Page 66 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Why wouldyou, Tally?”

“What did I do?” she screams, throwing her hands up in frustration.

I scrub my face with my hands. I have to calm down. The two of us are combustible when we’re both heated. Especially when that heat is fueled by insecurities. “Why didn’t you tell Beth that we were together?”

Everything freezes at that moment, and for the first time, I’m not confident that we can overcome our differences. Tally might make me pay for my deception forever.

When she finally speaks, her voice is low. Uncertain. “I’m not sure what we are, Owen.”

“You’re not? I thought we patched up everything last night.”

“Because we had sex?” Tally scoffs. “Is that why you think everything is hunky-dory? That the lie you told and the fact that you’ve been hanging out with Dr. Hedges would magically disappear when you gave me an orgasm? Please, tell me that isn’t what you’re saying.”

How did I end up in the hot seat again? “So, last night—and this morning—meant nothing?”

She grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “It always means something with you, Owen. I’m the woman who didn’t have sex for two years, remember? I’m hardly the type to fall into bed with people. Until you, anyway.”

It’s her attempt at levity, but I’m not in a jovial mood. I’m angry and hurt and beginning to realize that I have little right to be.

“I don’t want to do this halfway, Tally. I’m not looking for a no-strings fuck buddy. Not with you.”

“You’re turning down every man’s dream,” she snorts. “I’m joking. Please smile.”

“Not in the mood for smiling right now.”

She fiddles with her long braid, her nerves apparent. “I’m scared, Owen.”

I grasp her chin, forcing her to look at me. “Of what? Me? Us? A future together? What scares you? I told you that first night, I can’t fix it if I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“I was furious that you lied to me and more furious with myself that I didn’t figure it out sooner. But then, it seemed like the moment you walked into the hospital, you were surrounded by all sorts of women, begging for attention.”

“Tally, I don’t want those women.”

“Then why did you spend time with Nicole? You knew she was after you, but you did it anyway. Hell, you gave me an ultimatum—forgive you or you’d shack up with another woman.”

What the hell? I didn’t say that...did I? “That isnothow I meant it, Tally.”

“You sure about that? I think it’s exactly how you meant it. Now you’re angry because I’m not jumping straight into the relationship ring with you again. Our situation is complicated—”

“No,” I cut her off, shaking my head, “it’s not. I want to know where I fit into your life. Do you want to be with me or not?”

She wipes away a few stray tears. “I do, Owen. But we work together, and after what happened to me before, I’m terrified of enduring that again. I don’t think I could survive it twice.”

I slam the steering wheel, making Tally jump. I cringe from my action, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I would never hurt you, Tally.Never.I would take a bullet for you.”

“You better not,” she warns, clasping my hand again.

“How long will I be chasing ghosts, Darlin? I’m sorry that scumbag hurt you. I’m not him, but you need to figure that out because I can tell you until I’m blue in the face, and you won’t believe me. And until you believe me, you won’t let me anywhere near your heart. I worship more than your body, Tally. I want the entire package. I’m not willing to settle for having pieces of you.”

Tally chews her lip, her gaze averted. Well, the ball is in her court. I’ve laid out what I want, but she has to decide if she’s on board with that decision. “Can we keep it quiet?” At my frustrated groan, she squeezes my hand. “Only at work, and only for the time being. Let me wrap my head around everything. I’m sorry, but with our situation and my father getting injured, I’m a bit out of sorts. Can you please compromise with me on that?”

I want to hold out, but when her lips press to my hand, I cave. I’m such a pussy for this woman. “We aren’t dating anyone else, right?”

I expect a sigh of relief, but her eyes darken until they shine black. “Is that something you want?”

“No, I’m just asking. Christ, Tally.” How do I keep managing to step in it? Every. Damn. Time. “Do you think I’d be jumping through hoops if I wanted anyone else? Come on, give me some credit.”

A smile splits her face. “Sorry, I got a bit defensive.”

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