Page 66 of One Bad Idea

Was this for him, too?

Probably.

And really, I couldn’t blame him. This washiscompany. We were standing inhislobby. And I washisassistant – unless Bryce ended up getting me fired, that is.

I gave Bryce a pleading look. "Listen, you really should leave."

He said, "I will if you consider my offer."

Damn it.

This wasn't the place to be discussing it. Still, I needed to set him straight once and for all. Through gritted teeth, I said, "I'm not interested, just like I told you, okay?"

"So, you still got my number?"

"Yeah, but —"

"So gimme a call when you're free. We'll do dinner, have a talk. What time do you get off work?"

See, this was the thing about Bryce. He never took no for an answer. This was fine enough when he was trying to recruit a new act. But it wasn't fine now. Ihada new jobanda new boss, who, even now, was watching us with an expression that made me just a little bit nervous.

I leaned closer to Bryce and practically hissed, "I don't want dinner."

"Drinks then?"

Oh, for God's sake.

Abruptly, Jaden's voice cut through the noise. "Listen.Asshole. She's mine. Not yours. So get the fuck out."

I whirled to face him.She's mine?If I weren't so distressed, I might've rolled my eyes. But this was no eye-rolling matter. I couldn't afford to lose this job.

And knowing Bryce, that's exactly what he was gunning for.

I'd seen the way he negotiated. He played dirty – not in a rough-and-tumble sort of way, but in a slick, sneaky sort of way.

My worst fears were confirmed when Bryce said to me, "Or better yet, lemme give you a ride. We'll talk in the car."

I turned and gave Jaden another nervous glance, only to feel myself pause. Now, he was smiling for real.

I felt my brow wrinkle in new confusion.What the heck?

As I watched, Jaden looked to Bryce and asked in a friendly sort of way, "So, where'd you park?"

Bryce glanced toward the lobby's main double doors. "In the garage. Why?"

Obviously, he meant the massive multi-level parking garage that was attached to the building. It was the same place I'd parked – just like everyone else who worked here.

Jaden gave a slow nod. "Good choice." He was still smiling. "You know what? Let's you and me talk."

Bryce replied, "About what?"

"Let's call it…" Jaden paused as if thinking. "…a negotiation."

At this, Bryce perked up. Helovedto negotiate. "Oh yeah?"

"Sure, why not?" Jaden moved forward and wrapped an arm over Bryce's shoulder, buddy style. "C'mon, I'll walk you out."

Bryce gave Jaden a sideways glance. With the difference in their heights, he had to crane his neck to do it. But soon, even this was impossible as Jaden yanked him closer saying, "Good thing you stopped by."