Page 50 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“I might spend more time with you that way.” At my scowl, he chuckles. “I’m kidding.”

“What’s your answer to all our problems?”

Owen pulls me into his arms, his lips capturing mine without warning. Sneaky bastard. Lucky for him, he tastes delicious. “We tell people that we’re in love and moving in together. That puts all interested parties on notice.”

Just like that, the glitter fades, and the truth rears its ugly head once again. “Not an option.”

“Why?”

“You know why. I don’t date doctors.”

Owen throws his head back with a groan. “Yeah. I heard you the last hundred times. But I don’t want you to date some random doctor. I want you to dateme. I want you to move in with me. I miss you, Darlin.”

See? That’s where he gets me, because I miss him, too. I ache for Owen. But this time, I have to protect my heart, a heart that got wounded watching the man I love make dinner plans with another woman.

In. Front. Of. Me.

Love looks better from a distance. It’s like an impressionist painting. Close up, it’s sticky and messy and riddled with uncertainty. Far safer to keep it at arms’ length.

“Owen, even if I threw out my rule, which I’m not saying I will, we aren’t allowed to be together.”

His eyes narrow at my words. “Why the hell not?”

He told me a lie. Now it’s my turn to spout one. “We work together. In the same unit. There are rules against that sort of thing.”

Owen shakes his head, chuckling. “They never enforce those rules, and you know it. But, just in case, I plan on reading the employee handbook.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t believe you, Tally.”

What a smug bastard, being all...right and everything. “Well, now we’re on equal footing. I don’t believe you, either.”

Another knock at the door. Like I said, the bitch is persistent.

“Sorry to interrupt—”

“Again,” I mutter, forcing a grin in her direction.

“The rep from Sanofi is here and would love to meet you. Do you have a minute, Owen?” Her face is so eager.

Damn girl, play a little hard to get.Truth be told, I understand. I fell into Owen’s lap that first night. Literally.

“I’ll be right out.” Now it’s Owen’s turn to force a smile. What a banner day we’re having at Memorial.

I cross my arms over my chest, motioning toward the door. “Nicole is waiting.”

“Tally, so am I. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Except to dinner and drinks with Dr. Hedges.”

He rubs his hand over his brow. “Not that I was going to do anything, but I won’t go for drinks or to the dinner—on one condition. You agree to give us a chance.”

Oh, good. An ultimatum. Either I renege on my morals, or I can watch Owen saunter into the sunset with another woman. “Wow,” I manage. Truthfully, it’s about all Icanmanage as my anger careens into the red. “You have some nerve.”

“I don’t mean it like that, Tally. I’m desperate to spend time with you.”

“I told you, we aren’t allowed—”

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