Page 67 of One Bad Idea

"Oh yeah?" Bryce gulped. "Why's that?"

"Always better to talk in person, right?"

Now, Bryce was decidedly off-kilter, with his head mashed against Jaden's shoulder and his legs struggling to find their footing.

As I watched, Jaden turned and began guiding Bryce toward the side exit.

Bryce was saying, "But that's not the way I came in."

"Shortcut," Jaden replied.

"But—"

"I insist," Jaden said, moving faster now.

Unsure what else to do, I scrambled after them. "You know what?" I forced a laugh. "I'm sure Bryce can find his own way out."

Jaden paused and slowly turned to look over his unoccupied shoulder. His gaze met mine, and I stifled a shiver.

He wasn't smiling anymore. "I'll see you in the office."

"Wait, what?"

"Upstairs."

"But—"

"Five minutes," he said. "See you then."

Next to him, Bryce croaked out, "You know what? I think she's right." He gave a nervous chuckle. "And, uh, I've got another appointment, so…"

Ignoring this, Jaden began moving again, yanking Bryce along with him as he made for the emergency exit – the one that led to a narrow stairwell before opening out into the garage.

An alarm sounded as Jaden pushed open the door and gave Bryce a good shove. I heard myself gasp. The last thing I saw was Bryce, poking his head around the doorway, only to be yanked out of sight by a large hand, gripping his Texas tie.

And then, they were gone.

The door swung shut behind them, and the alarm grew silent. I was left staring at nothing of interest as my fellow employees milled past me, heading toward the main doors.

I stood motionless, watching the spot where I'd last seen them. I was seriously tempted to scramble out after them, but I'd seen that last look – the one Jaden had given me just before heading out the door.

If I valued my job, I'd do exactly what he said.

Ididvalue my job, and more to the point, a part of me – a very small and petty part of me – wanted to snicker at Bryce's undignified departure.

Was I a bad person?

Maybe.

Still, I stood there for another long moment, wondering if they'd ever reappear.

They didn't.

So I did the only thing Icoulddo – I returned to my office to wait.

For what, I didn't know.

But knowing Jaden, it wouldn't be dull.