Page 31 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I lean across the desk, squeezing my friend’s forearm. “No, I didn’t. My advice? Prove Dan wrong. I think he’s more concerned that you’re only looking to warm his bed for a night, and he’s got a full roster there.”

“Gee, that was a lovely visual.”

“Stef, you have a full roster, too. If you like Dan, let him know you’re willing to cut your roster. Significantly. I’m not the only one who deserves some long-term happiness.”

* * *

Owen is on the porch, chatting with my landlord when I arrive home. With anyone else, I would feel suffocated. But I want Owen near me all the time. The man warms my soul and judging from the smile on Mrs. Small’s face, he’s charmed the pants off her, too.

“Hey folks,” I throw up a hand in greeting, giggling when Owen jumps down the couple steps and swoops me into his arms.

There is something delicious about a man who is unafraid to show affection. Particularly when said affection is aimed solely at me.

“Hey Darlin,” he coos, as his lips waste no time finding mine.

I fall into the kiss, not caring that Mrs. Small is privy to our intimate moment. “You’re a pleasant surprise.”

“I made plans for this evening. Come on, let’s get you clean, so I can dirty you up again.”

Thirty minutes later, we are in Owen’s car, heading toward the ocean. I say Owen’s car because he’s now the proud owner of his very own Audi A8, complete with every upgrade imaginable, and I still don’t know where the money is coming from.

“We aren’t swimming, are we? I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”

Owen pulls into the parking lot of a luxury condo complex, right on the Intracoastal Waterway. “I have an appointment with a realtor to look at a few places. I wanted you to come with me.”

I nod, as my stomach rumbles. “One condition.”

“What’s that, Darlin?”

“Feed me afterward.”

Owen smiles, leaning across the seat to kiss me. “I made reservations at La Dolce Vita.”

“You thought of everything,” I reply with a smirk as he helps me out of the car. The man insists on treating me like a lady, and for the first time in my life, I’m allowing it.

I gaze around at the luxury accommodations. I’ve driven past this part of town, but I can’t afford a mailbox in one of these buildings, much less a condo. “This is the high-rent district.”

Owen shrugs, an embarrassed smile on his face. “It’s notthatexpensive.” He holds out his hand to me. “Come on, let’s see if we like it.”

I slide my fingers into his hand, but his words repeat in my mind.

Let’s see if we like it.

Ninety minutes and four condos later, Owen and I are seated in La Dolce Vita, tucked into a private booth at the rear of the restaurant. In the short time I’ve known Owen, he’s treated me like a kid on Christmas. I’ve had more five-star meals in the last couple of weeks than I have in the three years prior. Even then, those were medical dinners, riding on a pharmaceutical company’s tab.

But this, this is divine. Just me and the man I’m swiftly falling head over heels for...fine, the man I’ve already fallen head over heels for. But I keep that handy dandy fact to myself. Those words are sure to send him screaming in the opposite direction.

I prefer him right here, next to me.

“Talk to me, Darlin. Did you like any of the condos?” Owen inquires, popping a shrimp in his mouth.

I take a bite of my bruschetta, catching the stray piece of tomato that falls from the bread. I’m the definition of grace. “They’re all beautiful.”

“You can do better than that.”

“I like the third one the best. I love the rooftop garden and the kitchen. But that’s just me, and my opinion doesn’t matter.”

His eyes narrow in my direction. “Of course it matters. I like that one, too. Plus, it has three bedrooms.”

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