Page 49 of One Reckless Night

Hunter fawned over her. He knew every detail about her research. The two of them were caught up in a conversation that revealed they shared a passion for her work. Watching her in her element was incredible.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off her, but not just because she was gorgeous. The woman lit up when she talked about the challenges she faced in her research. And she wasn’t just passionate; she was a genius. I’d met plenty of beautiful women in my life and I’d taken most of them to bed, but it was rare to find someone with this intoxicating combination of intelligence and charm.

Her star shone brighter than anyone else’s, dazzling me in a way I had never felt before. It was a strange feeling. Was I falling for her? Or was this just lust filling my head with rose petals and starlight?

Even if I was falling for her, so what? I didn’t have the kind of lifestyle conducive to keeping her, to marrying her and having a family. I’d given up everything—my own family included—to be where I was today. But watching her, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe I could have both.

She and I were a lot alike. She was someone who would understand my passion and dedication. And she was loyal. I didn’t see her being a cheat like Gemma.

“We should take our seats,” I said when I noticed the waiters coming out with trays of food.

“We’ll have to talk more,” Hunter said. “Let me give you my number…”

“I’ll make sure she gets it,” I said, suddenly feeling very possessive.

Hunter held out his card. I grabbed it and slipped it into my pocket with a tight smile. Amelia glanced at me, her expression unreadable, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she allowed me to guide her toward our table.

“You’re quite the celebrity tonight,” I murmured as we took our seats. “Everyone wants a piece of you.”

“It’s nice to be recognized for my work,” she said softly. “But I’m here because of you, Jared. Because of the opportunities you’ve given me.”

She was beautiful, yes, but it was her mind, her drive, that captivated me. I didn’t just want her. I admired her. I saw her more as an equal, which was rare for me. Someone that could sit down with me and talk about the stuff that intrigued me. We could talk for hours and never run out of things to discuss.

The first course was served, and the room quieted as the evening’s speeches began. I barely listened to the words. My attention was fixed on Amelia—the way she nodded thoughtfully at the speaker, the way her fingers traced the rim of her glass, the way she occasionally glanced at me when she thought I wasn’t looking.

When the dinner ended, I felt conflicted. I didn’t want it to be over. No, that wasn’t accurate. I wanted the dinner over, but I didn’t want the night with her to be over.

“Are you ready to leave?” I asked her when the dessert plates had been cleared.

“I am.” She nodded. “It looks like things are winding down.”

We rode the elevator back up to our floor in silence, the tension between us soaring. When we stepped out, staring at the two doors side by side, Amelia cleared her throat.

“Goodnight,” she said. “Thank you for bringing me.”

“You’re welcome.”

I watched her shut the door, then closed my eyes, my face to the ceiling. What was wrong with me? I’d never wanted someone so much in my life. And yet, I didn’t know if I could have her.

She was right there. Right there for the taking, but I was afraid to make the move. I would only break her heart when I wasn’t the man she hoped I could be. It wouldn’t be fair to her.

With one last look at her door, I went into my room and wondered how cold the shower could get.