Chapter 16: Forgot To Tell You Something: Chapter 16

“How in the world did you close so fast?” my mother inquires, pouring herself a glass of water. “It takes months in North Carolina.”

“The condo was vacant, with a motivated seller. I already had my pre-approval, so smooth sailing.” On something, at least.

My mother leans over, squeezing my hand. “I’m so proud of you. You’ve done so well for yourself.”

“Thanks, Mom. My folks were pretty supportive,” I reply with a wink.

“I wish you could build a time machine and travel back to tell your teenage self those words.” She taps the butcher block counter, sending me a pointed glance. “I’m thrilled Tally is still part of your life. I told you it wouldn’t be a big deal when she found out you’re a doctor.”

Oh, Mom, if you only knew.

My mother, being my mother, has inspected every inch of the condo, and it’s garnered her seal of approval. “Three bedrooms. Plenty of room, should you need it.”

It’s no secret that my mother wants grandchildren, and as her only son, she’s champing at the bit. “That’s what I was thinking.”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Mom, I can’t even get Tally to live here, and trust me, it’s a step up.” I grimace at my words, offering a sheepish smile. “That sounded terrible. Her apartment isn’t bad, and her landlord is a lovely woman, but the neighborhood has gone downhill over the years. It’s not the safest location, and I want her safe.”

My mother cocks her head. “Don’t nurses make a good living down here?”

“The pay is decent, but that’s not the issue. She spends $3500 per month on a memory care facility for her father. There’s not a ton left over after she pays his bills. I can help foot those expenses.”

“Don’t be a savior—” she raises her hand, halting my argument. “Tally doesn’t seem to be a woman who’s looking for charity.”

“It’s not charity. It’s love.”

She sighs, a grin playing on her mouth. “What have you done with my son? I never thought I’d live long enough for you to want to settle down.”

“I was engaged, Mom,” I remind her.

“Yes, but you never made it down the aisle.”

“Thank God. It’s different with Tally, though. Everything is different with her.”

My mother pulls out an envelope, sliding it in my direction. “Speaking of your ex-fiancée, Charlotte sent this to me. She claimed she didn’t have your address in Florida.”

Christ, another headache I don’t need. “What does she want?”

“I don’t know, dear. I may be a mother, but I’m not that nosey.”

“Yeah, right,” I laugh, tearing open the envelope. The letter is written in Charlotte’s elegant penmanship. That, like everything else about the woman, has been curated to perfection.

“Cold as ever,” I mutter, tossing the letter on the counter.

“She always was the ice queen,” my mother adds.

She’s not wrong. Charlotte is a gorgeous and wealthy socialite, but years of training in the social graces have left her hard and unfeeling. There’s nothing behind the mask.

“Are you going to call her? I doubt she’ll relent until you do.”

I release a resigned sigh. “Charlotte is used to getting what she wants in life.”

“And now, she wants you back.” It’s my mother’s turn to sigh. “You aren’t considering reconciliation, are you? It’s your life, but—”

I pull my mother into a hug, chuckling at her horrified expression. “Don’t worry, Mom. No such intentions.”

“Good. I like Tally.”

“I love her.”

Her hand cups my face as she kisses my cheek. “I know. It’s written all over you.”

Tally insists on meeting us at the restaurant. She claims she has to run by the women’s shelter, but I know it’s a load of crap. She’s still hesitant about the idea of us together in public. I have no idea what her ex did to her, but it certainly screwed with her head.

Now, I’m paying the price. Not that it matters. She’s worth it.

Despite our shaky relationship status, this dinner is far more relaxed than the first one—at least for me. Tally looks as if she’s about to lose her lunch.

“Darlin, are you okay?” I lean over, giving her a reassuring back rub.

Tally offers a small smile. “I’m sorry. My stomach hasn’t been great for the last few days.”

“I think I have something for that.” My mother digs into her suitcase of a purse, pulling out some antacid. “Here you are, my dear. I know you don’t feel well, but you look beautiful. You’re glowing.”

My mother’s words hit like a fist as my gaze returns to Tally.

She glowing. The woman is always beautiful, but lately, she’s had this ethereal quality about her.

The thought hits hard and fast. I wait for the internal freakout, but it never arrives. Instead, I smile at the idea of my tiny vixen carrying my child.

“Hey, try not to look so happy about my nausea,” Tally teases, grabbing a roll from the basket.

I surprise her with a kiss to that gorgeous mouth. “I’m smiling because my mother is right; you look beautiful.”

She chuckles, waving her hand—and the compliment—off, but I see the slight bloom across her cheeks.

“Tally, I noticed that you haven’t moved into the condo yet.”

Thanks, Mom. Nothing like prodding an already agitated woman.

“There was a change of plans,” Tally murmurs, her eyes focused on the butter dish.

“You mean my son neglecting to tell you he’s a doctor?” She pats Tally’s hand, sending her a reassuring smile. “I disapproved of Owen keeping the truth from you. I knew it was a bad idea, but he is a good man, and I’m glad you forgave him.”

Not so certain about that, Mom.

Why do I take part in these dinners? Without fail, they veer into uncomfortable territory before the appetizers hit the table.

Tally sets down her roll and butter knife, her smile wavering. I’m not sure if it’s her nausea or anger at my mother’s assumptions, but I’m praying it’s the first. The last thing I need is Tally mad at me. Again. “I guess to most people, it makes little sense. Owen is the complete package. I told him on our first date that they broke the mold after him. I still stand by that assertion.” She rubs her brow, and I clasp her free hand, trying to offer whatever reassurance I can. “My reasoning sounds so silly when I say it aloud. Doesn’t it?”

“No, dear. He betrayed your trust, and trust is a valuable commodity. I know you have issues trusting people, and his betrayal only cemented that concept. But, in Owen’s defense, I need to say one thing. This man loves you more than I’ve ever seen him love anyone.”

Usually, I would be mortified at my mother’s public declaration. This time, I hope that her statement resonates with Tally, driving my words home to her heart.

I miss her, the Tally I met that night at Wicked Chucks. I fell immediately. She was everything—beautiful, smart, sarcastic, funny as hell. Crazy about me, too. This version of Tally is hesitant, uncertain, her heart surrounded by a thick wall to prevent any additional pain.

This Tally won’t let me in, and I’ve no one to blame but myself.

She doesn’t respond to the declaration about my love. I guess she’s not ready for that yet, but I note the smile crossing her face. At least her heart hasn’t canceled out the option.

“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but your son is a genius. Honestly, he’s the best doctor I’ve ever worked alongside, and I’ve worked with my share. He’s brilliant in his diagnostics, calm in his approach, he thinks outside the box, and he’s unflappable under pressure. Not to mention that he’s exceedingly kind to patients and staff.” She sends me a wink. “Doesn’t hurt that he’s damn easy on the eyes, either.”

Tally may be unsure about any public displays, but at that moment, I don’t give a rat’s ass. I lean over, wrapping my hand around her nape and pulling those delicious lips to mine. I don’t care that my mother is watching; I don’t care if the pope is watching. I slide my tongue along her lower lip, begging entrance to the most talented mouth I’ve ever known.

After a second’s tension, her lips part, and I feel her shiver beneath my palm. I maintain an easy rhythm, caressing her tongue with my own. For a few moments, I forget that anyone exists beyond the two of us. I melt into her, begging without words for her to return to me.

Tally didn’t state outright that she’s in love with me. Her declaration was so much more than that, and she needs to know I feel the same way about her. She’s my perfection.

Pulling back, I chuckle as Tally wipes a bit of her gloss off my lips. Her cheeks flame pink, and she’s the epitome of everything adorable in this world, wrapped up in a sexy, edible package.

“So much for keeping it on the down-low,” she mumbles, but I don’t detect any hostility in her voice.

“I told you I wasn’t in favor of that approach,” I volley back, earning a full-fledged grin from my tiny vixen.

“Your mother—” Tally argues.

“Is fine, with everything.” My mom takes another bite of her salad, a bemused smile on her lips. I guarantee the woman is planning table arrangements for our wedding. In her book, we can’t march down the aisle fast enough.

The rest of dinner passes in jovial conversation, complete with a few tales about my first few weeks at Memorial. My head won’t fit through the door to the restaurant, thanks to all the accolades the two women shower on me, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love every second.

I’m used to my mother bragging on me. Hell, she’s a mom. That’s what they do. But to hear Tally sing my praises? That’s sexy as fuck.

Just saying, if Tally told me to go down on her at the table, I wouldn’t say no. Hell, licking her pussy is tempting without her saying a word. I’m addicted to that woman’s body, something else I don’t think she’s used to experiencing.

“Nightcap at the condo?” I ask, shooting Tally a warning look as she pulls out her wallet to pay the bill. “Your money is no good here. I’m treating my two favorite ladies to dinner.”

“Let me leave a tip,” Tally insists, pulling out far more than the standard twenty percent.

I cover her hand. “I’ve got it, Darlin. You keep your money.” A few moments pass before Tally concedes, slipping her wallet back into her purse.

It’s ironic. Charlotte has scads of money. She has millions in trust funds, but never once opened her wallet. On those rare occasions we spent together in public, she expected me to pick up every tab. Every single time. Meanwhile, Tally has little—if anything—saved, but offers to pay without hesitation.

My tiny vixen is a class act. “Come on. You can help me select some furniture. The condo is eerily empty. It needs your touch.”

Tally shakes her head. “As much fun as it sounds to spend your money, I have to get home. I’m working tomorrow.”

I narrow my eyes in confusion. “You are?”

“Yes, I have some reports to file, implementing ideas that a certain recent addition to our staff mentioned.”

“Darlin, it can wait until Monday. Enjoy your time off.”

“I want to do it. Your ideas are brilliant, and I want the staff and patients to feel the ramifications of the changes as soon as possible.”

God, I adore her. She’s as dedicated to her work as I am. “Can’t you come by for a little while? You haven’t even seen the condo since I moved in.”

Tally presses her lips to my cheek. “I’ll see it soon. Promise.” She stands, but hesitates, her fingers gripping the edge of the table as she wobbles.

I’m on my feet, my arm around her waist. “Are you okay?”

She nods, waving off my concern. “I’m fine. I stood up too fast, got a bit dizzy.” She swings her smile between my mother and me. “I promise, I’m okay.”

I help my mother into my car before walking Tally across the lot. After seeing her old car again, I blurt, “We’re taking you car shopping.”

“I can’t afford a new car, Owen. She looks ragged, but she’s reliable.” She pats the roof of the old sedan, not meeting my gaze, and my stomach flips. I embarrassed her, which is the last thing I want to do.

Time to make it right. “I can afford one. You deserve a new car, and this old gal deserves a well-earned retirement.”

“I’m not letting you buy me a car.”

“I’ll buy you one, anyway.” I expect a smile, but she scowls, instead. Wonderful, I’ve stepped in it again. “Did I say something wrong?”

“

offered to buy me a car, after everything he did to me. What did he call it? Oh yes, a parting gift.” She pulls her keys from her purse, her hands trembling. “I told him where he could shove his parting gift.”

“Tally, I’m not him.”

“I know, but—”

“But what?”

She throws up her hands, her eyes bright. “Why do you want this? You know my situation now, just as I know yours. I’m broke. My money goes to care for my Dad. I can’t afford the lifestyle you’re used to. Hell, I ordered a salad because I couldn’t afford the meal.”

I grab her to me, anger flashing through my brain. I’m tempted to march her ass back inside and order one of everything on the menu for her. “Don’t you do that again, Tally. You order whatever you want.”

“It’s not fair. I can’t contribute at places like this. Hell, I’m barely able to cover an extra round of brews at Wicked Chucks.”

“Let’s make a deal, Darlin. We take care of each other. I ensure that you are happy and healthy and loved. You, in turn, grant me unlimited access to this body.”

I push her back against the car, my dick springing to attention as it nestles against her curves. If she had parked the car in a dark corner, I’d hike this little black skirt up to her waist and slide inside her, showing her just how much she contributes. It would be worth a night in jail to hear her scream my name.

“I knew it was going to come back around to sex,” she jokes as I claim her mouth.

“Had to happen eventually.” I press kisses against her throat, knowing I’ll have one hell of a hard-on by the time I’m through.

“Who’s going to ensure that you’re happy and loved, Owen?”

I slide my hands up her thighs, palming her delectable peach. “It’s a guarantee when I’m with you.”

“Good answer,” she laughs, rewarding my statement by pressing her body closer.

I stage a one-sided internal argument before asking the next question, but I need to vocalize it. “Tally, can I ask you something?”

“No, we cannot have sex in the parking lot.”

“Damn.” I press my forehead to hers, feeling that inner fire smoldering beneath her skin. “If you’re pregnant, you’ll tell me, right? You wouldn’t hide that from me, would you?”

She pulls back, her eyes wide. “It’s just a stomach bug.”

She’s trying to reassure me, now it’s my turn to reassure her. “Likely, but we weren’t very careful, Darlin.”

Tally snorts. “You mean careful? Is that what you mean? I blame you. Totally your fault. You shouldn’t be this good-looking. I can’t be held responsible for my actions, such as ripping off your clothes or dry-humping your leg.”

“I’ll take the blame,” I reply with a grin.

“We’ll be careful from now on,” she offers, pressing her mouth to mine.

I get it. Some will say it’s not the smartest route. But I’m clean, she’s clean, and I’m not a twenty-year-old delinquent. That, and I’m obsessed with Tally. Knocking her up is not my definition of hardship.

“We’ll see.” That’s as close to a concession as she’ll get. Besides, all this sex talk is sending my dick screaming into overdrive.

“If we don’t take precautions, then you’ll keep worrying about it.”

“I’m not worried about it.” It’s the truth.

“Okay.” With a last kiss, she shoos me back, sliding into the driver’s seat.

Good to her word, she texts when she arrives home.

I chuckle to myself, tossing the phone on my nightstand. “I’m not worried, Darlin. Just some wishful thinking.”