Page 148 of One Bad Idea
I looked up to see Jaden standing in my office doorway, looking vaguely amused. If I weren't so tense, I might've laughed, because I knew exactly what he was talking about.
Just now, his brother had practically sprinted from the office.And why?It was because he'd overheard me on the phone, telling Cassidy – and quite loudly too – that she'd be making a huge mistake if she tried to pick up her things alone.
In spite of what she thought, sheneededsomeone to go with her. And shehadsomeone more than willing – Jax, who'd obviously put some thought into today's mission. I knew this because he'd come into the officenotin a suit and tie, but rather in ratty jeans and a generic T-shirt.
The way it looked, he'd been planning to look like a regular working stiff rather than the billionaire he was. It was a smart move, and it made me feel better about giving in and letting him handle the errand in my place.
But in typical Cassidy fashion, she'd been having a hard time accepting his help, so she'd called to let me know that she was thinking of going on her own. This was in spite of the fact that Jax had been scheduled to pick her up within the hour.
In a slight exaggeration, I'd told her that he'd already left. Thirty seconds later, this was no lie, because unless I was mistaken, he was now on his way.
Obviously, he'd overheard what I'd been telling her, which of course, had been my intention all along.
From the look on Jaden's face, he'd known exactly what I'd done, and he totally approved.
On any other day, we might've shared a secret smile. But today, I didn't feel like smiling – and not only because it was the Saturday he'd forced me to work.
Rather, the thing bothering me now was that scene with Morgan. It had haunted me all night for all kinds of crazy reasons.
The primary reason?Somehow, it had made me realize that whatever Jaden and I had, it wasn't nearly as casual as I'd thought.
Or more accurately, it wasn't nearly as casual tome.
Somehow, like a total idiot, I'd actually gotten attached to the guy.
Damn it.I should've known better. I'd never been the casual type.
Funny to think, it was only my loathing of him that had convinced me that I could have a little fling and be done with it.
No such luck.
Somewhere along the way, I'd stopped loathing him. And in fact, I was horrifyingly close to admitting – if only to myself – that my feelings might be quite the opposite.
Now, he was standing in my doorway with that look, the wickedly warm one that usually gave me butterflies.
There were no butterflies today. There was only a sick, leaden feeling that I couldn’t seem to shake.
With no trace of a smile, I said, "Yeah, well, I'm glad it worked out." And then, I returned to my work.
I wasn't even sure what I was supposed to be doing today. Jaden had claimed that he'd tell me when I arrived. But other than a quick good morning, this was the first time we'd spoken all day.
Not wanting to just sit around, I'd been organizing some files.
From the open doorway, he said, "What is it?"
I looked up. "What's what?"
He wasn't smiling anymore. "What's wrong?"
Isodidn't want to discuss it. I'd never been good at hiding my feelings, and I had a terrible hunch that if we started talking now, it would only end in an argument.
For once in my life, I simply wasn't up for it.
"Nothing," I said. "I’m just getting some work done. Thatiswhy I’m here, right?"
"No. It's not."
My tone grew sarcastic. "Oh, really?"
