Page 84 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“On the west coast,” I snap, tapping my fist against the deck railing. “It’s eleven here, and I was in bed.”

I never know how to interpret silence from Charlotte. She shows noemotions, so it’s a guess, at best. “I’m sorry. I forgot.”

Doubtful. She is a jet setter, with friends around the globe. Time zones are nothing new for her. My guess? She was trying to catch me with another woman.

Mission accomplished.

“What do you want?”

“I’ll be landing tomorrow morning, around noon. I thought we might meet for a late lunch.”

My fingers tighten around the railing as my stomach churns. “You said you weren’t arriving until next week.”

“Change of plans. I looked online, and there’s a lovely French bistro just a few blocks from your home.”

“How do you know where I live?”

Charlotte, ever the elusive businesswoman, evades my question. “It will be nice to catch up. Two-thirty?”

“Does it matter if I have plans?”

She releases an irritated huff. Huh, a genuine emotion. Who knew? “If you can’t have lunch tomorrow, please say so. I figured that the sooner we meet, the sooner you can be in the loop about the latest developments.”

“Now they’re developments? Is this a business proposition, or are we overthrowing a government?”

“Owen, please. I know you’re angry, but this is a windfall opportunity for you.”

“Says the woman who stands to gain even more from this opportunity.”

“Why are you so hateful?”

“I’m not”—I stop myself, aware that my volume is increasing—“being hateful. I’m being real. We hardly ended on good terms, Charlotte. Forgive me for having reservations.”

More silence. At this rate, the conversation won’t be over until tomorrow.

It’s easier to suffer through one lunch and be done—as much as I hate the idea. “Fine. Two-thirty, but it’s just lunch.”

“I’ll text you the address of the bistro. I look forward to seeing you.” There’s that cheery tone again. Why wouldn’t it be back? I’m caving to her whims.

“Right. Goodbye.” I stalk back into the apartment, feeling the weight of my decision settle over me. I still haven’t told Tally about Charlotte or our relationship. The woman knows that I’ve dated others, but she has no idea how close I was to the altar. When I came to Florida, it was to escape from a life that didn’t fit. The last thing I expected when I arrived here was another relationship. I wasn’t looking for love, but it found me.

Isn’t that the way it happens?

I slide into bed, but I can tell that Tally is awake. I only pray my conversation didn’t rouse her. “Sorry about that, Darlin.”

Tally snuggles against me, dripping kisses along my chest. “Do you have to go?”

“No. But I have a business lunch tomorrow. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“They phoned at eleven at night to set up a luncheon? Sounds like a booty call, mister.” She scoffs, but I hear the uncertainty in her voice. “You sure it wasn’t Nicole?”

Oh, no, Nicole would be way easier.

“It wasn’t Nicole. It’s a business associate from the west coast. They forgot about the time difference.”

“Ah, I see.” She nibbles my lower lip, pulling it between her teeth. “Too bad for you. If it was a booty call, you might have gotten lucky again.”

I roll on top of her, pinning her body against the mattress. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head, Darlin. I’m going to get lucky again. Right now.”

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