Page 35 of Bang

"Dead serious."

"Just curious," I said with forced civility. "Are youtryingto insult me?"

"No. I'm trying to save both of us some trouble." He gave me a quick sideways glance. "The knocking – it's happened before."

"Wait, you mean from a nanny?"

"No."

"But—"

"More than one."

"Oh." On one hand, this wasn't surprising.I mean, just look at the guy.He was hot as sin, with a gorgeous face and a body to match. On top ofthat, he was rich and famous.

All things considered, was it any wonder that women were beating down his bedroom door?

Still, I heard myself say, "So this happens a lot?"

"You might say that."

By now, I felt so awkward, I hardly knew what to say.And why was he telling me this at all?

He didn't thinkIwas going to do that, did he?

Going for a joke, I said, "Well, just so you know, I'm allergic to door-knocking."

Mason didn't laugh. He didn't even smile as he said, "Good."

When I said nothing in reply, he turned his head and gave me a look so cold, I almost froze in my seat. "Because I’m telling you in advance, I don't bang the help."

Chapter 13

Mason

I felt like a prick for saying it.But it needed to be said – not just to Cami, but to myself.

I liked her.I liked her more than I'd liked anyone in a long time. And, as if that weren't bad enough, I was more attracted to her than was safe.

On the upside, she was looking at me now like she'd rather sleep with a rattlesnake than me.

Good.

Mission accomplished.

From the passenger's seat, she said with slow precision, "The help?"

"Is there a problem?"

She was glaring now. "I can't believe you just called me that."

"Eh, don't worry," I said. "I'vebeen called worse."

"Wow, that's a shocker."

I kept my gaze on the road. "Not really."

She made a sound of annoyance. "I was being sarcastic, as you darn well know."