Page 44 of Only Ever You

Pippa turns around and her brows knit. “Are you sure? I thought it might be too tight.”

“You look lovely,” Mallory says. “It’s perfect for the occasion. Dress it up with some strappy sandals and jewellery.”

“What she said,” I say. “Where’s the next dress?”

Pippa laughs. “I’m just buying one.”

I shake my head. “Nuh huh, I want to see you in both of them.”

With a smile, she stalks back to the changing room.

“I was wrong,” Mallory says.

Turning toward her, I frown. “About what?”

“You are good for her. And she’s good for you. I’m sorry. I really was just trying to look out for her.”

With a nod, I shift my gaze to the changing room. “I’m so crazy about her.”

“I’ve never seen you like this before.”

I shrug. “I’ve never felt like this before. She’s the one.”

Mallory grips my shoulder before rising from the seat. “I guess I should go and look for my own dress rather than watch you two.”

“If you’re quick, I’ll give you my opinion.” I grin.

She gives me a soft slap around the head. “I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with you.”

“It’s what love does, Mal.”

Mallory rolls her eyes and takes off into the store.

The changing room door opens, and Pippa steps out. I catch my breath.

This dress is longer. It’s dark red with a plunging neckline and hugs Pippa’s hips like she was born to wear it. The hemline’s below the knee, but there’s a split up the side that stops just short of her panty line.

Holy shit.

“That’s it. That’s the one.”

Pippa smiles. “Are you sure?”

“I want the other one too, but this is the dress for the launch party. You look beautiful.”

Her cheeks flush with colour, and I rise to my feet, closing the gap between us.

“You are beautiful.”

“Deacon …” she murmurs.

“I’m serious. God I …” I stop myself before I tell her I love her. We’ve been together five minutes. The last thing I want to do is scare her off. But it’s how I feel. I’m head over heels for her.

“You …?” Her right eyebrow rises.

“I just … you look incredible. Let’s get both of them and get to work. I’ve got an errand to run this afternoon, but I’ll be back for my later meetings.”

Pippa frowns. “There’s nothing in the calendar.”

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