Page 19 of Medusa

Maybe I want to deal with it, if it’s Maddie.

I didn’t exactly give her a head’s up about how the night was going to go.

“Shut up,” he groaned, burying his face in his hands.

He looked up when the door opened. It remained open and Chloe stood to one side, expressionless. “Your alibi checks out, Mister McKellen. Thank you for cooperating today.”

“I hope you catch whoever did it,” Jaden said, getting to his feet.

“If you have any idea who it might be, please give me a call.” Chloe handed him a card. “Otherwise, I hope we don’t cross paths again.”

“Professionally,” Jaden added with a wink.

Chloe shot him a glare. “In any capacity.”

“Understood.” Jaden nodded sharply, wondering what he’d done to piss her off.

That question was answered when Chloe escorted him out, greeting a beautiful redhead standing at a desk with a hug.

Ah, shit.

His heart lurched at the sight of Maddie’s gorgeous red hair and delicious curves. He supposed he should be grateful that she hadn’t decided to make him sweat a little longer.

He tucked the card into his pocket and tried to be inconspicuous as he walked out.

It was not to be.

Maddie said goodbye and reached the exit at the same time as he did.

Jaden opened the door with a little bow. “After you,” he murmured.

She raised an eyebrow and walked past him without a word.

He considered letting her go, but shehadcome down to clear his name. Biting back a groan of frustration, he jogged after her. “Maddie—”

She whirled to face him. “What is so important to say that you couldn’t have stayed to tell me this morning?”

“Thank you,” he said. He clarified further, “For coming here. I didn’t want to drag you into this mess—”

“You’re welcome.” Maddie turned smartly on her heel.

Jaden watched her walk away, annoyed, both with himself for leaving her bed and her for being so…

So emotional.

“Bah,” he said, and started jogging home.

Finley was still home, Augustine having gone to work. “How was it?”

Glaring at him as he opened the fridge, Jaden didn’t bother responding.

“Okay, let me rephrase. Are we harboring a criminal?” Finley teased.

“Fin, I’m not in the mood. All I’ve had to eat since yesterday’s dinner was a pretzel and a sandwich,” Jaden growled.

“Leftovers from dinner are in the oven,” Finley said.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Jaden said with relief, pulling out the warm plate of chicken pasta.

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