the time.

I’m still not sure how I navigate through that, but for Pippa’s sake, I have to try. Lucas will be a part of her life no matter what, but I’m head over heels for his sister now, which I never saw coming.

I do my best not to clock watch, but it’s hard when all I want is to be with her. We both left the office at five, so we’re eating a little later than usual to give her time to go home and get ready. Not that I wanted her to.

I wanted to take her home and never let her go.

But in typical Pippa fashion, it’s right on seven when she arrives.

I take a deep breath before opening the door, and she’s right there with a big smile on her face. Before my nerves get the better of me, I draw in close, wrap an arm around her waist, and pull her into the room.

“Hi.”

Her breath quickens. I’m not sure if she knows what I have planned tonight, but she must suspect.

“Hi,” she replies.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too?”

Her brow furrows, and I know I need to pull myself together. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous.

“Deacon, you’re acting weird again.”

I lean down a little to kiss her, and she sighs when I finally let her free.

“That’s more like it.” She pats my chest. “What’s for dinner?”

I’m lost in her eyes for a moment, and I blink rapidly to pull myself out of it. “What? Oh, I’m cooking a stir-fry with chicken and vegetables.”

Pippa walks toward the stovetop before picking up a wooden spoon and giving the food a stir. “That smells amazing.”

I bury my nose in the back of her neck. She leans against me and sighs.

“You smell amazing.”

Her peels of laughter make me smile. She’s the same as she always was, kind and caring, and also full of laughter. Even when she was younger, Pippa’s laugh could change the mood in a room.

“I also figured you’d be on time because you’re always so prompt, so it’s ready. We’ll eat in the living room if you want.”

“Sounds great.” She turns and pecks me on the lips. “I’ll let you do your thing.”

“Oh, I’m doing my thing tonight. I promise.”

Pippa laughs and shakes her head.

“And if you’re a good girl, you might even get tiramisu for dessert.”

Her mouth falls open. “No way.”

“Yes. Now get over to that couch before I burn dinner and you leave me.”

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