Page 81 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I glance at my watch. This conversation has already dragged on far longer than I expected. I want to be inside, next to Tally, trying to tame my ever-present erection while I convince her that loving me is still a good idea.

“I don’t think that’s smart, Charlotte. We said everything we had to say in San Francisco.”

“Owen, this is not about us. This is business. I believe you’ll be very keen to hear the idea Daddy came up with a couple of weeks ago. After all, you are in the business of saving people, aren’t you? He wants to further that cause.”

I hate that Charlotte plays that card because she knows I’ll cave. If there’s a chance to save more lives through technology or training, I’m on board. Every time. And she knows it.

“Call me when you arrive. We’ll arrange something.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

More silence. Holy shit, this conversation is painful.

“Right, well, I’m going to have dinner. Have a nice day.”

“You, too.” I can tell from Charlotte’s voice that she has more to say, but I don’t have the wherewithal to listen.

Charlotte had her chance. I spent years trying to love her, searching for ways to heat that iceberg she calls a heart. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte is gorgeous, and she ensures the world is aware. She’s smart, too, and can work a deal even better than her Dad. But she’s an ice queen. Cool, collected, and without a speck of emotion.

Tally is fire. So full of vibrancy and life that she’ll burn you if you get too close. But I’ve never wanted to be scorched so much in my life. I felt her energy from across the room that night at Wicked Chucks. I spent the better part of an hour watching her, trying to drum up the courage to approach her. Lucky for me, I stole her seat on the balcony. Fair enough, though, considering she stole my heart.

* * *

“Everything okay?” Tally inquires as I slide into the booth opposite her.

“It is now. So, what are you getting?”

“I’m starving, so I ordered a supreme pizza, with extra supremeness.” She smiles and giggles.

I love that Tally eats, except for that dinner, where she ordered a salad. I guarantee she scarfed down some pasta the minute she got home.I never understood women subsisting on lettuce.

“You’re eating a whole pizza?” I joke, grabbing her hand.

“No, big shot, I planned on giving you a couple slices, but if you want to be huffy, I’ll eat it all myself.” Tally sticks out her tongue, and my dick twitches in response. I swear, the woman doesn’t have to do a damn thing overtly sexual, but with Tally, my mind tuns the most innocent gesture dirty.

The pizza arrives, and my girl jumps right in. For someone with a supposed stomach bug, she is wolfing down her food.

“Glad to see your stomach has calmed down.”

Tally shrugs, blotting her lips with a napkin. “Something we should all be thankful for.”

“Maybe you should see a doctor,” I suggest.

“I am. I’m having dinner with one right now.”

“Smart ass.”

“Better than being a dumb one.”

I love our banter. There’s never a dull moment with Tally. Like I said, she’s fire, and I’ll go down in flames just to be near her.

“I think I’ll go skating this weekend,” she says, pushing her glasses back up her nose.

Be careful of the baby. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? Lord knows I need the practice.”

I shrug, trying to appear noncommittal. “You haven’t been feeling well. You should take it easy, Darlin.”

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