Page 62 of Only Ever You

We come to a little cafe that definitely wasn’t here last time I was and go inside to order coffee and grab some food from the display.

“You and your ham and cheese croissants,” Lucas says. “Does Deacon know you’re addicted?”

I laugh. “I usually have one with my morning coffee, so yes.”

We make our way to a table outside in the sunshine. It’s a gorgeous day, and while I fully expect it’ll start raining at some point tomorrow—it’s almost a guarantee on Christmas day—it’s nice to make the most of it.

It takes a few minutes for our coffee to be delivered, and then Lucas and I kick back.

“Are you and Deacon really happy?”

I can’t hold back the grin that takes over my face. Lucas chuckles.

“I never expected this,” I say. “When I turned up at that the job interview and found I was working for him, I was sure he would be hostile. But he’s been wonderful from day one.”

Lucas shrugs. “It’s not like you ever did anything to him.”

“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure he saw it that way.”

His face falls as he looks past me. “Shit.”

“What?”

The chair beside me scrapes on the concrete as it’s pulled back, and I turn my head to see who’s joined us.

Deacon’s mother’s gaze is fixed on me.

Stay calm. She can’t hurt you.

“Little Pippa Chapman. I hear you’re in a relationship with my boy.”

Is this woman for real?

She looks good—she always did. Her hair and makeup are immaculate, and while she’s casually dressed in jeans and a pale pink T-shirt, she looks like she could have walked off a magazine cover.

Walking slightly behind her is a young man. It’s hard to estimate his age, but he’s easily younger than I am and my stomach quirks at the thought.

“We have nothing to say to you,” Lucas says.

She pulls out a chair and sits. “This won’t take long.”

I shake my head. “I’m not having this conversation with you. Deacon’s life is none of your business.”

“It’ll always be my business. He’s my boy.” She flicks a glance at Lucas, but she’s barely acknowledged his existence.

“Who’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with you.” I lean back in my seat. “Now, I’m having lunch with my brother and you weren’t invited.”

It takes her a moment before she nods and stands. “Please tell Deacon I miss him. I’d like to see him before you leave town.”

“Hell will probably freeze over first.”

I don’t drop my gaze, and after a beat she turns around and leaves.

Lucas grasps my forearm. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

“I hate her.” When I lift my shaking hands, he frowns. “I’m not telling Deacon anything about this. She can go jump.”

“Hey.” Lucas pulls me into his arms and hugs me. “It’s okay. The wicked witch has gone.”

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