Page 52 of Only Ever You

He pulls back and meets my gaze. “You’ve changed my life. I don’t think you know how much.”

My stomach gurgles, and I laugh. “Sorry. Right when you’re being sweet.”

“I’m always sweet.” Deacon pecks my lips. “I know I haven’t fed you yet, so get over to the table and grab some food. If we’re heading home early, maybe we’ll stop for burgers on the way too.”

I let go of him and place my hand on my chest. “You know the way to my heart.”

As I turn to walk toward the table, Deacon gives me a gentle tap on the arse. “If only it was that easy.”

But it is.

For all our fancy clothing, the food table is pretty basic. Mallory said they’ve tried different things over the years, but the most popular things to offer are things like pizza slices and sausage rolls.

It works for me.

And now my stomach’s started grumbling, I could eat a horse.

After picking up a sausage roll, I take a bite. These things are small enough you can eat them in two, but if Deacon’s promising burgers, I’ll just eat enough to take the edge off.

I let out a sigh when I hear a woman’s voice.

“The food looks good.”

Right behind me is Adeline’s group. To the left of me, I spot Garrett. He flashes a smile at me and holds up a pizza slice as if we’re making a toast.

Adeline laughs. “The food always looks good. But I daren’t touch any of it. No one wants chunky thighs.”

They all cackle as if she’s said the funniest thing ever, but I roll my eyes and turn back to the table before picking up another sausage roll and popping it in my mouth.

Deacon’s with me, not her.

He wants me.

He must like me the way I am.

Mustn’t he?

I hate self-doubt, but I can’t help it as I keep my back to them.

“God damn it, I am so sick of those bitches.” Mallory grasps my arm and leads me away. “Were they rude to you?”

I don’t want to rock the boat, so I hesitate, and she clenches her jaw.

“It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. She thinks she’s better than me because she’s thin.”

Mallory facepalms. “She’s an idiot. You’re gorgeous.”

“I thought you didn’t like me after warning me off Deacon.”

She shakes her head. “I was wary. In all the time I’ve known Deacon, he’s never been serious about anyone. At first, I worried he would hurt you, but the longer I’ve know you, the more I realise you’re the one person who could really hurt him. But I see the way you look at him, and that’s enough for me to know that won’t happen.”

I’m not sure what to say to that, so I hug her, and she laughs. “I do like you, Pippa. You’re good for Deacon.”

“He’s good for me.” I let her go and smile.

“Mallory, you’d better not be trying to steal my girl.” Deacon swoops in and grabs me around the waist from behind, tugging me against him.

“Just take care of her, Deacon.”

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