Page 60 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Oh, my heart, you don’t stand a chance.

Thankfully, for both of us, the conversation veers into medical territory. Blood and guts are a far safer environment than love. For the first time since Owen’s arrival, I listen to him discuss the latest cath lab procedures and treatments. He’s a genius, that much is apparent, but he lacks the bravado typical of a man with such an illustrious work history.

His humility only makes him that much more delicious.

I raise my glass, nodding in Owen’s direction. “I know it’s a couple of weeks late, but welcome to Memorial. We are damn lucky to have you amongst our ranks. Few people can do what you do.”

A tender heat lines his face. “I think we toast you, instead, Tally. Not only are you a top-notch cardiac nurse and manager, but you’re an assault nurse examiner and a victim advocate. For such a tiny woman, you have more strength than all us men combined. To you.”

There are several other people at the table, but I only see Owen. Everything, and everyone else, falls away.

Stefani cuts into our moment, raising her glass between the two of us. Unlike me, Stefani has a working filter. She knows how to keep her mouth shut and toe the line—unless she’s drinking. Then, all bets are off as to what might flow from her lips.

Right now, she’s three drinks in. This should be interesting.

“You know, you two are both absolutely adorable.”

Oh, Christ, she’s still hung up on that word from earlier. The best part? She’s not done.

“I think you two should get together, have a baby or something.” She shrugs at my astonished expression. “What? I said it.”

I bury my face in my hands. I’ll never live down the ribbing from my co-workers. That, and Owen will probably never speak to me again. “I’m going to the bathroom,” I mumble, sliding out of my seat.

“Again?” Stefani asks, and I flip her the bird. Is it childish? Yes, but it’s all I can manage.

This time, Owen is not waiting for me outside the door. Yep, that comment pushed his ass right over the edge.

I return to the table to find the doctors splitting the bill and dig into my purse to contribute. I know they earn six times my meager salary. That’s not the point. I’ve always paid my own way.

But this time, I’m going to have to fight Owen on the subject.

“Here, let me give you some cash.” I open my wallet, but his hand descends on mine.

“Don’t even try it.”

“Come on, Lu. Party is just starting.” Dr. Jessop divorced his wife six months ago when he discovered she was having an affair with their maid. She took him for half of everything they owned, even though she never worked a day in her life. Before the ink was dry on the paperwork, Ken made it his personal mission to bag as many eligible beauties as possible. With his good looks and pedigree, it’s easy.

Usually, I’m up for a bit of fun with my friends. Not tonight. I have somewhere else to be. “You guys go ahead. I’ll bail you out, should the need arise again.” It’s a joke, although I damn near had to post their bail a few years back. Even doctors aren’t immune to the dark side of alcohol.

“Suit yourself. You ready, Owen?”

Owen shakes his head, his focus on me. “I’m walking Tally to her car.”

“Right,” Dr. Jessop drawls, a knowing look on his face. “Now I know the situation you’re trying to repair. I approve.” He waves us off, stumbling to the bar down the street.

Owen and I step out into the night air. It’s clear and cool, with a hint of the ocean on the breeze. I’m so glad the relentless Florida heat is finally backing off.

“You don’t have to walk me back, Owen. You can catch up with them.”

“I don’t want to catch up with them,” he replies, intertwining his fingers with mine. “I want to catch up with you.”

13

Tally

Istruggle to breathe as the tingles running through my body reach nuclear proportions. I’m behaving like a sex-starved addict, and it’s only been a couple of weeks.

“Tonight is the meteor shower,” I blurt, earning a surprised look from Owen.

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