His chest heaved and he cursed on a deep breath. The cute hostess ran over with some more water and insisted on pounding him on the back. He held up his arms and warded her off. Clearing his throat, he thanked her and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Jesus Christ, Denise. What the hell?” he croaked. Denise leaned forward and smiled. “It’s pretty obvious since you haven’t torn into her yet, well, at least not in a disciplinary role. I mean, she is seriously not doing a good job and her attitude is crap.” Mader took another chug of his coffee before setting the mug down on the table. He might as well tell his partner, who he happened to be interested in, what was going on. “The problem started at the Christmas party. She claims we slept together.” Denise stirred her hot chocolate and quirked an eyebrow. “You don’t remember?” “No.” He looked embarrassed. “Do you believe her?” Mader leaned back and blew out a breath. “I seriously hold some doubts considering the condition I was in.
