Page 63 of I Knew You
“Isn’t she a sight?” Euetta preened, and my cheeks heated.
“Beautiful,” Hunter said in his clear voice, charming.
Bram’s eyes met mine over Hunter’s shoulder, but his expression was blank. No smile. No frown. Just consideration.
I had the wherewithal to smile politely at Hunter, introduce Euetta, and grab my small crossbody purse from the counter.
“Well, I guess we’re off?” I said, my hands shaking. Hunterwas waiting patiently, eyes still on me, but Bram was leaning against the doorway, dividing his attention between me and the back of Hunter’s head. I wanted so badly to read his thoughts at that moment, but I still couldn’t tell anything from his face.
I knew somehow that he did not want me to go on this date. But I’d initiated the contact with Hunter, and I’d agreed to go. I couldn’t back out due to an errant thought that held little to no weight. I stared at Bram, trying to let him know with my gaze that all he had to do was say the word, and I’d call the whole thing off.
His dark eyes intensely assessed my own. But then he shook his head slightly and turned away from me.
That was how I left my first Mill Creek Aid community dinner—analyzing Bram’s last movements and my hand looped through Hunter’s awaiting arm.
Beingout with Hunter in downtown Roanoke was the equivalent of being on a date with a celebrity. Everywhere we went, people spoke to him without reservation. He was always friendly, but I could tell by the time we’d made it through dinner and had moved on to the local soda fountain for some ice cream, he was growing weary of the attention.
“Does this happen everywhere you go?” I’d asked before sipping my chocolate malt.
He’d nodded. “How has your back been lately?” The switch in subject was a clear indicator that he didn’t want to discuss my observation any further.
“It’s been okay,” I replied. “Not a lot to do during the days, considering I’m out of work at the moment. I do have a virtual interview in Charlotte, where I’m from. But of course, the surgery is a priority.” I was rambling, but he said nothing to show he was put off.
“That’s good to hear,” he said, and then pivoted the conversation again to my old life in Charlotte.
Hunter was a deep thinker and insightful. His answers were concise, and his gray eyes mesmerizing. He had everything I could have ever wanted in a man, and he (a handsome medical professional) had asked me out without significant prompting.
I should have been soaking up every moment, yet the night felt very much like a friend date, and I knew why. Bram’s face when he left the kitchen at the aid dinner would not leave my mind, no matter how hard I tried to push the image away. When I went to use the restroom before we left the soda fountain, I checked the muted texts on my phone.
Kallie: How’s the doctor date?
Me: Again, not a doctor. And good. I think. Can’t stop thinking about a certain vampire.
Kallie: That’s not how this is supposed to go.
Me: The heart is a fickle organ.
Kallie: Focus on what is in front of you. Bram Winchester doesn’t deserve your headspace.
Me: I think he was jealous. I can’t stop thinking about it.
Kallie: Of course, he had to go and fuck this up for you.
Me: *eye roll emoji*
I went back to a visibly tired Hunter. He was in the tiny red-leather booth, wiping at his eyes.
“Hey, it’s a long drive out to my friend’s house. Maybe weshould go?” I felt the words slip from my lips, slithering out like I was lying even though I wasn’t. It was a long drive. But the whole night felt off. Off, in an unexplainable way. Hunter must have thought it as well, because he offered no protest and got up from the booth.
Driving to the farm in the dark countryside was quiet, interrupted only by the occasional landmark comment and random question. It was comfortable, even in silence, but not anything like a drive with Bram.
In the driveway of Bram’s house, Hunter opened my door, and I climbed out of his SUV. He didn’t try to take my hand as he walked me toward the front door. The porch light had been left on for me, though, and for the first time since the night had begun, I was nervous.
Was Bram watching? I didn’t want to be standing outside with Hunter, as handsome, kind, and smart as he was. I wanted to be inside, comfortable with Bram on the couch, Lakey at our feet.
I let out a deep breath, and Hunter smiled.
“Your mind is here, isn’t it?”
