Page 18 of One Reckless Night

“Yeah,” he said, his tone unapologetic. “But you’re the first one it hasn’t worked on.”

I felt a flicker of smug satisfaction at that, but it was short-lived. “Let me drive,” I said.

“Okay,” he said. “Remember take it slow at first. Let yourself get used to the feel of the machine.”

“Got it,” I said.

I gripped the handles, feeling a surge of confidence as I accelerated slowly. His hands were on my hips.

“Good?” he asked close to my ear.

“I think so,” I said.

“Go ahead. Give it a little more gas.”

I pressed the throttle gently, feeling the jet ski surge forward. The wind caught my hair again. I laughed despite being a little scared. It was exhilarating, the rush of speed and the salty spray of the ocean on my skin. Jared’s hands tightened slightly on my hips, steadying me as we bounced over the wake from other jet skis.

“Not bad,” he said. “You’re a quick learner.”

“Told you I could handle it,” I replied, though my heart was still racing—and not just from the speed. His nearness was intoxicating. I hated how much it affected me. I wanted to be the kind of woman who could shrug off someone like Jared Welch, but apparently, I wasn’t that woman.

He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my ear. “Careful, Doc. Confidence is attractive, but overconfidence can get you in trouble.”

I snorted, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine. “Says the man who probably invented overconfidence.”

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that did nothing to calm my nerves. “Fair point. But hey, if you’re going to crash this thing, at least wait until we’re closer to shore. I’d rather not have to swim back.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly, but I couldn’t stop myself from grinning.

I steered away from the other boat traffic and opened up the throttle a little more. For a moment, I felt like I was flying. It was an adrenaline rush that I had never felt before.

But then, out of nowhere, a speedboat cut across our path, sending a huge wave crashing toward us. “Back off the throttle!” Jared shouted.

I tried to steer away, but it was too late. The jet ski hit the wave at full speed. I was thrown off, hitting the water hard enough to knock the breath out of me.

For a moment, I was disoriented. The world spun as I struggled to surface. I could swim—I wasn’t helpless—but the wakes from the boats were rough, tossing me around like a ragdoll. I felt like a bobber. The life jacket was doing its job, but with every wave, I went under. Panic started to creep in, but before it could fully take hold, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me to the surface.

“Amelia!” Jared’s voice was sharp with concern, his hands gripping my shoulders as he treaded water beside me. “Are you okay?”

I coughed, sputtering water as I tried to catch my breath. “I’m fine,” I managed.

We were so close, practically nose to nose. His concerned gaze made my stomach flip all over again. He smoothed my wet hair away from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle, and for a moment, I felt safe. Too safe.

“Is anything hurt?” he asked. “Did your head hit the water?”

“My entire body hit the water,” I retorted.

“You know what I mean.”

“No. I hit the water on my back.”

“Come on, let’s get back to the jet ski.”

I managed to catch my breath enough to swim back to it. He helped me up and then climbed up in front of me this time.

“Hold on to me,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

I was happy to give him control. I wrapped my arms around his waist.