Page 98 of One Bad Idea

My gaze was still on the stranger.What could I say to make things right?Words utterly failed, even as the guy started backing slowly away.

He looked scared to death, which made total sense.

After all, it was perfectly normal to be afraid of a crazy person.

I whirled back to the maniac in question and said, "Will youpleasebutt out?"

"Sure," Jaden said, "as soon as he's gone."

Through clenched teeth, I said, "Just what's your problem, anyway?"

"Nothing that his leaving won't help."

Well, this was rich.Just a couple of hours ago, he'd been doing God-knows-what in his office. In contrast, I was doing something perfectly acceptable, and more to the point,awayfrom the office.

This was none of his business.

I turned back to give the guy yet another apology, only to freeze in confusion.

He was gone.

But that was impossible. He'd been there just a moment ago. Silently, I scanned the crowd. Finally, I spotted him weaving his way across the packed dance floor, jostling random people as he went.

From what I could tell, he was heading toward the rest rooms. I kept watching.No. Not the restrooms.

The side exit.

A moment later, he plowed through the door like the place was on fire. This was oddly fitting, considering that the alarm sounded for like two seconds until the door swung shut again, leaving those standing near the door gaping after him.

A hard scoff escaped my lips.Well, that was delightful.

I whirled back to Jaden and demanded, "What wasthatabout?"

"The guy's an asshole."

My jaw clenched.Speaking of assholes."Well youarethe expert."

"Yeah. I am."

I made a sound of frustration. By now, I'd just about had it. "In case you didn't realize it, I just insulted you."

"What? By calling me an asshole?"

I gave a tight shrug. Thathadbeen the implication, but it seemed beyond stupid to say it outright, unless Iwantedto be unemployed.

Jaden practically snorted, "That's no insult."

"What?"

"Yeah. I’m proud of it."

Funny, he didn'tlookproud. He looked mostly pissed off.

If so, that made two of us. I was still glaring. "Youdoknow we're not at work, right?"

"Hell, I know all kinds of things."

"Sure you do."