Page 43 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“He fell and hit his head. They don’t know—”

“I’m driving to her apartment now.”

“Owen, I don’t think you should do that. Tally is very private, especially in her grief. She doesn’t want me around tonight. I highly doubt she’ll want to see you.”

Too damn bad. She needs me, and I’ve got a ton of making up to do. It starts now. “Well, I’m going to find out. Thank you for letting me know.”

I pull up to her apartment fifteen minutes later. Thank God, she’s here. For the first time, I inspect her vehicle, noting the wear and age. It’s over fifteen years old.

Decision made—Tally is getting a new car.

I knock on the door, but there’s no answer. I try the handle. Unlocked. I’m going to spank her sweet ass for not protecting herself and then kiss every inch for granting me easy access.

The bathroom door is closed, and I hear the shower. I order in some food because I know my little minx. She hasn’t eaten. Then I uncork a bottle of wine and pour us each a glass. God knows we both need one.

“What are you doing here?”

Showtime.

I turn, handing her a glass as I try not to ogle her towel-wrapped frame. That I know what the towel is covering is not helping my hormones.

Down boy, this is not a good time.

“I know you haven’t eaten, so I ordered Chinese.”

Her eyes widen, darting between me, the floor, and the wine glass. Best guess? She’s deciding if the broken glass is worth it when she hurls it at my head. “What are you doing here, Dr. Stevens?” she repeats, her voice thin and strangulated.

Screw this distance. I’m ready to bust through every wall Tally has erected between us.

I pull her to me, feeling her stiffen in my arms. “Stefani told me about your Dad. I know that you hate me, but I’m here to take care of you.”

She pushes away from me, her towel loosening in the process. Sweet Jesus, let me get another glimpse of paradise. “I don’t need your help. I’m fine.”

“No, Darlin, you’re not fine. You’re anything but fine.”

She whirls on me, her eyes blazing. “You’re right. I’m not fine. I’m having a terrible day. My life is turning upside down, and I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to do—” Her words end as the sobs overtake her.

As a doctor, I’ve watched many family members weep. I saw my mother break down after my father passed. But none affected me as much as watching the woman I love crack under the strain of heartache. I scoop her into my arms, ignoring her huffs of protest.

She can hate me later. Right now, she needs me. I carry her into the bedroom, setting her on the bed. My dick, always at attention around Tally, thinks it’s game time.

Sorry to disappoint you, big guy. Not tonight.

I pull sweats and a tank from her dresser and stand in front of her, my best doctor’s stance at the ready. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed and fed.”

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Actually, this is exactly where I should be, so good luck in scaring me away.”

“Can you give me some privacy?”

“No.”

“No?”

“Darlin, my tongue has explored every inch of you. On multiple occasions.”

She crosses her arms, frustration taking over the sadness. “That was before.”

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