Page 150 of Bang

Chapter 54

Cami

Safe in Arden's kitchen, I put my face in my hands and groaned, "I'msoembarrassed."

The truck driver – who apparently had a daughter my own age – had taken pity on me. In spite of the weather and the fact that he surely had somewhere else to be, he'd driven me all the way to Arden's place, where I'd found Arden and Willow finishing up their baking.

As far as the driver, he wouldn't even accept my money, which made me feel guiltier than ever, even though I'd just lost not only my purse, but everything I'd abandoned in the SUV.

Sure, I realized that I'd probably be able to retrieve my things from the vehicle eventually, but as far as my purse, I wasn't terribly optimistic.

On the upside, I still had the remaining cash from Mason. But eventhatfelt tainted by the spectacle on the roadside.

I'd made a total fool of myself.

Again.

I'd arrived on Arden's doorstep ninety minutes ago, cold and bedraggled. Now, I was warm and toasty, thanks to hot chocolate, a hot bath, and some fresh clothes from Arden's closet.

And yet, nothing could warm the cold ache in my heart.

Arden said, "But why shouldyoube embarrassed?Hewas the one giving out mixed signals."

"Yeah, maybe," I said. "But I felt so stupid. You know you see those movies, where the guy rides up on his white horse and rescues the damsel in distress?" I gave a wistful sigh. "And they kiss, and it fades to dark? Happily-ever-after, right?"

Her voice was quiet in the kitchen. "I love those stories."

"Me, too," I said. "And that's what it was like – until I realized that his rescue had nothing to do with me at all, which makes me feelespeciallystupid, because I knew that from the get-go."

I blinked away tears of frustration. "It's just that when he said he came for me, I read it all wrong. And then, the way he kissed me…" I shoved a hand through my hair and groaned again. "I wassuchan idiot."

"For kissing him?"

"For kissing himandflipping out," I said. "Here, he risks his life to stop the car-jacking, and what do I givehimin return? A total hissy-fit. And IknowI should feel bad about it. And I do, honestly. But I also feel so stupid and angry." I winced. "I think I might hate him."

Somewhere on the opposite side of the house, Willow was laughing with Brody. The sounds were muted, but cheerful – a lot more cheerful thanIwas, that's for sure.

Still, I'd tried my best not to show it when I arrived, telling Willow only that I ran into some car trouble.

Boy, wasthatan understatement.

Arden said, "You weren't stupid. You were just caught up in the moment, that's all."

I shook my head. "I don't think so. I mean, yeah, Ididget caught up in the moment, but thatneverwould've happened if I didn't have real feelings for him." I forced a laugh. "Which onlyprovesthat I'm an idiot, right?"

I reached up to rub at my eyes. "Seriously, what kind of moron would fall for Mason Blastoviak?"

"I'll tell you who," she said. "Someone who sees the best in everyone."

She'd said something similar at the mall. And by now, I'd had some time to think about it. "I know what you're getting at," I said. "But the truth is, I reallydidsee a different side of him – a warm and funny side. Andreallythoughtful, too."

In the kitchen, Arden stared at me like I'd just announced that Mason was one of Santa's elves. With an awkward laugh, she said, "Are you sure we're talking about the same Mason?"

I knew it was a joke, but it bothered me just the same. Even today, he'd taken a huge risk to stop the SUV.And what had he gotten in return?Two damaged vehicles and a roadside spectacle.

I sighed. "I don't even know who I'm angrier at – him or myself. And I probably owe himanotherapology."

"But why shouldyouapologize?"