Page 164 of Bang

But this was the first time I'd ever seenherfall in return. And she seemed to be truly happy, so I was happy, too, except for one concern. "But the kids…" I said. "You told me they're monsters. You're not going to try to put them in boarding school or anything, are you?"

"Oh, please," she said. "As if they'd go. And besides, they've actually grown on me."

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah," she said. "They've got real spirit."

I smiled. "Yeah. And so do you."

"I know," she laughed. "And youdorealize whatthismeans?"

"What?"

She gave a happy squeal. "Now we'll be neighbors forever!"

That word –forever– I liked the way it sounded, but it seemed terribly premature to assume anything. After all, Mason and I had only just confessed our love.

Who knew where we'd end up?

I couldn’t say for sure, but I did know where I wanted to gonext– anywhere in the world, as long as he and I could be alone.

Chapter 61

Cami

Whether from champagne or love, I was just a little bit tipsy. So it was a good thing that Mason was holding me tight against him, even as we crossed the threshold into his hotel suite.

I'd already texted my parents and let them know that I'd be staying with a friend. I didn't say which friend, because I hadn't wanted to take the time to explain.

All I'd wanted was to be held in Mason's arms, to kiss his lips, to run my hands over his naked body, and to take all night to explore each other all over again.

Technically, Mason wasn't a friend. Or at least, he wasn'tonlya friend. I stopped just inside the open doorway to his suite and breathed, "Wow."

With a smile in his voice, he said, "Wow, what?"

I glanced around the luxurious space. The suite had its own living area, complete with a gas fireplace and furniture that looked way too nice to actually sit on.

I knew there had to be a bed around here somewhere, but for the life of me, I couldn't see it. Then again, thereweretwo doors leading to who-knows-what.

With a laugh, I said, "This is bigger than my first apartment in college. And I sharedthatwith two roommates."

He laughed. "Only two, huh?"

I turned to face him. And as I gazed up into his amazing eyes, I felt a surge of warmth and eagerness. "And you know what?"

He smiled. "What?"

I couldn’t help giggle. "I'msoglad they're not here."

"Oh yeah? Why's that?"

With my foot, I nudged the door shut behind us and said, "Because I'msogonna get you naked, and there's no way I want them seeingthat."

He grinned. "Who says I'm not gonna getyounaked?"

The truth was, it wouldn't take a lot to get me naked. I was wearing only the little black dress with black high heels, along with the usual undergarments.

But Mason? He was still wearing his suitandthe tie – which had stopped glowing and flashing maybe an hour ago. Either the battery had died, or the tie had a limited shelf life.