Page 57 of Doctor One Night

“And?” Carly prompts, her eyes widening in anticipation.

“And then he kissed me,” I say, the words coming out faster than I intend. Just saying it aloud makes my heart skip a beat, reliving the moment in my mind. “It was intense. But in a good way. Right there on First Avenue.”

Carly’s eyebrows shoot up. “Whoa, okay. That’s big. Like, right there in the open, in downtown Birmingham? So, what now?”

“Yup. That’s the thing,” I say, picking at my fried rice with my chopsticks. “I don’t know. We both acted like nothing happened when we met today for our meeting with Dr. Bench. We were completely professional, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. About him.”

Carly leans back, crossing her arms as she studies me. “Frankie, you’ve got it bad.”

“I know,” I admit, letting out a sigh, admitting it for the first time to myself and out loud. “But it doesn’t seem like just a fling. I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something brewing between us. Something real. And I’m kind of excited to see where it goes, you know?”

“Yeah, real sex. You know Hunter's reputation, right? Please remember my warning.”

“I know. I know. That's why before now I didn't think much of it. But, I don't know, Car. It know he’s feeling it, too.”

“That's what all the ladies say, I'm sure.”

“You know I'm not like that. I'm not one to get all googly-eyed over a man. I wasn't looking for anything when we slept together. This is progressing contrary to an attempt to keep it at bay.”

Carly gives me a skeptical look, but there’s a softness in her eyes that tells me she’s happy for me, even if she’s worried. “I never thought I’d see the day when you’d be giddy over a guy, especially one like Hunter Parrish. But you seem different. Happier, I guess.”

“I am,” I say, a small smile tug at my lips forming involuntarily. “I really am. And I’m starting to think that maybe we can figure out a way to do the work thing and the more thing.”

Carly’s expression shifts to one of cautious optimism. “Well, I won’t say I’m not worried. Hunter doesn't do the commitment thing, and you know that. But it’s nice to see you like this. I just don't want you to get your heart broken.”

We continue eating, talking and laughing until our bellies hurt. Carly doesn’t let up with the questions. It’s freeing to let it all out, to admit to someone else finally that I might actually be falling for Hunter. For the first time, I’m not just thinking about the risks—I’m thinking about the possibilities.

And that’s a pretty big step for me.

8:59 pm

After Carly leaves, I pace in my living room, her words echoing in my mind. She's right—I could have texted Hunter too. Maybe he's holding back, waiting to see if I'm interested. The thought makes my stomach flutter.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab my phone and open our text thread. My thumbs go to quick work, crafting the perfect message. Keep it casual, Frankie. Nothing too forward.

I type out a message, then delete it. Too formal. I try again, erasing that one, too. Too flirty. Finally, I settle on something simple:

Hey, up for an evening walk?

My heart races as I hit send. The message shows as delivered, and I hold my breath, waiting. One minute passes. Then two. I set my phone down, trying not to stare at it.

Just as I'm about to give up and distract myself with some work, my phone buzzes. I snatch it up, fumbling in my haste to read his response.

Actually, I'm about to throw a filet on the grill. I bought a two-pack. Would hate for it to go to waste. Join me?

Shit. I'm stuffed from my fried rice and General Tso’s, but I don't know if I can pass this up. Fuck it.

Perfect. Send me your addy.

I rush to my bedroom, rummaging through my closet for something cute but casual. I settle on a pair of fitted yoga pants and a soft, oversized linen shirt. As I'm lacing up my sneakers, I catch sight of myself in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed, and there's a sparkle in my eyes I haven't seen in a long time.

This is crazy, I think to myself. But for once, I'm not overthinking it. I'm just going with it, and it’s empowering.

TWENTY

Hunter

9:25 pm

---