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"It's nice to meet you," Warren said. "Owen's my boy."
I smiled at him for saying that.
"I'm Natalie," the next woman said. "We met the other night. Shep's wife."
"Yes," I said. "Good to see you."
We had come all the way around the table. Shep was the only one left before it would be my turn. I had spoken to them several times already, so I shouldn't have been nervous, but I was. I thought all eyes would be on me and I would be expected to introduce myself or say something funny or captivating. I started thinking about what I could possibly say, knowing that after Shep, it could be my turn to talk.
"And I'm Owen."
I heard the deep voice from behind me, but I was worrying, so it didn't register.
I froze, staring at Natalie until Caroline pushed my leg from beside me. "My brother is here, he's behind you," she said.
Chapter 16
I froze.
I felt choked.
The next few seconds were a complete whirlwind as I turned and saw Owen, my Owen, standing there in the restaurant with us. He was looking ever so sharp in dark jeans and a light blue button-down shirt. It matched his eyes, and I felt breathless. He was so handsome that I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Thankfully, I didn't have to react because he smiled at me and reached out to pull me into his arms.
"Hello, my Corey-girl."
"Hey," I said, hugging him.
He pulled back and looked me over. "You're looking good without that boot," he said, smiling.
I was stunned, but I smiled. "I feel good without it." Stiffly and with wide eyes, I turned to the people at the table. "Did you guys know about this?"
They all laughed and hollered and told me it was the reason for the gathering. Then they started talking to each other and amongst themselves as Owen and I took our seats.
He had hugged me, and I still smelled him. He helped me with my chair as we both got settled, and I turned to him and smiled. All of this happened in a matter of seconds.
Owen was here. I couldn’t believe it. I was shaken to my very core.
"Did you know about this?" I asked, turning to his sister.
"Yes. I've already seen him today. He was at the house earlier while you were at the clinic."
I turned to look at Owen and he shrugged guiltily. "I wanted to surprise you."
He was staring at me like he was a feral animal who was attracted to me and the feeling was so mutual that I reached out for him. My hand landed on his leg, and he positioned his big hand securely on top of mine, holding it there.
"What are you doing here? I thought you have another month."
"I do. They gave me three days off because some of their lighting broke."
"You're here for three days?"
"Sort of. It's more like one and a half. Tomorrow is the only full day." He repositioned my hand, turning it over in his, and lacing his fingers in mine. He held onto me securely.
"How's the movie going?" Warren asked, leaning over to speak to Owen.
Everyone was interested, so our side of the table got quiet when they heard him ask. Owen pulled my hand more securely into his lap in a possessive gesture as he readjusted before he spoke.
"It's been great. I’m tired, but it's been a smooth process."
