Page 13 of Forgot to Tell You Something

A meltdown is imminent.

Finally, finding my voice—and my snarky facade—I push my glasses up with one hand and point to the ground with the other. “Not that I don’t appreciate the view from way up here, but can you put me down? I must be getting heavy.”

It’s a cue to set me back on my feet, but Owen ignores the hint. Instead, he tightens his grip, his fingers tracing ever so softly along my body. The man knows exactly what he’s doing to me, and he’s enjoying every second. “You’re tiny, so holding you is not an issue. Besides, I’m not quite ready to let you go, Tally.”

A shiver rushes up my spine. I like the way my name sounds dripping off his tongue. Actually, I like everything about Owen’s mouth.Focus, damn it.“Do I get a say in this decision?”

With a chuckle, Owen sets me back to rights, and I’m loath to admit I miss the warmth of his skin. “Although you’d sooner die than admit it, I think you enjoyed every second in my arms.”

Cocky bastard. Accurate, but cocky as hell. I plant my hands on my hips, a vision of righteous indignation. Or so I tell myself. “Is that what you think? You know what I think?”

“Tallulah, I get the impression you thinkwaytoo much. You’ve been doing nothing but thinking since your friend showed up in the balcony.” He plops down on a bar stool, offering me a dimpled smile beneath the coiffed beard.

“You two seem to hit it off,” I argue, hating that he can see right through my front.

His brows raise as he chuckles, accepting a fresh beer from Dan. “I thinkwehit it off, Tally.”

“Obviously. You need me. I own the balcony.”

“Part owner.”

“No, that’s a one-night deal. You did not swear on a goat.”

“I’ll bring one the next time.” His fingers slide along my jaw, such an intimate gesture from an almost stranger. “Glad to see you back.”

Before I can retort, Stefani, ever the concerned friend, cuts into the moment. Again. Judging by her dilated pupils, the alcohol has finally made its mark. “Lu, are you okay? I saw that moron slam into you.”

“Almost slam. But I’m right as rain, thanks to this big lug here.” I smile up at Owen, giving him a light punch in the bicep. “He’s my new bodyguard.”

“The guy bled the entire way outside. I think he broke his nose,” Stefani adds, motioning to the door.

“Are you a nurse, too?” Owen inquires.

“Yep. Lu and I work together. She’s technically my boss.” She flashes Owen a sultry smile. “What do you do, besides saving damsels in distress?”

“I’m not exactly a damsel in distress,” I mutter, but my friend only has ears—and eyes—for Owen.

“I’m in between jobs at the moment,” Owen states, taking another swig of his beer.

I clear my throat and glance away. Well, that’s what’s wrong with him—he’s unemployed and likely broke.

Owen must be a mind reader. “That sounded terrible, didn’t it? I’m not some vagrant. I just moved here from San Francisco, sewing up some loose ends with work.”

Whew. Thank God.

“Big move,” I comment, my gaze traveling up his body. It’s funny. Owen is over a foot taller and likely a hundred pounds heavier than me, but all I feel is safe around him.

Owen guffaws, nodding in agreement. “That’s an understatement.”

“How do you like Florida?” Stefani presses, her words becoming progressively more slurred.

“I love the ocean, but it’s hot as hell down here. I’m still looking for a place.” The smile falls from his face, replaced with a look of concern. “Stefani, are you alright?”

Lovely, my friend is green about the gills. “Time for some fresh air, beautiful.”

I offer Stefani my arm, but Owen stops me. “Remember what happened last time, Rocky? I’ll take her outside. We’ll be right back.” With his hand on her lower back, they disappear into the crowd.

I bet money they won’t return.

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