Chapter 9: Forgot To Tell You Something: Chapter 9

My blood boils at the severity in Tally’s tone. I know she’s furious, and she has every right to be. But to claim that we’re nothing?

I resist the urge to kiss that rigid line in her mouth until she softens. I want to tongue that spot at the base of her neck and feel her pulse quicken. I want to tell her I love her even more than I thought possible.

But she cast me aside. Treated me like a leper. Or worse.

And that makes me furious.

“We have a meeting at three, Tally. Don’t forget.” It’s the first words I’ve uttered in the last fifteen minutes.

Tally stops but doesn’t look at me. “I’m well aware. You can trust me on word. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for you.”

I watch her stalk into her office, every word from her gorgeous mouth a bullet that leaves me bleeding profusely.

“Ouch,” Stefani mumbles.

I should maintain some professional decorum, but Tally just ripped me to shreds. “Well, that fucking sucked.”

Stefani crosses her arms over her chest, narrowing her gaze in my direction. “Perhaps I’m Captain Obvious here, Owen—Dr. Stevens—but why didn’t Lu know about your job until this morning?”

“I didn’t tell her.”

“Yeah, I got that.” This time, Stefani isn’t bothering to disguise the disgust in her words.

I’m going to have to provide a better explanation, or Stefani will hate me, too. At the rate I’m going, the entire staff will despise me by the end of the morning. “I sound like a total prick, don’t I?”

“Pretty much. I just hope—for sake—that you have a good reason for lying to my friend.”

I lean against the nurses station, feeling more desperate with each passing minute. Talk about hindsight being 20/20.

“You know Tally’s rule, right? She doesn’t date doctors. She made that very clear on our first date.”

“She was badly burned by a doctor.”

“I get that, but I’m not doctor.” I lift my hand toward her office, feeling sick to my stomach. “I’ve been crazy about Tally since the moment we met, and I figured that…fuck, I don’t know what I figured.” This is a disaster.

“That she would understand and accept it because she was in love with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you in love with her?”

I force a smile, but my face feels like it will crack from the effort. “Would I be this messed up if I wasn’t?”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, if Tally didn’t love you back, she wouldn’t be this messed up, either.”

“She won’t even look at me, Stefani.”

“She’s angry. You lied to her and broke her trust.”

I run my hand over my scalp. If I’m not totally honest with Tally’s best friend, I don’t stand a chance in getting back my tiny vixen. “I want to love her. Hell, I want to marry her.”

Thankfully, my words hit home. Stefani reaches out her hand, squeezing my forearm. “Look, she’s angry, but I know my Lu. She’s a big softie, hiding behind that tough as nails exterior. Give her time to calm down and then talk to her. If you want, I’ll put in a kind word.”

“You would do that?”

“I’ve known Lu for a decade, and I’ve never seen her so happy as she was these past few weeks. I’ll do anything to bring that back to her”—her gaze hardens—“on one condition.”

“Name it.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Dr. Stevens. Don’t you hurt her again.”

Dr. Watts interrupts our chat, fetching me for the first of several meetings. Before I leave, I lean over, catching Stefani’s ear. “I swear.”

Memorial has a ton of promise.

Who the hell am I kidding? I don’t remember a damn thing they told me today. My mind is fixated on Tally, locked in her office, likely with a voodoo doll of me in her hand.

Stefani offered to speak with her, but I can’t wait that long. It’s only been a few hours, but maybe, just maybe, Tally will let me plead my case.

Either that, or she’ll ship my ass straight to the executioner.

My heart quickens as I knock on the door to Tally’s office. Much more of this stress, and I’ll be in the cath lab as a patient.

“Come in.”

I’m not sure what I expect when her gaze rises to meet mine. The warmth and softness I found there is gone, replaced with a wrought iron ferocity.

“Are you lost, Dr. Stevens?”

I swear if it gets any frostier between us, icicles will form at the end of my nose. “May I have five minutes, and then I’ll go? Please, Tally.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t work for you. Find yourself another beck and call girl.”

I lack a retort, so I keep silent, my gaze intent on her form.

Tally sucks in a breath, her eyes staring at some distant point on the wall, her foot tapping against the floor. “What do you need?”

I sink into the chair, leaning across her desk and catching a faint whiff of her scent. I’m drawn to her like a dog in heat, and it doesn’t matter if she’s mad as hell or riding my cock; some things don’t change. “

need to talk, Tally. I understand you’re angry, and you have every right, but I don’t want this to come between us.”

She scoffs, shaking her head. “You’re funny.”

“I’m not trying to be.”

“There is no us, Dr. Stevens. Not now. Not ever.” Her dark eyes peer at me through her lenses. “Is there anything else?”

The finality of her statements hit like bullets, but I plow ahead. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, and I’ve never been more determined. “What has changed besides the fact that you know my job title? I’m still the same guy, Tally. The guy who loves you.”

“Everything has changed.”

“That’s just it. Nothing has to change, unless you want it to.”

“You lied to me.”

“About my job! Tally, I never lied about how I feel about you. Did you forget what we discussed last night? Living together? Getting married? Having a family? I meant every word. I’ve never discussed those things with anyone before. I’ve never wanted them with anyone before. I want them all…with you.”

She still won’t look at me, but I see her jaw wobble. Maybe I’m getting through. “It’s so stupid, really. Who knows they want to marry someone after a couple of weeks?”

“You’re right.”

“See? At least on that, we’re on the same page. Something in common.”

“I knew I wanted you after the first night. It didn’t take two weeks to feel it. It only took two weeks to gather the courage to speak the words.”

“I need you to leave. Please.” The words are harsh, but her tone is uneven.

I’m not going anywhere. Tally is about to break, and I’m going to catch her when she does. “If you want me to go, look me in the eye and tell me that the last two weeks meant nothing to you. Tell me you lied when you said you loved me, when you claimed to want the same things I did. Do that, and I’ll walk out that door. I won’t bother you again.”

Those large, dark eyes meet mine, but I see the tears brimming. “The last two weeks…the last two weeks—” Tally’s voice cracks, and she buries her head in her hands. “Why did you do this to me? Why did you have to break my heart?”

That does it. I’m at her side, kneeling by the chair and forcing her to look at me. “Why are you breaking mine? I want to love you. Let me love you, Tally.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

She doesn’t reply. Instead, she slides a new piece of emotional armor into place. With a sniffle, she wipes her eyes. “I can’t have this conversation, Dr. Stevens. You may think what you did is acceptable, but it’s not. You asked for my rules, then you played them against me.”

“I had to prove I wasn’t like the rest of them.”

“Instead, you proved that you are like them. Please, leave me alone.”

“I won’t leave you alone, Tally.” The desperation is kicking into high gear. I can’t let her shut me out. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. “You told me you wouldn’t date a doctor or someone you worked with—and I was both. I wanted to get to know you, Tally, and have you know me. So, it wouldn’t matter when you found out.”

“It wouldn’t? The fact that our time together was based on lies?”

“I lied because I was terrified you would push me away when you found out.”

“What did you think would happen?”

“I thought when I told you I loved you and you said it back, that our love would carry us through this.”

“Do you even know what love is, Dr. Stevens?”

I wipe her tears with my thumb. Her sadness rips at my soul, especially when I know I’m the cause. “I didn’t until I met you.”

Tally pushes my hand away, pulling a tissue from the drawer. “I asked you so many times. I gave you so many chances to come clean. But you never did.”

“I was scared shitless.”

“Of me,” Tally barks out a laugh. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Well, right up there with all the crap you spouted last night.”

“I meant every word.” I’ll stay crouched next to her, repeating myself for the next year, until she believes me. “I planned on telling you this morning, but you were gone when I woke up.”

“So, it’s my fault.”

“No, Darlin, none of this is your fault. It’s my fault. I—”

Her phone rings, cutting into our conversation. “I have to take this. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Tally—”

“I said, .” She points at the door, and I have no choice but to abide by her wishes.

Just like that, the door closes, and I’m stuck standing on the wrong side of it. I’m locked out of Tally’s life and heart, and I don’t know when she’ll let me back in. Even worse is the idea that she won’t ever consider the possibility.

I can’t even blame her. She’s hurt and angry because of me.

“One hell of a first day. You okay?” Stefani inquires, giving me a gentle jab in the ribs.

“I save lives. I’m good at it. I know my shit. I’ve had some really tricky cases, but I always believed I could power through them.” I put my hand against the door, willing Tally to feel me. “I feel completely powerless right now.”

The door swings open, startling us both. Tally stands on the other side of the threshold, her eyes brimming with tears. Her gaze swings between the two of us before settling on Stefani. “I have to leave for the day.”

“Lu, are you okay?”

She shakes her head, and I see her fighting back the sobs.

Jesus, please don’t tell me I wounded her this deeply. I’ll never forgive myself.

She grabs her friend into a quick hug. “I’ll call you later, Stef.”

“Tally, Darlin, what’s going on?” I move to embrace her, but she holds up her hand, dismissing my concerns—and me.

Without another word, she hurries down the hallway, disappearing into the elevator.

I pray there isn’t a test on what I learned today. Correction, what I have learned. I muddle through the remainder of the afternoon, images of Tally running from me burned into my brain.

I meet with the realtor after work, leaving an earnest money deposit on the condo. Tally’s choice won out, of course, but it isn’t just a ploy to win back her love. It really is the nicest of the four, although it doesn’t hurt that there’s a rooftop garden for Hecate.

My phone rings, but it isn’t my tiny vixen. Damn. “Hey, Stefani.”

“Hi, there. I wanted to give you an update.”

“You spoke to Tally?”

“I did. She’s furious with you, but right now, Lu has bigger problems.”

“What in the world is going on? Hang on, Stefani.” I set down the phone and sign a final document for the realtor before heading to my car.

“If I’m interrupting, you can call me back.”

“No, I’m just finishing up with the realtor. I bought a condo. Tally’s favorite.”

“Congratulations.”

“Hold off on any celebrating until she agrees to live with me.” I shake my head. The condo is not the damn issue. “Is Tally okay?”

“Her father took a turn for the worse. That’s why she left in such a hurry this afternoon.”

My heart smashes to the ground. “I didn’t know he was sick.”

“Mr. Knowles has dementia. Tally took care of him for several years, but then his condition worsened. She pays for his treatment in a memory care facility.”

I know the price of those facilities—thousands of dollars per month. That explains her modest apartment and beat-up car. “What happened to him?”

“He fell and hit his head. They don’t know—”

“I’m driving to her apartment now.”

“Owen, I don’t think you should do that. Tally is very private, especially in her grief. She doesn’t want me around tonight. I highly doubt she’ll want to see you.”

Too damn bad. She needs me, and I’ve got a ton of making up to do. It starts now. “Well, I’m going to find out. Thank you for letting me know.”

I pull up to her apartment fifteen minutes later. Thank God, she’s here. For the first time, I inspect her vehicle, noting the wear and age. It’s over fifteen years old.

Decision made—Tally is getting a new car.

I knock on the door, but there’s no answer. I try the handle. Unlocked. I’m going to spank her sweet ass for not protecting herself and then kiss every inch for granting me easy access.

The bathroom door is closed, and I hear the shower. I order in some food because I know my little minx. She hasn’t eaten. Then I uncork a bottle of wine and pour us each a glass. God knows we both need one.

“What are you doing here?”

Showtime.

I turn, handing her a glass as I try not to ogle her towel-wrapped frame. That I know what the towel is covering is not helping my hormones.

“I know you haven’t eaten, so I ordered Chinese.”

Her eyes widen, darting between me, the floor, and the wine glass. Best guess? She’s deciding if the broken glass is worth it when she hurls it at my head. “What are you doing here, Dr. Stevens?” she repeats, her voice thin and strangulated.

Screw this distance. I’m ready to bust through every wall Tally has erected between us.

I pull her to me, feeling her stiffen in my arms. “Stefani told me about your Dad. I know that you hate me, but I’m here to take care of you.”

She pushes away from me, her towel loosening in the process. Sweet Jesus, let me get another glimpse of paradise. “I don’t need your help. I’m fine.”

“No, Darlin, you’re not fine. You’re anything but fine.”

She whirls on me, her eyes blazing. “You’re right. I’m not fine. I’m having a terrible day. My life is turning upside down, and I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to do—” Her words end as the sobs overtake her.

As a doctor, I’ve watched many family members weep. I saw my mother break down after my father passed. But none affected me as much as watching the woman I love crack under the strain of heartache. I scoop her into my arms, ignoring her huffs of protest.

She can hate me later. Right now, she needs me. I carry her into the bedroom, setting her on the bed. My dick, always at attention around Tally, thinks it’s game time.

I pull sweats and a tank from her dresser and stand in front of her, my best doctor’s stance at the ready. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed and fed.”

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Actually, this is exactly where I should be, so good luck in scaring me away.”

“Can you give me some privacy?”

“No.”

“No?”

“Darlin, my tongue has explored every inch of you. On multiple occasions.”

She crosses her arms, frustration taking over the sadness. “That was before.”

“That was night.”

“Like I said. Before.” Her words are clipped, but I see a slight flush crawl over her cheeks. She’s not immune. “I’m not changing until you leave.”

“Well, I’m not leaving.”

Now we’re in a standoff. Both of us, glaring at the other, arms crossed, the energy between us thick and hot.

I move first. I admit it, I’m weak as hell where this woman is concerned. I tangle my fingers in her hair, pulling enough to reaffirm that I’m the boss, and then I stake my claim.

She struggles, but I pin her wrists to the bed as my mouth reminds Tally of what she’s missing. My tongue pushes past her lips—possessing her, owning her.

After a few seconds, I hear her low moan as her mouth gets in on the action. Hell yes, this woman is trapped fire.

Her teeth sink into my lower lip, much harder than usual, and I pull back, licking my wounded skin. “Fuck, Darlin.”

“That,” she hisses, “is for lying to me.” She shoves against my chest. “Get off.”

“No.”

“Get off now, Owen.”

“I can bite too, Tally.” She knows I’m good to my word. I’ve covered her body in love bites. I nuzzle her neck, breathing deeply of her scent. Christ, she’s addicting. “How would you explain wearing a turtleneck in Florida?”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“I’m so far past thinking about it,” I murmur as I nip her skin, my hands stilling her halfhearted attempts to push me away.

“Do mark me,” Tally warns.

But what good is an idle threat? Holding her wrists firm, I travel south to the top of her breast, sucking the soft skin into my mouth.

When her body arches against me, I release the grip on her wrists to pull open the towel and expose every inch of her deliciousness.

The doorbell rings, and we both startle. Figures. For once, the delivery guy is on time. With a hooded glance and a cock straining for release, I push off her. “Chinese.”

“Right,” she breathes, her entire body flushed from my exploration. “Let me get dressed, and I’ll be right out.”

“Feel free to eat naked. Hell, let me grab the food, and I’ll come back and eat you.”

She opens her mouth to retort as the doorbell peals again.

.

I adjust myself and open the door, shooting the guy a forced smile. I’m starving, but it’s not for Chinese. I pay the bill and bring the food into her small living room, catching sight of her worn furnishings, threadbare in spots. I’m not sure how I missed it before.

Tally never spoke about financial difficulties, but judging by her modest life, she’s suffering from them. She won’t admit it, but she needs help. I’m just the man for the job.

“Come on, let’s get some food in you,” I call into the bedroom.

I hear Tally’s mumbled voice and realize she’s on the phone. Glancing at my watch, I know it’s the hospital. Please let it be good news.

She joins me on the couch a few minutes later, tucking her legs under her as she grabs a pint off the table. “Thank you for dinner. I love lo mein.”

“I know, Darlin. How’s your Dad?”

She pokes at the noodles with chopsticks, her eyes averted. “He’s the same. The nurse was giving me an update before change of shift.”

“What’s his prognosis?” No point in hiding my medical expertise now, thank Christ.

“He has Lewy body dementia, so there’s no positive outcome. But,” Tally pauses, a tear rolling down her cheek, “I think he still remembered me? The neurologists can’t say what the fall will do to any remaining cognitive function. I meant to go there two nights ago, but I didn’t. I was selfish.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? I would have gone with you.”

She shrugs, wiping a stray tear. “People are weird about dementia, or illness in general. I didn’t want to saddle you with that. Too much reality for the first couple of weeks.”

“Not for me, especially not when it’s for you.”

Tally sighs, and I see her erecting the emotional wall again, brick by brick. “If I’d known you were a doctor…actually, I knew. There were too many signs. I just didn’t want to believe it. I guess some people aren’t meant to have the fairy tale ending.”

“I want to give you the fairy tale ending. I’m planning on it, actually. I’m planning so many things for us, but it only works if you’re there.”

She averts her gaze, nibbling her bottom lip as she pulls at a thread from the throw pillow.

“I signed the paperwork for the condo,” I offer, trailing my fingers down her arm. “The one you like, with the rooftop garden for Hecate. The one with an extra bedroom, just in case.”

Funny thing. My ex, Charlotte, is all about the material pleasures. That condo, and the idea that I bought it with her in mind, would have sent her into squeals of delight. But for Tally, it’s not even remotely impressive. I wounded her soul, and an oceanfront view will not change that fact.

Maybe honesty will. “I want to tell you everything, Tally.”

“There’s more?” she inquires, fumbling to get the noodles into her mouth. Tally is the least graceful woman in the world with chopsticks. God, I love her.

“No, but I’d like you to know me. All of me. You’ll see that I’m not that guy, that I’d sooner walk through fire than hurt you.”

“You’d better get to stepping, then”—she grits out—“because you did more than hurt me.”

“Can we talk about it? Let me tell you my reasons. Please, Darlin.”

“Not tonight. I’m too tired.” She rolls her shoulders, wincing in pain. “I thought the shower would help.”

“Let me give you a massage.” Her mouth opens to argue, but I silence her. “Don’t say no. This is therapeutic. You’re in pain, you need to rest, and I can help.”

“Can you write me for some Valium?”

I chuckle. “I can, but I’m not going to.”

She snaps her fingers. “What good is a doctor if he won’t write you scripts?” As usual, her delivery is dry and sarcastic, but I see the small smile playing along her mouth.

“I have complementary techniques I can employ. I guarantee it will relax you.”

She shakes her head. “No, we better not. My pussy has no control when it comes to you.”

As if on cue, Hecate jumps into my lap, demanding attention.

“Either one,” she jokes, her smile the first genuine one I’ve seen today.

I put her to bed an hour later, after she passed out watching old reruns on television. My body aches to curl up next to her and hold her the entire night, but I can’t push too hard.

Not right now.

Right now, she needs my support. I scribble a note, recalling how Tally mentioned my doctor’s scrawl. She knew. Almost the entire time, she had me pegged. If only I had the guts to come clean then, maybe I’d be sleeping next to the woman I love, instead of leaving her for a cold hotel room.

I leave the note on her nightstand, pressing a final kiss to her head before letting myself out. I have a long night ahead of me.