Page 37 of Unplanned Target

I sound like a terrible sister. I shouldn’t be asking Owen about my brother’s injuries. I should have called to find out for myself. In my defense, I no longer have my phone.

And people have been trying to kill me.

“Yup. Luca came to let me know he was heading here anyway.” Owen collects my plate from the counter and carries it over to one of the round dining tables positioned in the adjacent area. “Apparently, he signed himself out against medical advice and decided to drive to Nashville.”

“Of course he did.” I start cleaning up my mess, but Owen comes around the counter and gently urges me away.

“Go sit and eat.” He takes over, throwing away the lettuce nub and carrot peels. “What would you like to drink?”

“Something with lots of caffeine.” I drop into the chair, smothering a yawn. “I’m really looking forward to sleeping in a bed tonight.”

And just like that, my mind is right back in the gutter. Because I’m not going to be sleeping in just any bed tonight. I’m going to be sleeping in Owen’s bed. I’m going to cuddle up under his blankets and rest my head on his pillow.

I wonder what sorts of things he does in his bed? Does he just sleep there, or does he occasionally⁠—

Owen sets a chilled can of my favorite soda on the table in front of me, the action startling away my naughty thoughts. “I know it wasn’t the most enjoyable drive, but I’m glad we came here.”

Came here. That wording is way too on point. I wonder if he can read my mind. I really hope not, because I’m pretty sure things are going to get real awkward if he figures out I’m currently imagining him fisting his dick in the bed I’m going to be sleeping in tonight. My libido is very much becoming a problem. She needs to go back into hibernation before I start making really terrible decisions.

Like trying to convince Owen we could share his room. Be roommates.

I’m not a rocket scientist, but I’m pretty sure Owen and I being in the same bed would lead to one thing and one thing only.

The end of my celibacy.

I take an aggressive bite of my wrap, realizing just how starving I am as I chew through the familiar combination of vegetables and chicken. “Holy cow I was hungry.”

“I’m not surprised. It’s been a while since you’ve had anything to eat.” Owen frowns as he takes the chair next to me. “I wish I’d thought to put a few of the snack items inside the car instead of the trunk. That way you and Allie could have put something in your stomachs on the ride here.”

“I’m not sure anything would’ve stayed in my stomach, on the ride here.” I press one hand to my belly at the memory. “I was really worried I was going to get shot at again.”

Those are words I never expected to say.

“I wasn’t thrilled to consider the possibility either.” Owen reaches out to tuck a lock of my hair behind one ear as it falls into my face while I take another bite.

I swallow down the mouthful then have to stifle a yawn. “At least it distracted me from how hungry and tired I was.”

“You can go to bed whenever you’d like.” Owen leans back in his seat, crossing both arms over his chest. “If Butch isn’t here yet, I’ll tell him he has to wait until tomorrow to see you.”

That has me laughing. “I’m sure that would go over real fucking well. Tony would lose his shit.”

Owen’s expression is serious. “I don’t care about him or what he wants. I care about you and what you want. If he has a problem with you needing sleep, he’s more than welcome to take it up with me.”

I’ve forgotten how to chew. I’m just sitting here with a mouthful of wrap, befuddled as hell over the man sitting next to me. I don’t want to keep comparing him to the other men I’ve known—honestly, there’s no comparison—but I’ve never had anyone as on my side as Owen has been. Man or woman. Not even my mom.

Probably because I drove her crazy when I was a kid, and she thought I could do with getting a little sense knocked into me. Gentle parenting was definitely not her thing, and I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have defended me. In fact, it’s more likely she would have assumed I was the problem.

In all fairness, she would probably have been right more often than not. But still.

Allie is a lot like me, but I will always defend her. Stick up for her. Go toe-to-toe with anyone who is mean or nasty to her.

Will I also possibly point out she may have been part of the problem later when we’re alone? Absolutely. But that’s about being a good parent and teaching her how to move within the world. A world that is not forgiving to women like me. Women like the one she will most likely become. Women who don’t fit the mold society has attempted to cram all of us into.

“There you are.” Allie comes striding into the room. “Ohhh. Is that a Cobb salad wrap?”

“It is. Do you want one?” I take another bite as I stand, already knowing her answer.

But Owen’s hand rests on my shoulder, gently urging me back into my seat. “You eat. I’ll help her.”