Page 147 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Don’t do it on my account,” I grumble, offering his statuesque ex-fiancée a thin smile. “Hi there, Charlotte.”

“Tallulah,” she replies, her voice even and measured. “You’re a surprise.”

“Actually, you’re a surprise,” Owen barks, pulling Hecate’s carrier and my suitcase from the backseat. “What are you doing here?”

Charlotte blanches at his pointed accusation. For a split second, I feel sorry for her. I can’t blame her for loving the man. God knows I do, too.

She pulls a large envelope from her satchel. “I have the paperwork regarding the lease for the training center. We need to discuss—”

“Not tonight,” Owen shakes his head at Charlotte before nudging me with the suitcase. “Come on, our dinner is waiting.”

I wish I was better at being cold-hearted, but sarcasm is about as far as I go. With a sigh, I grab the handle of my suitcase. “You two go ahead, I’ll take my stuff up.”

“Are you visiting?” Charlotte inquires, and I realize I’m going to have to speak to her.

“I lost the lease on my apartment, so I’m staying here until I find another place.”

“She’s not finding another place. She’s moving in,” Owen interjects, those gray eyes flashing at me.

I shrug, pulling the suitcase toward me. “Seriously, take care of business. I have to unpack, anyway.”

“I’ll take your things upstairs,” Owen grits out and I realize I’m not winning this battle.

It’s amazing how long an elevator ride can be. In reality, it’s only twenty seconds. But, standing in between Charlotte and Owen, with both of them towering over me, it feels like forever.

As soon as Owen swings open the door, I grab my suitcase, awaiting further instructions.

“Since you insist on carrying it yourself, you know where the bedroom is,” Owen mutters, freeing Hecate from her plastic prison.

The cat looks at each of us in turn, hisses, and runs under the sofa.

I totally get you, Hecate. Come to think of it, can I join you?

No point in standing around, staring—I mean glaring—at each other. I turn and haul my suitcase down the hallway, ignoring Owen’s silent plea for understanding.

Sorry, Doc, I’m fresh out of love and understanding.

* * *

Within the space of fifteen minutes, I’ve unpacked my essentials. Now, I’m sprawled across the bed in the guest room, laptop open and mission clear.

Owen’s place needs to be a temporary landing.Verytemporary.

I hear the door open, but don’t bother to look. Unless Hecate has developed opposable thumbs, I know who it is.

The mattress sinks next to me, as Owen’s talented hands skate along my abdomen. “What are you doing back here?”

I grab his hand, shoving it off my body. “I’m looking for an apartment.”

Owen rolls me over, resting his forearms on either side of my body. “Tally, you moved in less than an hour ago. You live here now.”

“I appreciate the help, but I can’t live with you.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to be the third wheel with you and your ex-fiancée. Fiancée. What the fuck ever.”

I expect that my statement will rile Owen’s anger. Instead, I watch that sexy as hell smirk travel across his face. What the hell is so damn amusing?

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