Chapter 39: Forgot To Tell You Something: Chapter 39

Holy shit, what a night.

My head is thumping after driving around for hours, looking for Tally. I left the banquet fifteen minutes after her, desperate to explain the truth of the situation.

No such luck.

Now, after going to every place imaginable, I head into Memorial, responding to a page. I force a smile for the catcalls from the night staff as I hustle into the locker room to change from my tux.

“I thought I was on call tonight.”

I jump, turning to see Ken standing there, tying on his surgical cap. “Yeah, I figured you might want a break.”

Ken shakes his head, clapping me around the shoulders. He sees right through my lie. “Did you catch up to Lu?”

“No. Then I got the page and…” I trail off, uncertain what to say at this point.

“She’s safe.”

I sink to the bench, my knees giving out. “Thank God,” I mutter. I wouldn’t allow myself to believe that something bad happened to the woman I love, but Tally was so upset when she left.

The worst part is the knowledge that had anything happened, I’m the one responsible. As usual, my girl didn’t let me explain the situation, but how can I blame her? Charlotte hit her like a locomotive, and it was all out of spite.

Once again, I look like a total prick.

“That will go down in history as the most exciting banquet dinner I’ve ever attended,” Ken remarks. “Seriously, that was quite the show. Way to stick it to the man.”

I smirk, although there’s nothing funny about my actions. Even though it felt good as hell. “Charlotte had it coming. She messed with my life one too many times.”

“Agreed. I don’t think anyone has ever told the Auerback family to shove a deal up their asses before, though.”

That’s a definitive no. The Auerbacks are royalty, minus the title. I not only told them no, I did it in the most public fashion.

“I sent myself to the permanent blacklist, but I stand by my decision. I’m sorry if I screwed things up for you.” The last thing I wanted was to ruin the deal for the training center, or my colleague. Ken is a good man, and he deserves the recognition.

“You didn’t. I spoke to Mr. Auerback on your behalf after you left.”

My jaw drops at Dr. Jessop’s admission. Everyone treads lightly around the Auerback family. Hell, I should know. I tiptoed around their bullshit for years. “You must be a smoother talker than me, considering you’re still in one piece. At least he didn’t set the dogs on you.”

“He was actually quite agreeable, once the confusion surrounding you and Charlotte cleared. He had no idea that Charlotte was causing such trouble in your life. Apparently, she told a far different version of events. Something about Lu trapping you into marriage and blackmailing you with the baby. Charlotte, of course, painted herself as the innocent party.”

That explains Mr. Auerback’s dirty glances in Tally’s direction, and his hesitation to consider her for a role within the training facility. He blamed her for the dissolution of mine and Charlotte’s relationship.

“That’s why he didn’t care to meet Tally. At least now I know the source of his rudeness. He’s still a bastard, though.”

“I’m not denying that he’s an arrogant prick, but Charlotte’s behavior shocked him. Owen, he realizes your worth. You’re invaluable to the future of robotics in the cath lab. He will not let a spoiled woman come in the way of his legacy.”

“He can have his legacy. I’m happy to continue doing my job. I don’t need all the accolades.”

“Screw that shit. You deserve both, and you’re going to get it.”

We stroll down to the cath lab, gowning up for the procedure. Another young, overweight individual. I swear, the numbers skyrocket around the holidays. Too much rich food and drink, with nary a treadmill in sight. I need to get my head in the game, but my curiosity wins out.

“So, what happened?”

Ken shrugs, his mouth hidden behind the surgical mask. But I see it in his eyes. He’s smiling like a fool. “Oh, the deal is a go, son. Minus one beautiful but vengeful ex-fiancée.”

I force a smile, but the word fiancée hits like a fist. I asked the love of my life to be my wife. I should be in bed next to Tally, loving every inch of her, but because of my lack of transparency—again—I have no clue if she still wants to marry me. If she wants anything to do with me.

“Cheer up, old boy. Things are going to be fine.”

“I’m not so sure of that. I don’t know if I can fix this situation with Tally. Here I was, trying to convince the woman that not all doctors are bad. Instead, I helped prove her point.”

Ken clears his throat, tapping his gloved hands together. “You’re not anything like the man who hurt her. You know that.”

“No, but in her eyes, I might be worse.”

I leave Memorial at five-thirty that morning. The case was supposed to be routine, but anyone in medicine can tell you that there’s no textbook cardiac patient.

This was no exception.

Thankfully, the patient is alive and well, and judging by his jokes when I left, he will be chowing down on more holiday fare within the week.

You can’t win them all.

My phone rings, and I grab it without looking. At this hour of the morning, it’s work related. “Dr. Stevens.”

“Owen, we need to talk.”

My heart jumps at the familiar baritone. “What do we need to discuss, Mr. Auerback? I made my stance very clear last night.”

“That you did, but I wasn’t aware of the full breadth of the situation until I spoke with Ken. I want to apologize for my daughter’s behavior. Charlotte had no right to meddle in your private affairs. She claims an altruistic stance, looking out for the greater good. But I wouldn’t be where I am today if I believed every line of bullshit that I heard. Even when they’re spouted by my flesh and blood.”

I clench my jaw at his statement. What Mr. Auerback fails to realize is that his daughter did more than screw up a deal with billion-dollar earnings potential. She screwed up my life. “I appreciate the apology, but it hardly fixes the damage your daughter caused. Her crafty ideals might work in some boardrooms, but I won’t abide them. I can’t work with her any longer, under any circumstances.”

“Understood. But I also don’t want to abandon this ship, Owen. It isn’t sinking, it’s just off course.”

“What are you saying?” Get to the damn point, man.

“I’ll be staying in Florida for the duration of the deal, ensuring that everything is fair and legal. As for Charlotte, she will stay on to save face, but she no longer possesses any decision-making power.”

“What about Tally?”

His sigh resonates over the phone line. “I feel awful that we treated her in such a manner, even worse that I believed the lies about her. I’ve researched Ms. Knowles, and her work history is impeccable. You’re right, she is an excellent candidate for the national coordinator position. Do you think she will be interested in hearing the details?”

Running my hand over my brow, I release a huff. “Damned if I know.” I should be elated that they’re going to offer the woman I love the opportunity of a lifetime, making the money her brain and work ethic deserve.

The only trouble? She may decline, based on past treatment, and I can’t blame her in the slightest.

“I’m assuming that her sudden disappearance last night was because of my daughter’s announcement regarding your new and unwanted role within the company?”

“You assume correctly.”

“I can’t ask you to forgive my daughter, but I hope you know that she was acting from a place of jealousy and pain. I also realize that Charlotte brought this upon herself, and she’s paying the price for her insolence.”

What a load of crap. I bite my tongue, holding back the sharp retort. “We’re all paying the price for Charlotte’s insolence.”

“Quite right, but I intend to rectify things—with both you and Tally. I’ve got a conference call in Tokyo. I’ll speak with you later.”

Mr. Auerback’s words should soothe me, but the truth is that I don’t care about the deal. Do I want to help people? Absolutely. It’s what I do, and what I’m good at. But nothing is more important than Tally and our baby.

.

But I’m no fool. How many more times can I leave Tally in the dark before she turns off the light in our relationship?

I need caffeine. I’m exhausted and running on fumes, but my brain is spinning too fast to consider sleep. While I wait for my order, I verify my mother’s arrival time with the airline. She’s flying in for Christmas, and I know she’ll have some choice words for me regarding my latest screw up. The woman adores Tally.

I pull into the parking garage, my head thumping despite the caffeine jolt. There’s no easy fix for this kind of pain.

With a sigh, I push open my front door, and am immediately greeted by Hecate. I stroke her from tip to tail, smiling when she winds around my feet. Tally claims the cat doesn’t warm to people, but Hecate and I have been buddies from the start.

Too bad the cat can’t put in a good word for me.

I hear Tally’s voice, but it’s too low to make out anything but the occasional curse word. My momentary excitement is tempered by the knowledge that she’s likely packing, searching for the quickest exit out of my life.

I follow the string of obscenities to the back bedroom and push open the door, my heart in my throat.

Tally sits on the floor, cleaning a gash on her leg. Her head flies up when I open the door, but there’s no malice in her gaze. “You’re here.”

“So are you.” I kneel next to her, inspecting the wound. “What happened?”

She shrugs, offering her trademark smirk. “Let’s just say that being pregnant has improved my grace.”

I grab the gauze pad and antiseptic from her, pressing gingerly around the wound. “Does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t feel good, if that’s what you’re asking. But what can I expect when I climb a cemetery gate in a ballgown?”

I settle back on my haunches, my eyes wide. “Is that where you went? I looked everywhere for you.”

“Not everywhere. I wanted to spend some time with my folks.” She chews her lip, regarding me thoughtfully. “Our dear friend, Dr. Jessop, called me last night. He informed me of your escapades after I left. Did you really call off the whole deal?”

“I sure did.”

“Are you okay with that decision?”

I nod, my hand still tracing her leg. “I am.”

“He also mentioned how you told Charlotte where she could shove her new position, along with the ridiculously large payout promised you.”

“You missed one hell of a blowout.”

“Why did you do it, Owen?”

“For you.” I grasp her chin, moving my thumb along her lower lip. “You were right. It’s just money. Life is so much more than that, but without you, it’s meaningless.”

I open my mouth to say more, but she shakes her head. “We need to talk.”

I help her to a standing position, eager to pull her to me and beg her to forgive me one last time. “Let’s talk.”

“Correction. I need to talk.

need to sit down and be quiet,” Tally states, pointing to the bed, and I waste no time abiding her demands. Hey, when a five-foot-tall woman tells you to jump, you ask how high while holding back the snicker.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She paces in front of me, a scowl lining her face. “We’re in a mess and a lot of it is my fault.”

My jaw slackens in a dumbfounded gape. Talk about an unexpected statement. “It’s both of our faults.”

“I said be quiet.”

I bite back a laugh. My tiny vixen has the floor.

She stares at me for a moment, before walking out of the room. Perhaps she’s gone off her rocker. It can happen in pregnancy.

“Here.” She returns with a glass of water and two pills. “I can tell you have a headache.”

“Thanks.”

“I told you to be quiet.”

“Are you exploring a career as a dominatrix?”

“That might be fun. But don’t make me lose my train of thought.” She stands in front of me, her hands planted on her hips. “I was furious with you last night. I considered everything—the lies, the omissions, your stunning ex-fiancée—and decided I would be better off without you.”

Shit. This does not look promising.

“Then I realized something. You’re damn lucky to have me, and I’m damn lucky to have you. We’re amazing together. Charlotte may be gorgeous and wealthier than Midas, but I have a cool cat and I’m ridiculously good in bed.”

I chuckle, laughter floating up from my chest. “You’re superb in the sack.”

“And?” she questions, her dark eyes widening behind her glasses.

I take a minute to figure out to what she’s referring. “Hecate is the coolest cat on the planet, bar none.”

“Exactly. But…”

I grimace at her use of the word but. I hate that word. It rates right up there with fine on my most detested expression list.

“You claim I keep running away from you, Owen. You’re right.”

Another shocking admission. I expected to get an earful about how horrible I am, while dodging projectile kitchenware.

This scenario never played out in my mind.

She’s chewing her lip again, a sure sign that whatever topic she’s about to broach won’t be pleasant. “You know that the doctor I dated screwed with my life, but you don’t know the extent.”

“Then tell me, Darlin.”

She crosses the small space between us, shaking her head in exasperation. “One more word out of you—”

“And you’ll what?” I counter. This conversation is offbeat, but I’m also hopeful as to the outcome. Hey, at least she isn’t hitting me. Yet.

Tally rolls her eyes, looking skyward. “You know, Dad, maybe this isn’t a good idea. Maybe I should just kill him.” She chuckles before the laughter falls from her face. “You asked about my scars. They were no accident. My ex-boyfriend drank copious amounts of alcohol. He claimed it eased the stress. But he turned into a monster when he drank, and I never knew which version of him I might encounter. One night, I worked late, missing a medical dinner where he was speaking. It was unintentional, a patient and staffing emergency, but he felt slighted. For that, I had to pay. When he got home, high off booze and God knows what else, he didn’t give me a chance to explain. I saw all four corners of the room that night. He threw me against a mirror, and the shattered glass lacerated my side.”

“Jesus Christ,” I gasp, my blood near its boiling point. “Where is this man now?”

Tally rests her hands on my shoulders, willing me down. But that won’t happen until the piece of shit is dead in the ground. “Shh. Just listen. I woke up in the hospital, with only a vague recollection of what happened. Fifty stitches in my back, another forty-two along my side, a fractured jaw and a broken wrist.” She wipes her eyes, and I see the pain living there. “Then, for kicks, because beating the shit out of me wasn’t enough, he got me fired. He was a brilliant doctor, and he spun quite the story for upper management. He convinced them I had attacked him—apparent from my severe injuries and his total lack of any. He gave them an ultimatum—him or me. They chose him.”

My heart breaks as she tells the story of her past. I finally understand why she was so adamantly against dating doctors. This man ruined her, body and soul.

“He turned many of my coworkers against me, and I knew as far as New York was concerned, I was finished. My father had retired and moved to Florida. It seemed as good a time as any to leave, particularly when the phone calls started again, and the good doctor threatened that this time he would finish what he started.”

“That’s fucking it,” I roar, jumping to my feet. “I want his name. That piece of shit is going to rue the day he hurt you.”

“Owen—”

I shake my head, my body trembling with rage. “No, Tally. I won’t let this rest. He’s going to pay.”

“I’m not telling you this so you can beat the shit out of him.”

“I’ll do more than that. They’ll never find his corpse.”

“I appreciate that, I truly do. But I have the floor. Sit down and listen.” She points at the bed, her lips pursed. “I’m not kidding.”

I sink back onto the mattress, my foot tapping erratically against the floor. Tally wants me to remain calm? Is she kidding? That someone inflicted that level of harm on the woman I love is enough to make me lose my damn mind.

“My point is that he was a monster, Owen. You are anything but. That’s why I didn’t date doctors. I didn’t date anyone. I established these rules because in my mind, they kept me safe. In reality, they kept alone.” She sits beside me, grasping my hand. Just that slight touch makes me feel like I can breathe again. “I’m proud of you, of what you do for a living. You save lives, Owen. Hell, you saved mine.”

Men aren’t supposed to cry, right? All that macho, tough crap is bullshit, because when the woman you love tells you that you saved her life, I dare you not to get choked up. I run my hand along her cheek, smiling when she presses a kiss to my palm.

“I realize now that all my rules made it impossible for you to navigate this relationship, and I kept inventing new ones every day. All to keep my heart safe. But my heart has been with you ever since we met. I just made you work hard for it. Granted, you’re hardly innocent in this situation.”

I nod, because this woman made me work my ass off to prove myself. Would I do it again? Every damn day, just for ten minutes with Tally.

“Even when we reconciled, I wanted to hide our relationship, then I got jealous when other women looked at you. Who does that? Who hides a relationship with the most eligible doctor in the hospital? I need to have my head examined.”

“Good times, Darlin,” I tease, tweaking her nose. “But I earned your misgivings. I should have told you the truth—the whole truth—about everything, right from the start. I figured no woman would want to handle my messy situation, but you’re not just any woman. You’re the most perfect woman I’ve ever met, and I meant what I asked you last night.”

She holds up her hand, my ring sparkling on her finger. “I wasn’t letting you slide. Hell, no. But I have made some new rules.”

“Oh, Christ,” I groan, not entirely sure I want to know. “Do they involve sexual favors, because I’m completely on board with that scenario.”

“No, no, no. I admitted my shortcomings, but the shit you’ve put me through the last couple of months is ridiculous. You have to be punished. Hence, my new rules.” She straddles my lap, her baby bump resting between us. “You may be a world-class doctor, but everyone has to toe the line.”

“Give it to me, then. What are your rules?” I inquire, my hands stroking along the sides of her stomach. “You really have popped.”

“Are you calling me fat?”

“Not a chance. I think you’re even sexier now.”

The corners of Tally’s mouth turn up as a blush colors her cheeks. “See? That’s just it. You knocked me up, but you don’t seem sorry about it.”

I smile, stealing a kiss from her full lips.

“I think you’re happy about it, actually.”

“You think so?” I’m not happy about the baby. I’m thrilled.

“I know so, and your punishment, because of your equal involvement, is that you’re stuck with us. Me, Nugget and Hecate.”

“Oh, no. Anything but that.”

“It gets worse. I want you around. None of this flying around the globe crap. Once in a while, fine. But not every week. I need you here.”

“Deal.” Easiest damn decision I’ve ever made.

Tally bites her lower lip, looking at me over her glasses. “And Charlotte—”

“—is gone,” I finish her statement, all too happy to say the words. “Permanently.”

“I may not like the woman, but saying it like that makes me think she’s wearing cement shoes.”

“She’s very much alive, but she’s out of lives.”

“I’m sorry if you lost the deal because of me. I didn’t want it to come to that. I know what this means to you.”

I chuckle, pushing a strand of hair behind Tally’s ear. “I appreciate that, but I didn’t lose the deal. Not at all, actually.”

“Good. Also, I’m sick of this secret relationship crap.”

“Thank God.” I throw my head back, so damn grateful I don’t have to maintain a facade around Tally anymore. She thinks I’m affectionate now? The woman has no idea.

“So, you’re going to marry me, no way around it. But I want to be the one to tell Dr. Nicole Hedges the news.”

“Evil girl. Let’s go to the courthouse now.”

“That’s not how it works.”

“Buzzkill. You don’t let me go down on you at the pizzeria. You don’t want to have sex in the bathroom at Wicked Chucks. You don’t want to march down to the courthouse and get married. Way to live on the edge, Tally.”

“We both agreed that the bathroom at Wicked Chucks is hazardous to our health.”

“Anything else?” I question, wanting to wrap up this conversation so I can have her pussy wrapped around me instead.

“You’re going to tell me I’m pretty even when I look like a beached whale and not say a word about my strange pickle, peanut butter, and ice cream combinations.”

My face scrunches at the thought. “Is that what you were eating the other night?”

“Didn’t I just say we aren’t discussing it? So, do you agree to my terms?”

“I do.” I can sit and argue with her about the details of our disagreements, but I’d rather spend this time loving her. For the first time since she discovered I’m a doctor, my Tally is back. Fully and 100% back.

I’m taking advantage of that fact.

“What time does your Mom land?” Tally asks, cocking her brow and sending me her saucy grin. I love that grin. It means something sexy as hell is about to go down.

“We have four hours.”

“Plenty of time for your bonus prize.”

“I’m always one for prizes,” I murmur, my mouth straining to reach hers.

Tally wags her finger at me as her hands slide underneath my shirt, scratching along my abs. She pushes me down onto the bed, skating her tongue along the waistband of my sweats. “Far too many clothes,” she whispers, yanking off my pants.

My dick is about to explode, and she hasn’t even touched me yet. When her slender hand wraps around me, I groan, my hips bucking toward her. Tally’s tongue flits across my head, swirling and teasing. I wind my hands in her hair, guiding her down as she takes all of me. A low moan rises from the back of her throat, as her tongue strokes the underside of my shaft.

Holy fuck, but this woman gives amazing head. I prop up on my hand, watching her mouth take me deeper. Her gaze meets mine, and it’s clear that she knows the truth.

She owns me.

Tally loves driving me out of my mind, but this morning, she’s extra dedicated in her task. Her hand cups my balls, and when she sucks one into her mouth, I damn near levitate.

I don’t want to know how the woman got so damn good at sucking cock, so long as I’m the last man she touches. She’s a master, dominating me, her hands and mouth working me into a frenzy.

“I want inside you, Darlin,” I beg, her long hair tickling my thighs.

“Mmm-mmm,” Tally moans, upping her oral acrobatics to the next level.

Within seconds, I explode, and my entire world goes dark. When I open my eyes, she’s lying next to me, her fingernails scratching along my chest, a flirtatious smile on her lips.

“I hope you’ve learned your lesson,” Tally states with a wink.

“You are too good at that.”

“So glad to have a willing participant.”

“I’m willing any damn time of the day or night.” I roll her onto her back, yanking down her pajama pants. “Now it’s my turn to return the favor.”

Tally’s mobile rings, startling us both. She glances at the caller ID before answering the phone. “Hi, Beth. How are you?” She climbs off the bed, walking into the kitchen. Meanwhile, I’m trying to keep my dick from breaking in two. It doesn’t matter that I just got my rocks off two minutes earlier. I need inside Tally. Now.

“Everything okay?” I ask when Tally returns to the room.

Tally shrugs, chewing her bottom lip. “Earl stopped by the shelter earlier. Apparently, he wasn’t aware that Marla no longer lives there.”

Shit. Some people can’t take no for an answer. “Did he get violent?”

She shakes her head. “He threatened to cause trouble, but the cops arrested him.

. He was less than happy at the turn of events.”

“I’ll bet. I’m glad he’s behind bars.”

“For the interim, at least. Unfortunately, they never stay there long. But that’s not all Beth told me.”

I bite back the smile threatening to break across my face. “Oh, no?”

“You sneaky bastard.”

I chuckle. Typical Tally response. “What did I do now?”

She pushes me back on the bed, straddling me. “Beth just got a visit from Santa, in the form of a check. A check for $50,000 from one Tally’s Trust. Care to explain?”

“What is there to explain? Santa came for a visit. It is Christmas time.”

Tally shoots me a mock glare. “Spill it, Owen.”

“I’m in awe of you and your dedication to these women. Even more so, now that I know how you suffered. I knew the shelter needed money for repairs, and I knew that if you had the money, you would give it.” I run my fingers along her arms. “So, I established a charity in your name, to help women like Beth and Marla.”

Tears brim in her eyes, and she pulls off her glasses, wiping her face. “That’s likely the third best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

“What are the first two?” I question with a grin.

“You and Nugget.”

I thumb away the tears from her cheeks, pulling her mouth down to mine. “You two are definitely my greatest gift.”

“You didn’t have to give them that money, Owen.”

“Yes, I did. You help protect these women. I protect you.”