Page 10 of Tempting Hunter

“Most weekends. Tonight, Virtual Soul is playing.”

Michaela sincerely hoped he didn’t plan to stay. She couldn’t deal with sitting so close to him all night. He seated her, standing so close she could feel his body heat, then rounded the table to take his own seat. The hostess handed them menus, took their drink order and departed. Minutes later, a server brought the drinks and they made their dinner selections.

“Well, if it isn’t Hunter Prescott. I haven’t seen you in ages. How’re you doing, man?”

She glanced up to see a handsome coffee-colored man standing next to the table.

Hunter stood and shook the man’s hand. “Eric. It has been a while. I’d like for you to meet Michaela Saunders. Michaela, this is Eric Dawson, attorney by day and musician by night.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Eric,” she said. “Those are both full-time careers and must keep you pretty busy.”

He laughed. “You’re right. That, along with my beautiful wife and baby daughter, doesn’t leave me time for much else, and I’m good with it.”

Michaela’s heart clenched. She felt Hunter’s gaze on her, but refused to acknowledge him.One more strike against him. “Congratulations, on both,” she said sincerely.

Hunter clapped Eric on the back. “That’s great news. Congrats.”

“Thanks. I hope you’re staying for the show.” Eric divided his hopeful gaze between Michaela and Hunter.

“Sure,” she said.Just great. She was two seconds away from adamn, damn, damnmoment, but she wasn’t Florida Evans and she wasnothaving a good time.

“Great. Enjoy your dinner and the show. Hunter, I’ll be in touch so we can get together.”

Hunter nodded. As soon as Eric disappeared into the crowd, Hunter said, “Sorry about that.”

Michaela figured saying “no problem” would be a lie, so she didn’t reply. A few minutes later, Eric and his band took the stage and the server returned with the food. The dim lighting, candles on the tables and cozy atmosphere, all conspired to push her closer to the edge. It didn’t help that every time she looked Hunter’s way, she found him staring intently at her.

“This next song is dedicated to a friend of mine and his beautiful lady. Hunter and Michaela, this one is for you.” Eric smiled and launched into a sultry ballad.

She dropped her fork and whipped her head toward the stage.This cannot be happening.A few—make that alot—of those curse words Lana always spouted popped into Michaela’s mind and nearly flew out of her mouth. She met Hunter’s sympathetic gaze. It should’ve given her some sort of conciliation that he looked just as uncomfortable, but she didn’t have time to be concerned about his feelings. Not tonight. She only wanted to find a way out of this mess. Her nerves were stretched so thin, she didn’t utter a word the entire ride back to her hotel or when Hunter walked her to her room.

“I’m really sorry about what happened, Michaela,” Hunter said as soon as the door shut.

“I know. Let’s just talk about the mural.” He sighed, but didn’t push. She took a seat at the desk chair.

He sat on the small loveseat and opened the folder. “We’re scheduled to meet with the hospital board on Tuesday afternoon. I’ll fly in on Monday, so if you have any questions before the meeting, we can talk then. I understand there will be—”

“Who is she?” Michaela asked quietly.

His head came up. “What?” he asked with confusion. “She who?”

“The woman you left me for.”

Hunter slowly closed the folder. “Michaela, there is no other woman. There’s never been another woman. I promise you, sweetheart.”

“Don’t call me that.” She jumped up and rushed toward the bedroom, her heart racing and her breathing shallow.

“Michaela.” He followed.

She spun around. “Why did you do it?Why did you leave me?You said youlovedme!But you left me,” she screamed. She launched herself at him, punching him in the chest over and over. “Why did you leave me?” she cried.

Hunter banded his arms around her and lost his balance in the process, tumbling them both backwards onto the bed. He held her as she cried her heart out. “I’m sorry, so sorry, baby.”

Now that the dam had broken, she couldn’t stop crying for all that should have been, for every broken promise, for losing the love of her life. At length, the tears slowed, then stopped.

“Michaela. I didn’t leave you because I wanted to, baby. I left because I didn’t have a choice.” Still cradling her in his arms, he pushed into a sitting position. “Remember me complaining about being tired all the time and you teasing me about being clumsy because I stumbled a few times? It was more than that.”

Michaela slowly lifted her head.