Page 130 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“So, I’m definitely interrupting.” Tally grabs her purse and phone, giving the bag of food a forlorn look. “You two…enjoy those. There are all kinds of goodies in there.”

“I’m going to cancel the meeting. Charlotte can handle it herself.”

Tally places her hand on my arm, stopping my forward movement. “Owen, I’m the one who dropped by unannounced. I’m the one intruding. Keep your plans.”

Christ, I feel the chasm growing between us with every word that falls from her lips. “You wanted to talk to me.”

“It’s not important.”

“It’s not?” I want to scream that our child is themostimportant thing in this world, but I bite my tongue.

Tally strides over to the door, greeting my ex-fiancée. “Hello, Charlotte.”

“Tallulah. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

My darling girl manages a smile, but I see the tears brimming in her eyes from across the room. Every tear she sheds is a knife in my gut. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was checking on Owen, making sure he was okay.”

“Why? What happened?” Charlotte’s gaze swings to me, her pupils dilating when she notices the bruise on my jaw. “What in the world? Was this from that punk bar you’ve been frequenting? I know you went there last night after the dinner.”

Thanks for the sympathy, bitch.

“Owen protected a woman from her abusive ex at the shelter.” Tally holds my gaze, sending me a half-hearted smile. “He’s a hero once again. Anyway, I know you two have a busy evening, so I’ll leave you to it. Good night.”

It’s ironic. Charlotte was raised with a team of nannies to ensure her manners were on point. Yet, it’s Tally, raised by ordinary citizens, who’s the real class act.

Yet another reason I’m so damn crazy about Tally, and why I hate how bad this entire situation feels. I know this training facility will save lives, but it’s not worth losing the woman I love, and I feel her slipping through my fingers.

“Hold on a minute,” I bark, chasing Tally down the hallway. I swing her around, cupping her face and claiming her mouth. I know that Charlotte is watching this entire scene play out, and I’m glad. Both women need to know where my loyalties—and heart—lie.

I only pray it works.

“I’ll come over as soon as I’m done,” I murmur against Tally’s lips, willing her to understand one last time.

But she pushes away, her eyes scanning my face. “It will keep, Owen. I promise. Charlotte is waiting. You need those investors.”

“I need you.” I’ve never meant those words more in my life, but it’s too little, too late.

The elevator opens, and Tally steps in, offering a mouthed ‘good luck’ and a thumbs up before the doors close. Seconds later, I’m left staring at my reflection in the polished metal.

For the first time, Tally didn’t kiss me back.

I trudge back to the apartment, my anger escalating with every step. “What part of I’ll meet you at the restaurant, didn’t you understand?” I demand, slamming the door with a vehement swing.

“I assumed this would be easier.”

“No, you hoped it would cause waves between me and Tally, which it did. Bravo, Charlotte.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“Yes. Another stunt like this one tonight, and I’m off the deal. Training facility be damned.”

Charlotte’s eyes widen. “You can’t mean that.”

“Yes, I can. You and your Daddy are just wallets. I can find another one.” I whirl on her, my eyes flashing. “Are you having me followed?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You knew I was at Wicked Chucks last night.”

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