Page 170 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Owen’s eyes trail down my cleavage before sending me a wink. “Yes, you are Darlin, in the sexiest way possible.” He slides into the chair next to me, taking a glass of champagne offered by the server. “I’m so ready for this to be over.”

That nervous energy flows off him, ever present since he flew back from San Francisco. I’ve tried to coax him into talking, but he’s closed off lately, and as usual, my overactive imagination is concocting all variety of stories.

I know he didn’t sleep with Charlotte, although I’m sure she tried to wile her way into his bed. But it’s been over two weeks, and he still hasn’t mentioned that phone proposal. Part of me wonders if I dreamed the whole thing.

Either way, I’m not giving him any more angina. He has plenty between settling into his new role, opening the training center and dealing with his ex-fiancée. Tonight is a well-deserved celebration.

“I don’t think you’re allowed to hide in the back,” I grin, squeezing his hand before turning my gaze to Jessop. “Either of you. Now scoot.”

“Not without you, Darlin.” I glance between Owen’s probing gaze and his outstretched hand. “It’s going to be okay, Tally. I promise. You belong next to me.”

I want to believe his words, but Charlotte’s raised brow when I arrive at the head table reminds me I’m anythingbutwelcome. “Tallulah, come to join us?”

“Wanted to see how the other half lives,” I reply with a forced smile. As always, the woman is stunning, and I can’t help but compare my roly-poly stature to her regal elegance.

“You’re always welcome here.” What a load of crap. If her scathing looks are anything to go by, Charlotte has throttled and buried my body a few times already this evening. “Time to start the festivities,” she replies, rising from her seat to greet another tuxedo clad gentleman across the room.

Next to me, Owen’s leg is tapping a mile a minute. I squeeze his thigh, offering what I hope is a reassuring grin. “You keep stomping your foot like that, and you’ll leave a hole in the floor.”

“I hate all this pomp and circumstance.” His hand squeezes mine, a thoughtful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Christ, you’re beautiful, Darlin.”

“Want to take me to the bathroom, have your way with me?”

He releases a grunt, shifting in his seat. “Don’t start what you can’t finish.”

I lean in, pressing a kiss to his ear. “I always finish.”

His body relaxes as a chuckle reverberates through him, and I settle back into my seat. Laughter really is the best medicine.

My gaze is drawn to an older gentleman across the room. He’s mingling, like the rest of the guests, but he oozes an air of importance. “Who is that man?”

“Martin Auerback, Charlotte’s father.”

“King Midas himself?”

“Close,” Owen replies, frowning into his glass.

“He makes you nervous, doesn’t he? Don’t worry, Owen, you’ve earned every accolade. Tonight, we celebrate you and all of your achievements. I’m so proud of you.”

“I don’t deserve you, Tally.”

“I think it’s the other way around.”

Strains of music fills the air. It’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight’—another oldie but goodie. In fact, it was a favorite of my father, but this time there are no tears, only a happiness that the man existed in the first place.

“Owen, would you like to twirl me around the floor?” Charlotte asks over my shoulder, offering me a half-hearted smile. “For old times’ sake.”

“I reserved this song—and dance—for Tally.” Owen jumps to his feet, offering me his hand. “Come on, Darlin.”

I can’t dance. Owen knows this—he has the bruised toes to prove it. I want to say no; I don’t want the eyes on me, but his gaze is raw and unnerving. He needs me to agree to this.

“You know I’m a terrible dancer.”

His brows raise, but his voice is tender. “Dance with me, Tally.”

With a sigh, I accept his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. As expected, I’m as graceful as a two-day-old colt. “I much prefer our private dances.”

“Me too, but right now, I have a public announcement to make.”

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