Page 37 of Doctor One Night

“Deal.”

Carly’s smile turns sly, and she tilts her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Okaaaaay. So… Hunter was here last night.”

I try to keep my expression neutral, but a flush of hot redness creeps up my neck. “Um, yeah. He was your knight in shining armor.”

“More like yours, I'd say. You two seemed pretty cozy,” she teases, her voice light despite the discomfort she must be experiencing.

I roll my eyes, trying to brush off her comment. “Carly, we were just waiting together. It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal?” She raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “I don’t know, Frankie. He was here for me, but he stayed for you.”

I open my mouth to protest, but the words don’t come. Instead, my mind flashes back to the way Hunter had looked at me last night, the warmth in his eyes, the way he’d made me laugh when I needed it most. He’d been there for Carly, yes, but… had he also been there for me?

Lucky for me, he was still wearing that to-die-for-running attire. I couldn't get enough of stolen glances.

“Don’t read too much into it,” I finally say, trying to sound dismissive. “He’s just…he’s a good guy.”

Carly doesn’t respond right away, but she’s watching me closely, a knowing look in her eyes. “Sure,” she says after a moment, her tone suggesting she’s not entirely convinced. “If you say so.”

I turn my attention to the window, trying to push away the thoughts that have been creeping into my mind ever since last night. It’s ridiculous, really, to think there could be anything more between Hunter and me. We’re colleagues, end of story. Sure, we slept together, but both of us seem to have written that off as a one-off, nothing to it. But even as I try to convince myself of that, I can’t help but replay our conversations. The way he’d made me feel so… seen.

“Anyway,” Carly says, breaking the silence, “I’m just glad you were both there for me. It made everything a lot less scary. Thank you.”

I nod, finally meeting her gaze again. “You know I’ve got your back, Carly. Always. And it looks like I'm not the only one.”

“Yeah,” she says with a smile. “I know you do. Hey, you know what really sucks?”

“That you’re going to have to eat the shitty hospital breakfast?”

“Well, yes, that. But you know what else? I’m going to miss the fucking gala this weekend. The one thing I was looking forward to. And where am I going to wear that kickass dress?”

“Oh, Carly. I’m so sorry! I wish I could be laid up here in your place and let you go for me. I know you were so looking forward to it.”

“Don’t worry. Just take copious notes on every detail and fill me in afterwards. God it?”

“Got it.”

As the morning continues to brighten the room, a sense of calm settles over me. Carly is going to be okay, and that is what matters most. But even as I focus on my friend, I can’t completely shake the thoughts of Hunter—the way he’d been there when I needed someone, the way he’d shown a side of himself I hadn’t seen before, not only for me but for someone else.

Maybe there’s more there to explore there than I’ve been willing to admit.

FOURTEEN

Hunter

Thursday, May 23

Hunter’s Condo

9:27 pm

I lie back on my sofa and turn on the TV. After the day I’ve had, I should be unwinding, letting the tension drain away. But I can’t. Not with the thoughts of her swirling around in my mind.

Once again, I glance at my phone on the table, the screen dark, my mother’s name already pulled up. I’ve been staring at it for ten minutes, debating whether to make the call. I haven't talked to her for almost a week, avoiding it.

It’s only 9:30 here, which means it’s 7:30 back in California. She’s probably still up, maybe watching one of those crime shows she’s always been obsessed with.

With a reluctant sigh, I press the call button and bring the phone to my ear. Each ring makes my stomach tighten, and I almost hang up before she answers.

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