Page 24 of One Reckless Night

“Tell me what?”

“He insisted I try one of his jet skis. We wiped out.”

“Oh no.” She laughed. “Clearly, you survived.”

“Yes, but I don’t think I’ll be climbing on one of those machines again anytime soon.”

“Did you dunk Jared?”

“Oh yeah.” I nodded. “I went flying one way and he went the other.”

“I would have paid to see that.”

I took a drink. “How is Shawn?”

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Uh-oh.” I smiled. “There’s a story there.”

She groaned, rolling her eyes. “There would be if he’d just ask me out already. But he’s so shy. It’s infuriating. I don’t know how many different ways I’ve dropped hints. He just doesn’t seem to get it. I think he likes me. I pick up on the vibes but then nothing happens. It’s so hard to date nerds.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Maybe you should ask him out.”

Clair raised an eyebrow. “And risk rejection? No thanks. I’ll wait for him to grow a spine.”

“You’ve been waiting a while?”

“Yes, but I’ll keep waiting. Until another man comes in and sweeps me off my feet.”

I chuckled, taking a sip of my margarita. “Well, for Shawn’s sake I hope he figures it out soon.”

“What about you?” Clair asked, her tone casual. “Any love life to speak of?”

I shook my head, my smile fading. “Not really. I’ve always put my education and career above everything else. Relationships have never been a priority.”

Clair nodded, her expression sympathetic. “I get that. But you know, it’s okay to want more. You don’t have to choose between your career and your personal life. At least that’s what I tell myself all the time.”

I didn’t respond, my attention caught by the sound of the door opening. I glanced over and froze, my stomach dropping. Jared had just walked in, and he wasn’t alone. A tall, redheaded woman was beside him, her arm linked through his. She was beautiful, with sharp features and an air of confidence that made me feel instantly inadequate.

I shouldn’t be surprised. He was rich. Hot. Smart. What straight woman wouldn’t want to be on his arm? She was stunning. Perfect skin. Slim. Her smile looked like she could be in toothpaste commercials.

I wasn’t jealous. Not really. It’s not like I had any right to be jealous. He was my boss. And way out of my league. And a player.

Clair followed my gaze and sighed. “That’s Gemma. Dr. Graceland. She’s a neurosurgeon too. Lives on the mainland, so thankfully we don’t have to see her much.”

I forced myself to look away. “Do they work together often?”

Clair shrugged. “Not really. She’s here for a surgery.”

“They seem… close.”

“She and Jared used to date.”

And there it was.

I was used to reading people. Their chemistry was off the charts. It was clear they’d had sex. There was just a way people looked at each other after they had seen each other naked. Those two had definitely been very naked together.

“Used to?” I asked.