Page 157 of One Bad Idea
Yes, it was an ambush, plain and simple.
From the open doorway to my office, I stopped to stare at the sight of Jaden in my chair. He was leaned back with both feet propped up on my desk and his hands clasped behind his head.
I hadn't yet turned on my office light, and I squinted through the shadows. Everything about this was so strange. He wasn't even dressed for work.
Rather, he was wearing ratty jeans and a black T-shirt with some logo that I didn't recognize.
So far, he'd said nothing, and neither had I. As our gazes locked, I felt something stir in my heart.Dread? Or something else?
I waited for him to speak, and when he didn't, I finally blurted out, "What are you doing here?"
His voice was flat. "I own the building."
As if I needed the reminder."I know, but what are you doing in my office?"
He gave me a look. "What do you think?"
"I don't know what to think."
"Yes, you do."
I made a sound of annoyance. "You know, I really hate it when you do that."
"Do what?"
"Act like you know what I'm thinking."
"It's no act," he said. "You know damn well why I’m here."
"Oh yeah? And why's that?"
"Because you didn't answer your phone."
"Well, so what?" I said. "I was off the clock. In case you forgot, you're not the boss of me everywhere."
His gaze darkened. "That's what you think? That this is about your fucking job?"
"Isn't it?"
His voice grew quiet. "You know it's not."
"Oh, really?" I said. "Then whatisit about?"
"Us."
At that one single word, something twisted in my heart. But I knew all too well what he meant. "Us" meant sneaking around where no one could see. It meant secret smiles, but no public displays of affection. It meant hiding out from his family and keeping secrets from friends.
It meant no attachment whatsoever.
There was only one problem.I'd gotten attached.
Stupid me.
I forced a laugh. "Oh come on Jaden, thereisno us." A long sigh escaped my lips. "Yeah, I mean, it was fun and all, but it couldn't go on forever, right?"
He was quiet for a long moment before saying, "Why not?"
"Is that a serious question?"
