Page 90 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Nice choice.”

“I love convertibles.”

“I know. Well, seeing as how I’m drenched in coffee, we’ll pick this up another time?”

“I’ll follow you back to your condo,” Charlotte offers.

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Why not? You have to change, and then we can discuss the details.” Her eyes narrow knowingly. “Don’t worry, I won’t impede on any late-night dinner plans.”

I don’t want Charlotte to come back to my condo. Not now, not ever. But, I’m also covered in coffee, and we need to hash out the details of this plan to ensure I don’t spend every waking moment with the woman. Hell, I don’t even know if the project is feasible or desirable. The sooner I know, the sooner I can send her packing or set parameters.

“I have important plans tonight.”

“I can tell. Don’t worry, Owen. It’s only four. We’ll be done by six.”

Tally isn’t due to arrive until seven. It’s cutting it close, but it should give me enough time. “Fine,” I concede.

“Who is she?”

“Her name is Tally.”

“You’re quite taken with her.” It’s not a question, and I have no intention of hedging my feelings.

“That’s an understatement.”

If my words bother Charlotte, she doesn’t let it show. Typical. “Does she come from a good family?”

I bristle at her inquiry. “Her mother is dead, and her father has dementia. He lives in a facility.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do, Charlotte, and no, Tally doesn’t come from money. But I couldn’t care less how much her family is worth. I know whatshe’sworth.”

“Without my family’s money and connections, your robotic cath lab would still be in its testing phase.”

“I’m forever grateful for your father’s belief in me. His payout reflected that gratitude.”

“But—” Charlotte wants to continue bickering, and the reason is two-fold. First, it’s eating away the minutes, now that she knows I have plans. Second, she’s chipping away at my Tally to make her less attractive. Not possible.

“I’m not discussing Tally any further. My personal life is none of your business. Not anymore. This isn’t a good idea, you coming back to the condo. Thanks for the coffee. I’ll call you within the week.”

I don’t wait to hear her argument. I’m done with the conversation.

* * *

Ipull into my parking spot, my brain focused on this evening. I’m preparing a collection of Italian dishes, all Tally’s favorites. I’m so glad my mother taught me how to cook. Yes, I’m buttering up my tiny beauty. I want her to say yes.

Pushing open my car door, I release a heated groan. Charlotte is parking across the lot in the visitor’s spot. “What are you doing here?”

She sends me an exasperated look. “I know you have a date, but I need to get certain details sorted before I can complete the business plan. It won’t take long. I promise.”

“You never listen, do you? You only hear what you want to hear.”

“Give me thirty minutes, and I’ll be out of your hair.” She chuckles. “Might take less than that, now.”

I want to maintain the cold facade, but I have to admit her timing was damn good. I smile, running a hand over my head. “Likely will.”

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