Page 53 of One Reckless Night

Gemma’s smirk faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, her tone turning sly. “Defensive much? Interesting. Didn’t realize you were so enamored with her.”

“Don’t start this crap with me, Gemma. Whatever you’re trying to insinuate, drop it. Amelia’s my colleague and a damn good one at that. That’s all you need to know.”

“Colleague?” she repeated, tilting her head mockingly. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Because the way you’ve been staring at her all day suggests otherwise. Remember, I know you. You used to look at me like that.”

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. “We all make mistakes.”

I walked away, leaving Gemma behind, and headed for the hallway. Amelia was there, just ending a phone call. She looked withdrawn, her shoulders tense. I stepped in front of her. She started a little when she saw me.

“Amelia, are you okay?”

She nodded, but her eyes were distant. “I’m fine. I just… need to step out for a minute. I don’t have anything on my agenda until later.”

I frowned, taking a step closer. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “Nothing. I just… I need some air. I’ll see you later.”

I reached for her, but she stepped back, her expression guarded. “I’m sorry about last night,” she said, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m still trying to get into a normal sleep schedule. I’ll see you later.”

Before I could say anything, she turned and hurried down the hallway, leaving me standing there. I wanted to go after her, to tell her that last night had been more than just a hookup for me. But before I could, some colleagues called for me from the luncheon, and I had to go back inside.

I walked back into the luncheon, forcing a neutral expression as I approached the group of doctors who had called for me.

“Jared,” Dr. Patel said, clapping me on the shoulder. “We were just discussing your latest study in stroke recovery. Brilliant work, truly. I’d love to hear more about your methods.”

“I bet you would,” I said, nodding, though my mind was still half out in the hallway with Amelia. “It’s light years ahead of your work.”

Dr. Kim leaned in, her brow furrowed in thought. “I’ve read your papers, but I’m curious—have you considered the long-term implications of the treatment?”

“Obviously,” I replied, my tone sharp. I hated to be second-guessed. “We’re monitoring patients closely. So far, no adverse effects have been reported, but we’re not rushing into anything. This isn’t just about pushing boundaries—it’s about doing what’s best for the patients.”

She nodded approvingly. “It’s refreshing to see someone not afraid to take risks.”

I managed a tight smile. “It’s not a risk when you know what you’re doing.”

That put an end to their fawning questions.

It wasn’t long before we the next panel started. I was on this one and had to stick around, even if I wanted to go after Amelia.

I was distracted. I kept looking for her. Unfortunately, Amelia was nowhere to be seen. I kept glancing at the door, hoping she’d come back, but she didn’t. By the time the afternoon sessions were over, I was starting to worry.

I saw Gemma talking to a few doctors. She spotted me. I quickly looked away, wanting to make my escape before she could catch up with me.

I returned to my hotel room to get ready for the dinner that would wrap up the conference, and that’s when I saw the maid cart outside Amelia’s room. My heart sank as I approached.

I stepped into the room and discovered the bed stripped. “Excuse me?” I asked the woman wiping down the counter in the bathroom.

“Yes?” she answered.

“The woman who was staying in this room, did she move to another room?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I believe it was an early checkout. No idea where they went after.”

“Thank you.”

I walked into my room feeling like I just got kicked in the stomach. I didn’t understand what happened. I called Roger, hoping she would have used him to go to the airport.

“Did Amelia use the car?” I asked as soon as he answered.

“No, sir,” Roger said. “She hasn’t called for it.”

I hung up, my mind racing. Where had she gone? I quickly looked up her number in the Welch Labs directory and called. It went straight to voicemail. I left a message. “Amelia, it’s Jared. Call me when you get this. I just… I want to make sure you’re okay.”

As I hung up, my phone buzzed with a text from Gemma. “Still on for dinner tonight?”

I stared at the screen. I didn’t remember agreeing to dinner, but maybe this was for the best. Amelia had left without a word, without even giving me a chance to explain. Maybe last night hadn’t meant as much to her as it had to me. Maybe it was just a hookup.

I felt a flicker of relief at the thought, but it was quickly overshadowed by a deep, aching disappointment. I didn’t know what I wanted. Not a relationship. But I wanted her again. Was there another option? It felt like more than friends with benefits, but I didn’t want a relationship. I had a feeling that was not what she wanted either.

That left us in a very weird place.