Page 44 of One Bad Idea

But now, just the thought of a sandwich was enough to make me feel nearly homicidal.

At something in my expression, Stuart gave a nervous laugh. "I'm just saying, I could use some lunch."

Through gritted teeth, I said, "We don't have any groceries."

"Why not?"

"Because we just moved in yesterday."

"Then how about a nap?"

I gave a confused shake of my head. "What?"

"A nap," he repeated. "I've got a long drive ahead. I could use the rest, you know?" He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "And you and me, we could catch up."

I leaned back.And here, I thought the sandwich idea was bad."Are you hinting that we should…" I didn't even want to say it.

He smiled. "Hey, I'm game if you are."

I almost didn't know what to say. I was still searching for the perfect comeback when I heard a sudden screech of tires from somewhere behind me. Startled, I whirled to look.

Through the truck's back window, I saw a sleek red sports car that hadn't been there before.

I gave a little gasp.

And why?

It was because the driver of that vehicle was already getting out.And who was it?

It was Jaden Bishop, my new boss.

Chapter 17

I couldn’t help but stare. He was still wearing the suit and tie, but somehow, he didn't look half as civilized as he had back in the office. His eyes were dark, and his mouth was tight. Without bothering to shut his car door, he began striding toward us.

What the heck?

I looked back to Stuart and did a double-take. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide. He glanced around as if searching for a hole to hide in.

Under his breath, he urged, "Lemme in, alright?"

I was so surprised, I could hardly think. "In what?"

His voice rose almost a full octave. "The truck, the truck."

I couldn’t fathom why he'd say it twice, but I had no time to ask him – or to let him in, because already, Jaden was standing right beside him, blocking the driver's side door.

Unless Stuart wanted to bolt for the passenger's side, hewasn'tgetting in – not without going through Jaden anyway.

As if trying to play it cool, Stuart gave Jaden a shaky smile. "Oh, hey."

Jaden's voice was flat. "What are you doing?"

Stuart swallowed with an audible gulp. "Nothing."

Jaden took a single step toward him. "Is that so?"

Stuart stepped back. "Uh, yeah. Totally."