Page 59 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“What happens when we go back out there?”

I shoot him a curious look. “Eating. Drinking. Normal dinner type stuff. Surely they do this in San Francisco.”

“I mean with us.” Suddenly the joking manner is gone, replaced by uncertainty. He holds out his hand.

I want to take it so badly, slide my fingers against his, and let the world know that he’s mine. But his betrayal, and most importantly, his time with Nicole, stops me. “What about Dr. Hedges?”

Owen’s eyes widen in surprise. “What about her? You don’t think—”

He doesn’t finish the statement. He doesn’t have to. We both know exactly what I’m thinking. Now, the question is whether I’m right.

“Wow. Youdothink something is going on.”

I focus on the carpet, worn in the middle from countless steps. “To be honest, I don’t want to know. I’d like to enjoy a dinner with my friends. Can we do that?”

Owen runs his hand over his scalp, finally relenting with a smile. “We can enjoy dinner, so long as you remember that I’m so much more than your friend.” He holds up his hand in the direction of the table, and we stroll back to the party.

“Where am I sitting?” I ask, looking around the table for an empty seat.

“Sit here, Lu,” Jessop pats the seat next to him, directly across the table from Owen.

I plop down, accepting my whiskey and some chips with a grateful smile. I need this release, far more than I’m willing to admit.

When you work in a high-stress environment, you develop a dark and twisted sense of humor. That, and alcohol loosens the lips. Within twenty minutes, our band of merry medical workers is regaling Owen with all types of tales.

The best part? I’m having fun. That, and every time I glance across the table, Owen is watching me, the corners of his mouth pulled up in a smile, reminding me that his focus is on something far more carnal.

Maybe we aren’t a lost cause.

“So, Owen, what’s going on with you and the illustrious Dr. Hedges?” Dr. Jessop inquires.

Mayday, mayday, this ship is sinking.

Owen’s brows shoot skyward. “Me and Nicole?”

“Yes. She’s a hot ticket,” my colleague adds. What a pal. I’d like to punch him, but he speaks the truth.

“She’s not that great,” Stefani interjects. I’m hugging that woman something fierce later.

“Nothing is going on. Nicole isn’t my type.” Owen catches my gaze, nodding at the plate of shrimp in front of me. “Tally, can you pass me the shrimp, Darlin?”

My body warms at his pet name, but then I wonder how many other women have earned that personal moniker. “Sure,” I reply, passing over the tray, his fingers sliding against mine.

“Thank you.”

“Someone better let Nicole know nothing is going on,” Jessop persists, grabbing the plate of shrimp from Owen.

“Turn a fire hose on her if she can’t take the hint.” Stefani sends me a smirk. God, I love this woman.

“You know, you could sleep with her, and let us know.”

I pivot in my seat, scalding my cardiology friend with my glare.Jessop, either you shut up, or I’m lacing your coffee with a laxative.

Owen chokes on his food, earning a pat on the back from Stefani. “I have no interest in sleeping with her, Ken. But thanks for making me the sacrificial lamb.”

“Wait,” Dr. Jessop wags his finger in Owen’s direction. “There’s a reason you’re not keen to Dr. Hedges’s offer. You’re dating someone, aren’t you?”

Those gray eyes connect with mine, holding my gaze for a few moments. “I was, but I fucked it up. Now, I’m paying the price. I’m fighting to get her back, though.”

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