Page 48 of One Reckless Night

“Jared!” A booming voice cut through the chatter. I turned to see Dr. Marcus Hale, one of the top neurologists in Miami, striding toward us with a wide grin. “Glad you could make it. Who’s this vision?”

“This is Dr. Amelia Pritchard,” I said, my tone casual but laced with pride. “She’s the newest addition to the Welch Foundation. Amelia, this is Dr. Marcus Hale. We’ve worked together on a few cases.”

Amelia extended her hand, her smile warm and professional. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Hale.”

“Please, call me Marcus,” he said, shaking her hand eagerly. “Anyone working at the Welch Foundation has to be brilliant. And a glutton for punishment, with this guy. What’s your area of expertise?”

“Brain mapping and traumatic brain injuries,” Amelia replied. “I’ve been particularly focused on how TBI affects memory retention and cognitive function over time.”

Marcus’s eyebrows shot up, and he let out a low whistle. “Impressive. That’s a tough field. Jared’s lucky to have you on board. It’s important work.”

I felt a surge of pride at his words, though I wasn’t sure if it was for her or for myself. Probably both. Amelia was brilliant and having her at the foundation was a win for all of us.

“Thank you,” Amelia said, her cheeks tinged with pink. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

Marcus chuckled, clasping his hands together. “Well, if Jared hasn’t already made it clear, we’re all excited to have you here. More you than him, if I’m being honest.”

“Hey,” I said, laughing. “I’m not that bad.”

Marcus studied my face. “Hmm, I can’t remember the last time I heard you laugh.” He looked at Amelia. “Is he sick?”

She smiled and shook her head. “Give him a second. I’m Jared will offend someone soon enough.”

Marcus barked another laugh. “Brilliant and funny? It’s truly been a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab a drink before the speeches start. Don’t let this one drag you into too much trouble, Amelia,” he added with a nod in my direction before disappearing into the crowd.

“Let’s get a drink,” I suggested.

We made our way over to the bar, my hand still resting in the small of her back. I could feel her warmth through the fabric of her dress. It took every ounce of self-control not to pull her closer.

“Was that a friend of yours?” she asked.

“Oh, Marcus? Kind of.” I thought about how best to explain it. “It’s more like, he’s one of my few colleagues with a thick skin. People get so upset when I’m just being honest with them, but he seems to like a straight shooter.”

“Well, it’s nice to know not everyone hates you.” Her smile took some of the edge off it.

“Even the ones that hate me respect me.” I shrugged. “That’s good enough for me.” I raised my hand to call the bartender over. “Whiskey, neat.” I turned to Amelia. “What about you?”

“Gin and tonic, please,” she replied, her British accent making the request sound almost regal. The bartender nodded and got to work.

I leaned against the bar, my eyes scanning the room. “Marcus wasn’t wrong,” I said casually. “Your work is impressive. I read your last paper. Twice.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You did?”

“Of course. I don’t hire anyone without knowing exactly what they’re capable of.” The corner of my mouth lifted in a smirk. “And you, Dr. Pritchard, are more than capable.”

She flushed, her gaze dropping to the counter. “Thank you, Jared. That means a lot.”

The bartender slid our drinks across the counter, and I handed Amelia hers before picking up my own glass. I raised it slightly in a silent toast, and she clinked her glass against mine, her eyes meeting mine over the rim.

We moved back into the crowd in search of our table. Before we could get their, a colleague waved at us before making his way toward us.

“Jared, I had no idea you were bringing this brilliant woman tonight,” the stocky man said.

“Hunter.” I nodded. “This is…”

“Dr. Pritchard!” he said, his face lighting up. “I’ve read your research on TBI. It’s groundbreaking stuff.”

Amelia smiled, her cheeks flushing. “Thank you. That means a lot.”