Page 42 of One Reckless Night

I chuckled, shaking my head. “It’s not so bad. Just a bunch of nerds talking shop. You’ll love it.”

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“From me, it is.” I pulled my tablet from my bag and planned to get some work done on the short flight.

Amelia was staring out the window. I could tell there was something on her mind, but I wasn’t sure if I should ask. I had a feeling it probably had a little to do with me and what happened between us. Was she considering quitting? Suing me? Was she thinking I was the worst human on the planet?

Or maybe she was thinking she’d like more.

I sure as hell was. I couldn’t think of anything else. We were in a weird situation. If we both wanted it, why couldn’t we have it? We were adults. Yes, she worked for me, but it wasn’t like she worked directly under me. I rarely saw her in the course of a workday.

That’s when I realized I was trying to come up with a good reason to take her to my bed.

“Jared?”

I blinked and looked across the aisle to where she sat. Did she know what I was thinking? Did it show?

“Yes?” My voice was strained. Does she know?

“Do you think I could slip away for a bit before the dinner tonight? I need to get a few outfits for the conference, maybe get my hair done. It’ll only take a few hours.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. “You don’t have anything to wear?”

She shook her head, her cheeks flushing. “I didn’t exactly pack for a black-tie event. I packed light for my move here. My clothing is mostly business casual for the lab. I want to make a good impression if we’re going to be around our colleagues.”

I nodded, understanding. “Fair enough. I have to consult on a surgery at the hospital anyway, so you’ll have some time to yourself before dinner. Not a problem at all.”

She looked relieved, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thanks. I’ll make it quick. I just want to represent the lab properly. And myself.”

I reached into my pocket, pulling out my black card and holding it out to her. “Here. Use this.”

She stared at the card, her expression wary. “I don’t need your money, Jared.”

I smirked, leaning forward and pressing the card into her hand. “Just buy something on me. What else am I supposed to spend it on?”

Her eyes seemed to darken, and for a moment, I wondered if maybe there was more here than I thought. The attraction between us was obvious, at least to me. The kiss was on my mind all the time, and I was hungry for more.

“Do you have any recommendations for places to shop?” she asked.

“Sure,” I said, leaning back in my seat again. “Miami’s got a little bit of everything. What are you looking for? High-end? Boutique? Something more casual?”

Amelia hesitated, tapping her fingers against the armrest. “Something elegant but not… over the top. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.”

I grinned. “Got it. You want to look like you belong without screaming ‘look at me.’”

She chuckled softly, and it was the first real sound of amusement I’d heard from her all day. “Exactly.”

“Alright,” I said, scrolling through my mental Rolodex of Miami hotspots. “I would say head to the Design District. You’ll find everything you need.”

“Perfect, thank you. What about hair? I need somewhere that can handle my mess.” She gestured to her wavy hair, which was already starting to rebel against its ponytail.

I smirked. “I know a salon in Brickell. I’ll call and tell them you’re coming.”

She frowned. “Is this going to be one of those exclusive places that charges a thousand dollars for a simple shampoo?”

I flashed her a grin. “I don’t know. I don’t pay attention to those things. I know what I like. I have a stylist I trust.”

She laughed again. “So simple.”