Page 18 of Enough

Jaden laughed again. The timbre of his vocals sending another wave of heat through her. The music faded out, and Claudia pulled apart from him. It was all she could do to keep from melting where she stood. Her panties were drenched and her body awakened. What would she do with this man? Jaden said he wanted to get to know her. But could she be friends with him? Lord knows Claudia was having a hard-enough time as it was in his presence.

In the past, Claudia and Jaden had been around each other sporadically. No doubt whenever their paths crossed it was intense. But the times apart from him were lengthier. It gave Claudia time to check herself. A man like Jaden Alexander Rose would have her doing things she’d never considered, like dancing in a studio at 8 o’clock at night. With that last thought, Claudia checked the time. It was 9:40.

“I hate to cut this short, but I need to leave.”

Jaden strolled to the stereo and turned it off. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, it’s just,” Claudia sent her fingers through her hair. She’d spoken briefly about her mom but not in detail.

Jaden approached her. “What is it?”

“I have to check on my mother. Sometimes she forgets to take her medicine.”

“Say no more.”

Jaden pulled out his cell and made a phone call.

“Hey, are you done?” Cassie answered.

“Yes, but I didn’t want to leave the studio open.”

“There’s a spare key on the table next to the piano.”

Jaden’s strides took him to the table, sure enough, there was a key there.

“If you’ll just lock up for me, you can drop the keys off at my place.”

Jaden thought about her request. At this point he didn’t have a choice. For a moment he wondered if leaving a spare key had been intentional. Years ago, he’d taken Cassie on a date that ended in her bedroom. It was a spur of the moment fluke like so many of his other escapades. However, Jaden had made it known he wasn’t interested in anything more and Cassie acted as if she was fine with that.

Jaden hoped it wasn’t a mistake to call Cassie, but whatever her intentions, Jaden would be as open and honest as he always was.

“I’ll see you soon,” he said disconnecting the call. Jaden set his sights on Claudia. “After you.”

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