Page 16 of One Reckless Night

“I do, too,” I said defensively, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m usually busy. But I’m not right now. I needed a little sun.”

Shawn squinted at me, then glanced over his shoulder toward where Amelia was lounging on her towel, completely oblivious to our conversation. His eyes widened as the pieces clicked together. “Ohhh,” he said, drawing the word out like he’d just uncovered some grand conspiracy. “You’re here for her.”

“I’m not here for anyone,” I said quickly, maybe a little too quickly. “I just felt like taking a walk. Getting some sun. You know, normal beach activities.”

“Normal beach activities,” Shawn repeated, his tone dripping with skepticism. “Jared Welch, Mr. ‘I don’t have time for frivolous nonsense,’ is out here in swim trunks and a T-shirt.” He paused, tugging at the hem of my shirt with a smirk. “Which, by the way, is giving off major ‘I’m trying too hard to look like I’m not trying too hard’ vibes—for normal beach activities.”

“Go away,” I said. “You are the last person I need to explain myself to.”

He laughed but was quickly called back to his game. “Have fun,” he hollered before running off.

He was exaggerating just a little. I spent plenty of time on the beach. I just didn’t spend a lot of time when other people were on the beach. I was the boss. I knew that made people weird. I wanted them to be able to relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about the boss seeing something he probably shouldn’t.

Amelia glanced up when my shadow fell across her body. I couldn’t help but notice the way she blushed when she saw me. It was subtle, but it was there. And it made me grin.

“Fancy meeting you here,” I said, dropping down onto the sand beside her.

She glanced at me over the top of her sunglasses. “Jared. What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” I said, gesturing to the house behind us. “Remember? Big, shiny, impossible to miss?”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t respond, her attention going back to her book. I leaned closer, squinting at the cover. “Is that a romance novel? Dr. Pritchard, I didn’t take you for the type.”

She snapped the book shut, her cheeks flushing. “It’s called a hobby. You should try it sometime.”

I chuckled, leaning back on my elbows. “Hobbies are for people who aren’t changing the world. Speaking of which, don’t you have a lab to haunt? Clair says you’re there twenty hours a day.”

“I get paid to be in the lab, remember?” she said, her tone dry. “It’s called a job.”

“Touché,” I said, grinning. “But come on, it’s Saturday. You’re really going to sit here and read all day? That’s boring.”

“It’s relaxing,” she retorted. “My brain doesn’t need to be running full speed all the time. Are you going to tell me you work or think about work twenty-four-seven?”

I shrugged. “Yes. But I have the ability to compartmentalize. I know how to use my whole brain. I can be sitting here on the beach and still solving difficult cases. But not everyone is me. I get it.”

She shook her head. “Your humility always astounds me.”

“You need to do something besides reading,” I said.

She turned to look at me, her eyes glaring at me over her sunglasses. “What do you suggest I do instead? Join you in whatever ego-stroking activity you have planned?”

I laughed, unable to help myself. She was cute when she was fired up, which was all the time. “Actually, yes. How about a jet ski ride?”

She blinked, caught off guard. “What? No.”

“Come on,” I said, leaning closer. “It’ll be fun. And as your boss, I’m demanding it.”

She stared at me for a long moment, then glanced up at my house, squinting into the sun. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” I said, standing and holding out a hand. “Come on, Pritchard. Live a little. Get wild. Get your heart pumping. Adrenaline is good for the soul. And the heart.”

She hesitated, then sighed and took my hand. “Fine. But if I die, I’m haunting you.”

“Deal,” I said, pulling her to her feet. Her hand was warm in mine, and I couldn’t help but notice how small it felt. She was all curves and softness, but there was a strength to her that I found to be incredibly intriguing.

I couldn’t wait to get her on the water.