A Shot in the Dark (Dark #1) Read online

  “He’s such a nice man,” Rebecca gushed.

  “Yeah, he’s excellent with the patients.”

  Rebecca got up. “I think I’m going to go home and get some breakfast. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I’m going to hit Starbucks while I’m out, so can I bring you anything?”

  Peyton smiled. “That’s so sweet of you. I’d love a grande mocha. Let me get some cash for you.”

  “It’s my treat. It’s the least I can do for you taking such great care of Skyler.

  “I’ll be back in a bit. Please call me if anything changes.” Rebecca grabbed her purse and kissed Skyler on the cheek before leaving the room.

  Chapter 11

  Laney

  The knock on the door startled Laney. She jumped up from her sofa to answer it. Initially, after she hung up with Josh Stone, she had been excited, but then she remembered all of the reasons he annoyed her. She had always considered him to be a pompous ass at work and figured that personality carried over to his personal life.

  But now—her experience with him over the past couple of days made her second-guess her judgment. Now, she was just excited to see what the surprise of the day would be.

  “Good morning!” Laney exclaimed as she answered the door. “You’re early.”

  “Yeah, well, the early bird gets the worm.” Josh winked at her.

  “Are you calling me a worm?” she teased. She was going to do her best to enjoy yourself. “Come on in. I just need to grab my backpack and my phone.”

  Josh took a look around. “Nice place. How long have you lived here?”

  “About nine months. I really like it a lot. The neighborhood is quiet and these apartments are really new. It’s pretty cozy.”

  “Do you have a roommate or do you live by yourself?”

  “It’s just me. If you’re thinking about doing away with me today, I have left several encrypted messages throughout my house and a package that will go out in the mail tomorrow if I don’t return to retrieve it. So you better behave yourself.” She grabbed her backpack.

  “You can text your mom and let her know that I’ll get you back here safe and sound tonight,” Josh responded teasingly.

  Laney grabbed her keys and took a quick look around. “I think I’m ready to go. What’s on the agenda?”

  “That’s for me to know and you to enjoy the ride.”

  “Can I get a hint? A clue? Anything?” They walked outside and she locked the door.

  He smiled. “We’re going to get breakfast right now.”

  “How do you know I didn’t eat already?”

  Josh cocked his head to the side. “Did you?”

  “No, but…”

  “I figured that you’d be too worried trying to make sure that you had all of the right items you might need for the day that you wouldn’t even think about breakfast.”

  Laney wondered how Josh read her so well. “I’m not sure if I should call you an ass or inquire what psychic you consulted.” As they got down to the bottom of the steps, he motioned at the car parked in front of her place—a black Porsche. It looked vaguely familiar. Where had she seen it?

  “We’ve been working together for a couple of years. I can guess.” His cheeks reddened. “I watch you double checking through orders and medications. You’re meticulous about making sure everything is the way it should be.” Josh smiled and winked at Laney.

  “I didn’t realize you’ve been paying attention.”

  He opened the car trunk.

  She knew where she’d seen it. “You did follow me home the other night. I remember seeing this car. I even admired it for a minute.”

  “Only for a minute?”

  “Well, it was a long day and I was tired. I really just wanted to go to bed. Besides, I couldn’t give the driver, who was obviously looking for some attention, too much of my time.”

  “A sassy one, aren’t we?” He took her backpack and put it in the trunk. “I think we better go get some food in you.”

  She motioned to the top of the car. “Are those surf boards? Are we going surfing?”

  “Nope, these are paddle boards. And yes, we’re going paddle boarding.”

  They walked around to the passenger side. Josh shut the door behind her.

  “This car is amazing!” she exclaimed excitedly. “I’ve always wanted to sit in a Porsche. Is it hard?”

  “Sitting in a Porsche?”

  “Paddle boarding. Is it hard?”

  “You’re all over the map this morning. How much coffee did you drink?”

  “Only one cup. Sorry. I guess I’m just excited. It’s been a while since I’ve had an adventure.”

  “I think it’s cute to see you like this.”

  Her cheeks suddenly felt hot. Surely they were flushed.

  “Easy there, Rudolph,” he said, glancing at her. “We don’t need you lighting up the sky with those rosy cheeks.”

  She lightly punched him on the arm. “Very funny.”

  “All kidding aside, paddle boarding can be a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s effortless. We’re going to Carlsbad Lagoon. It’s pretty flat there so it’ll be easier for you to learn.”

  “Yes! Now I have two clues in the puzzle—breakfast and paddle boarding. That date sounds good enough to me. You can just drop me off after that.”

  Josh laughed. “No, you aren’t getting off that easy. You’re in for a big day. Besides, you aren’t going to want to get rid of me so fast. So let’s get moving.”

  ***

  Josh hadn’t been joking. It had been a whirlwind day. They went to breakfast at a place called Pipes in Cardiff, which overlooked a surf spot that was a favorite of the locals.

  After breakfast, they headed up to Carlsbad Lagoon, where they spent a good three hours paddle boarding. While Laney’s balance was not the best, she picked up paddle boarding in no time at all. In fact, she became so confident in her ability that they took the boards out into the ocean and ventured up to the Oceanside pier.

  The best part about it was the two dolphins that swam around them. On the way back from the pier, she had noticed a fin in the water not far from her and thought it was a shark. Her heart raced so hard, and she focused on not falling into the water as she screamed for Josh to help her. Josh bent over from laughing.

  Once they cleaned up at the public showers, they loaded up the boards and drove down the coast to La Jolla, where they went to watch the sea lions beach themselves.

  Josh took her to a little restaurant right around the corner after that. They sat outside on the patio and watched the tourists and locals walk by. Laney was famished, polishing off everything on her plate and helping herself to what was left on his. Who knew paddle boarding could make you so hungry?

  After lunch, they headed back up the coast to Del Mar, where they spent time laying on the sand and enjoying the sun. They stretched out on the towels and chatted about their various interests, all while Laney struggled to keep from falling asleep.

  Josh had been a gentleman. At times, he seemed to be overprotective. In a way, she liked it. She loved knowing she didn’t have to look over her shoulder all the time and even began to let down her guard.

  She dozed at one point and woke up to strong hands kneading her back. Until then, she hadn’t realized how her muscles had grown stiff from the boarding. She lifted her head. It took a moment for her to reorient herself.

  “Good morning, Sunshine.”

  Laney rolled over. She couldn’t help but admire Josh’s physical beauty. His body was a work of art. His chest and arms were perfectly chiseled and tan, and he had a six-pack to die for. This man has no flaws. Trying not to be too obvious about her gawking, she was finally able to talk.

  “What time is it?”

  Josh checked his watch. “It’s about five thirty.”

  “Wow! I slept like two hours.”

  “I know. I enjoyed watching you sleep.”

  “Oh geez, I must be the worst date
ever.”

  “No, I actually fell asleep for a bit too. Then I took a dip in the ocean to clear my mind. It was good.”

  “Well, I’m glad.” Laney stretched and stared out at the water.

  “What do you say we go rinse off in the showers again and get some dinner? There’s this great restaurant I want to take you to.”

  “What kind of restaurant is it?”

  “I thought we agreed that I was the only one who was in the need to know and you were to be surprised. To answer your question, they serve everything but specialize in seafood. You can wear a cover-up and be fine. However, that little sundress you were wearing earlier will be perfect.”

  “You’re a pain.” Laney threw her towel as Josh but missed.

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Yes, I am.”

  “So you liked the sundress?” Laney asked coyly.

  “I don’t think I said that. I believe I said it would be perfect for this restaurant. But yes, it is very flattering.”

  “You think I’m pretty.” She took a line out of the movie Miss Congeniality, “You think I’m pretty, and you want to kiss me.”

  She wasn’t expecting the words would have the same effect as in the movie, but before she knew it, he pushed her back onto the towel and gave her the deepest, most passionate kiss she had ever experienced.

  This kiss was something out of the movies. If she had been standing, she would’ve probably melted into his arms. As it was, her entire body became weak.

  The kiss seemed to last forever, and yet it was over too soon. His stare was hypnotic. It took her a moment to catch her breath but she couldn’t stop gazing into his eyes. They were so beautiful. She wanted to get lost in them forever.

  He broke the silence. “Yes, I do.”

  “Yes you do what?” She sat back up.

  “Yes, I do want to kiss you.” He smiled crookedly.

  “I’d say so. I certainly didn’t see that coming.”

  “Well, there’s something about the element of surprise. Sometimes it can knock you off your feet.”

  “That you did.” She touched her hand to her lips to try to hold onto the tingling she had felt.

  “Don’t worry. It won’t be the last one.”

  “Oh, really?” She smiled at him.

  “Yes. There’ll be plenty more to come.”

  “What if I’ve decided I’m not that into you?”

  “Based on the way you just responded to me, I’d say there isn’t a chance in hell that’s the case.” Josh got to his feet and helped Laney up.

  “Is that so? You seem pretty sure of yourself.” Laney brushed the sand off her arms and legs and put on her flip-flops. She grabbed her towel and began shaking the sand off as Josh shook the sand off his.

  “It’s hard not to be when you look like this.” He gestured up and down his body.

  “Hot and modest. How did I get lucky enough to snag a date with you? You must have your choice of swooning women.”

  “You forgot to mention I’m a good kisser.”

  She laughed and tried to frown. “Okay, now you’re just being a jerk.” She tucked the towel into her bag. What Laney would’ve considered annoying and arrogant yesterday was kind of cute today.

  His arrogance suddenly seemed to dissipate. “Hey, you know I’m just kidding, right?”

  “Well, you are a good kisser, but don’t let it go to your head.” Laughing, they headed up the beach to the showers. Once Josh and Laney rinsed off, they walked to the car and grabbed some clothes to throw on over their bathing suits. Josh took Laney’s hand and held it as they walked.

  “I think you’re going to love this place,” he said as they approached the restaurant.

  Laney smiled when she saw the sign. “Jake’s of Del Mar! I’ve heard about this place,” she said.

  “Oh yeah? From who?”

  “Dr. Milken was telling me about it.”

  “It’s one of my favorites. I reserved a table overlooking the ocean so that we can watch the sun set.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  “Don’t forget romantic.” He produced a cheesy grin.

  She bumped him with her shoulder. “How could I? And romantic too.”

  After they checked in, the hostess showed them to the table. It was in a secluded corner of the restaurant, but it allowed them to see up and down the coast. It was in a perfect position to watch the sunset.

  Josh pulled Laney’s chair out for her, then seated himself across from her.

  Laney peered out the window. “Wow, this place does have an amazing view! I feel like I’m having dinner on the beach.”

  “We got here at the perfect time so that we will be able to watch the entire sunset. It should finish setting during our dessert.”

  “We’re having dessert?”

  “You can’t indulge in a meal like this and not have dessert.”

  “I guess you have it all planned out, haven’t you?”

  “You don’t know the half of it.”

  “Hmm. Care to share?”

  “And blow all of my secrets at once? You’re just going to have to wait.”

  “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Laney opened up her menu and at the top of the first page, where the appetizers were located, was a note in elegant type that read:

  Here’s to an amazing first date and hopes for many more.

  She looked up at Josh, who was watching her. She looked back down at the menu and then glanced back up at him.

  “I don’t know what to say. It’s so…beautiful and amazing.”

  “Just like you.”

  “I guess I’m glad I stuck it out today.”

  “I hope you’ve actually enjoyed yourself.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve had the best day. Thank you so much.”

  The waiter approached the table with a bottle of wine. “Excuse me for interrupting. My name is Tommy and I’m going to be taking care of you this evening.” The waiter focused his attention on Josh. “Sir, a two-thousand-six Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon.” He showed the bottle to Josh, who nodded.

  Tommy filled Laney’s glass and then Josh’s. Afterward, he set the bottle down on the table and explained the specials for the evening. “I’ll give you two a moment to decide.”

  “I assume there’s some significance to this bottle of wine for it to have been delivered to the table without you ordering it.”

  “You assume correctly. I had this vintage wine in celebration of completing my trauma surgeon fellowship. To me, completing the program was the first day of the rest of my life. I called ahead and made sure they could have this bottle sent to our table.”

  “That’s amazing. So why this bottle tonight?”

  “This is to celebrate the first day of the rest of our lives.”

  Laney’s mouth dropped open. The desire to run as fast as she could swept through her body.

  “Don’t you think that you’re coming on a little strong? It’s been an amazing first date, but I’m not looking to marry you. Holy crap!”

  “Whoa! Relax a minute. I haven’t said anything about getting married. But let’s not rule out the possibility.” He laughed.

  Was he serious or joking?

  “We’ve had a fantastic day together. Whether or not we’re in this for the long haul, that’s to be seen. I think that we’ve at least forged a friendship and bond that I’d like to see grow. I’ve had an amazing day with a wonderful woman who has allowed me to be spontaneous, romantic, and most important, me.

  “Now, I can’t speak for you, but my hope is you had an exemplary first date. And if for some reason you go on another first date with someone else, I hope you’ll always compare it to this day.”

  Laney wanted to cry. Is this guy for real? How has he been single for so long? She was at a loss for words but managed to find something to say. “You had me at hello.”

  “Excuse me? I’m not quite following you.”

  “Have you seen the movie Jerry Maguire? The
one where the sports agent professes his love to the single mom and at the end of his monologue she says, ‘You had me at hello’? Well, you had me at hello.”

  “That’s a pretty good accomplishment, since I don’t think I ever said hello to you.”

  “No, but the things you just said to me were probably the nicest that anyone has ever said to me.”

  The waiter returned to take their order and Josh ordered for the both of them. Laney was in awe of the beauty as the sun lowered past the ocean’s horizon. They talked for what seemed like hours and once they finished eating and the sun had set, they walked down onto the beach.

  They walked hand in hand for a while and when they turned around, Josh strolled with his arm around her as the night air became chilly.

  When they returned to the car, Josh helped Laney in and then drove across Highway 56 and back to her apartment. Josh assisted her out of the car. He walked her up the steps and held Laney’s things as she opened the door.

  An awkward moment loomed. Should she kiss him? It’s not like it was the first. Laney reflected back to the beach and how Josh surprised her as his lips crashed against hers. She turned toward him.

  Gazing into his eyes was the death of her and she almost lost all control. “Thank you for an amazing time. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.”

  Josh set Laney’s belongings on the ground. Then, with both hands on her face, he leaned in and kissed her as intensely as he had at the beach. But this time, there was more.

  There was a longing and desire they both shared. Laney’s skin was hypersensitive as his hands caressed her skin. Her body temperature rose and suddenly, it was as though their bodies fused into one.

  Gently, he broke off the kiss, making her long for more.

  “Good night. Don’t forget to lock your door.” He kissed her nose and walked down the stairs.

  She was still in a blissful state but snapped out of it. “Stop! I mean, do you want to come in?”