Page 58 of I Knew You
It didn’t help that every day a text came through from Kallie that read: Have you texted the hot doctor yet?
Even without Kallie’s reminders, I hadn’t forgotten about the card with Hunter’s cell phone number on it and the open invitation I had to contact him. The temptation was strong. Bram was pulling away and distancing himself from me; that much was obvious. So what did I have to lose?
Before I could stop myself, I grabbed the card from my purse and my phone from the table.
Me: Hey, Hunter. It’s Julianna East.
Nerves ate at my stomach as I pressed “send”. Lakey looked up at me from the dining room carpet, her knowing eyes watching me. I couldn’t decide whether I was imagining how sad she looked or if she knew how much I regretted what I just did. Before I could unsend the message, the phone buzzed in my hand.
Hunter: Hey there! Glad you decided to get a hold of me. How are you?
Something warm settled into my chest.
Me: Fine. How are you?
Hunter: I’m good. Want to get dinner tonight? 7 pm? So sorry to be forward, it’s a busy day. Not much time.
My mouth dropped open. He wanted to take me to dinner in five hours?
It was the night of Mill Creek Aid’s community supper, and I had told Bram I wanted to go with him. I wanted to meet the key players of the new center that would be built and see the charity organization in action. Could I reschedule with Bram to see Hunter instead?
Maybe I wouldn’t have to cancel at all. The dinner started at six. I could have Hunter pick me up at the supper, and then we could go out. I sent a text to Bram:
Me: Do you mind calling me when you get a minute?
Not even a minute later, a phone call came through from him, and I answered.
“Hey, what’s up, sweets? Feeling okay?” I found myself smiling at the sound of Bram’s voice.
“Yes, I’m fine. I had a question. Would you be upset if I left the MCA dinner a little early tonight?” I tried to stem the nervous energy that was creeping into my voice.
“You need my permission?” he replied, puzzlement in his tone. “Got a hot date?”
“Actually…I do have a date, maybe. With that physician’s assistant, Hunter.”
I was met with silence.
“Bram?”
“Okay.” Bram’s voice was deeper, but…off.
“I can explain to him about the fake marriage later on, if I need to, right?” I asked hurriedly. “Since he and I are not together, it’s not pertinent for him to know right now. This is just a date. ” I was stumbling over my words, disappointed I hadn’t thought this through more thoroughly, already regretting my impulsivity.
“It’s fine.” He cleared his throat. “Will he pick you up at the senior citizens’ building?”
“I’m sure, but it’s not set in stone yet. I wanted to check with you first before I made further plans.”
“Again, you don’t need my permission. Set your date. I’ll pick you up in a bit.”
I picked at my cuticles. “No, that’s okay, don’t backtrack from the other side of town,” I insisted. “I’ll drive the Jeep out, and then Hunter can bring me back to it so I can drive myself back to your house tonight.” I bit my tongue as the wordhomenearly slipped from my lips.
“No, you’re not driving anywhere,” he replied steadfastly. “I’m coming to get you now, and he can drive you home later.”
“Again, I’m not made of glass.”
“I will treat you like porcelain if I want to.” I heard a smile behind his words, and I was sad at how relieved it made me. “Be ready about four. I’ll be there.”
“Okay.”
