Page 112 of Forgot to Tell You Something

She’s joking, but I’m not in the mood. “Right. I’ll see you later, Tally.”

I hear her laugh and whip around, glaring in her direction. “What’s so funny?”

“Would this sudden frostiness have anything to do with Dan?” Her words mimic my own, used against her with Nicole. She closes the distance between us, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Just admit that you’re jealous, Owen.”

“Is there something going on?”

Tally shakes her head. “Friends shouldn’t be jealous of friends. Remember?”

I don’t think so.

I crush her body to me, my mouth claiming what is rightfully mine. I dominate her, pushing my tongue into her mouth and swallowing any arguments. My hands twist in Tally’s hair, locking her in the kiss until I’m damn ready to let her go. She yields against me, and I take it one step further, backing her against the outside wall. My hand slips past her waistband, and I slide a finger inside her, feeling her clench around me.

That’s right. You’re mine, Darlin. Don’t you forget it.

I curve my fingers around, feeling her moan into my mouth as I push her over the edge, her hips arching toward me. I pull back, smiling at the flush crossing her pale skin.

My hand rests lightly around her throat, tipping her chin up, my forehead pressed to hers. “I’m not your damn friend, Tally. Remember? You belong to me.”

25

Tally

I’d be lying if I claimed to hate seeing Owen jealous. There is something deeply satisfying about his obvious angst over Dan spending the night. It’s an innocent situation, but Owen didn’t see it that way.

Instead, the man turned alpha on me, his mouth and fingers owning my body, before reminding me that I belong to him.

Any other situation, I would have dropped to my knees to show Owen who’sreallythe boss.

But this isn’t just any situation.

Dan reallyisonly a friend, and Charlotte reallyisOwen’s ex-fiancée. An ex-fiancée who is once again involved in Owen’s life. It’s a minefield I have no desire to tread.

I’m dealing with my own life issues. Namely, being a single mom to my Nugget. Yes, I plan on telling Owen—eventually. I know it’s the right thing to do, and since I have no expectations of him, there’s no chance of being disappointed, right?

It sounds terrible, but I’ll now be flush with cash since I’m no longer spending thousands of dollars on Dad’s care. Don’t get me wrong, I’d spend every penny for one more day with that man, but not the shell he’d become. If I could have my old Dad back, I’d gladly go through life a pauper.

“Tallulah, dear, might I have a word?”

I turn to see my landlord, Mrs. Smalls, standing outside the screen door.

“Come on in.”

She’s such a dear woman, the closest thing I have to a relative, besides Stefani and Dan. But today, something is bothering her, as evidenced by her incessant hand wringing. “How are you doing, dear?”

“As good as can be expected. My father didn’t have a quality of life anymore, so now he’s free.” I volley my gaze between her face and hands.Okay, spill it, Mrs. Smalls. “Is everything okay?”

“I hate doing this, considering everything you’ve been through. But my grandson…he lost his job, and he needs a place to live. I told him you’ve been a perfect tenant and friend, but he can’t find a place with his budget and credit—”

I grasp her hands, worried she’ll rub the skin off if she keeps at it. “You’re not renewing the lease.”

“I’m so sorry, dear.” Her eyes well with tears, and I grab her into a hug.

“Don’t fret. I understand. You need to take care of your family.”

“But I consider you family, too.”

“I love you for that, but Hecate and I will be fine. How long do I have?”

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