Page 9 of One Reckless Night

“Nah.” She waved a hand dismissively. “We’ve got a solid evacuation plan here. The lab’s been through worse. But yeah, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather reports once June hits. And invest in some good waterproof boots—the streets flood faster than you can say ‘tropical storm.’”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “Got it. Sauna-like heat and hurricanes. Anything else I should know? Sharks? Poisonous snakes?”

Clair smirked, leaning in like she was about to share a juicy secret. “Well, yes and yes. And since you asked… there’s also the alligators.”

I blinked at her, mouth gaping. Clair’s smirk widened, and she burst out laughing. “Relax, Amelia! I’m messing with you. No alligators on the compound. At least, not yet.” She winked. “But seriously, you’ll be fine. Just don’t go wandering into the mangroves alone at night, and keep your head on a swivel if you’re ever walking a dog by the water. Gators seem to think all pets are lunch.”

I exhaled dramatically, pretending to wipe sweat from my brow. “Good to know. I’d hate to start my dream job only to become gator bait.”

Clair grinned, clearly enjoying herself. “You’ll fit in just fine here,” she said, patting my shoulder. “Now, go unpack and get settled. You have to promise you’ll meet me for drinks and dinner tonight at the cantina on the water.”

“I’ll be there,” I said even though I was still feeling a little overwhelmed.

After she left, I took a deep breath and looked around. This was my home now. My home. I’d lived with my grandparents in a run-down flat my entire life, sharing a room with my mom until I left for college. This place—this mansion—felt like a dream.

My eyes drifted to Jared’s house on the water. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how big his house was. At least five stories. I honestly thought it was a hotel.

I spent the next hour unpacking my clothes, which didn’t take long. I didn’t have much, but with my new salary, I could probably afford to start buying the designer things I’d always wanted but never allowed myself to have. I put my toiletries in the bathroom and then checked out the kitchen.

It was stocked with some basic cookware and dishes. The fridge was filled with bottles of water and some juices. It was hard to believe this was all just for me. I felt like royalty.

I went back into the bedroom to change out of my skirt and into something a little more casual. I slipped into a sundress that was loose and flowy with a corset-style top that gave me a bit of an hourglass. I checked the time. I still had a while before I needed to meet Clair, so I decided to make a phone call.

I dialed the number and waited, my heart pounding. When the person on the other end answered, I took a deep breath. “Hi, it’s me,” I said. “Just checking in. Is she doing okay?”

“She’s doing just fine,” the woman said.

I ran a hand over my face, trying to push the worry away. There was nothing I could do right now. I needed to focus on my new life. I hung up and took a deep breath, then grabbed my bag and headed out the door.

The walk to the cantina was beautiful. The sun was setting, but unlike back home, the air was still warm and balmy. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, and for a moment, I felt at peace. But then I heard a familiar laugh, and my stomach dropped.

I turned toward the sound and saw Clair waving at me from a table near the water. She was seated with Shawn… and Jared. My heart sank. Of course he was here. Why wouldn’t he be? Clair pulled out a chair for me, right next to Jared. It would be rude to turn around and walk right back to my condo.

The guy was my boss and the job was too amazing to jeopardize it with impoliteness. I forced a smile and walked over.

Jared was leaning back in his chair, a drink in his hand, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. I could feel his gaze like a physical touch. It made my skin prickle, but not unpleasantly. “Amelia,” Clair said, grinning. “You made it! Sit, sit.”

I sat down, trying to ignore the way Jared was looking at me. The man made me feel like I was naked on his exam table. “Thanks,” I said, keeping my smile glued on. “This place is amazing.”

“Isn’t it?” Clair said, beaming. “Wait until you try the food. It’s incredible.”

I nodded, trying to focus on Clair and Shawn, but I could still feel Jared’s eyes on me. I glanced at him. For a brief second, our eyes met. He smirked, raising his glass in a silent toast. I felt a flash of irritation. This fucking guy.

But as much as I wanted to dislike him, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt. He was infuriating, yes, but his eyes burned with curiosity when he looked at me, like I was a math problem to be solved. I kept wanting to look back into that gaze and try to see past the arrogance. My eyes stayed on everyone else, though. I refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing I was curious about him as well.

I hated that I was drawn to him, and right then and there, I promised myself I would stay as far away from him as possible.