Page 42 of Bang

She lifted the pint of ice cream in her hand. "I think I owe you for this."

I wasn't following. "How so?"

"Well, the first couple of pints I bought on my own when I hit the grocery store. But ever since then, it's been showing up in the freezer." She gave the pint a worried glance. "And I know I'm the only one who eats this, so I'm wondering if I should start keeping track or something."

"Why?"

"Youknow, so you're not stuck paying for my extras."

I wasn't stuck. And I wasn't worried. During Cami's first week, I'd asked the cook and the housekeeper to make a note of anything new in need of stocking, and to add it to the list. Apparently, they'd noticed the ice cream and acted accordingly.

It was good to know they were doing their jobs, but I still didn't see the problem.

I told Cami, "Trust me, I can afford it."And I could.Hell, with as much money as I was making now, I could buy the whole damn ice cream factory and call it good.

But here in the kitchen, Cami said, "I know you can afford it. I'm just saying, I don't want to take advantage, that's all."

Now, I couldn’t decide if I was pissed off or touched. It had been a long time since anyone had worried about, in Cami's words, "taking advantage."

It didn't matter. I was perfectly capable of looking after my own interests. No one – and I mean,no one– took advantage of meormy family, not if I could help it.

I replied, "Wanna know what I want?"

"What?"

"For you to stop worrying about it." And with that, I turned to go.

I'd taken maybe two steps when Cami said, "Sorry, but I've got another question."

I stopped and gave her another look. I had questions, too. Like right now, I was questioning whether she realized that either her T-shirt was too thin or the temperature was too cold.

Through the pale pink cotton, I could see the faint outlines of her nipples, straining against the thin fabric. I wouldn't call it obscene, not here in private where she probably hadn't counted on company. But it was a distraction – one that I tried like hell not to notice.

But Iwasnoticing.

She wasn't wearing a bra.

Huh.Maybe shewasdressed for bed.

Silently, I compared Cami's appearance with that of the last nanny. That one had tried to get sexy. But Cami – she was sexy without even trying.

The real kicker was, it wasn't just her looks. It was the sound of her voice, the intelligence in her eyes, and the way her lips twitched when she tried not to laugh.

But she wasn't laughing now. With a little frown, she said, "So…should I ask it?"

I stiffened.Shit.

I'd gotten lost in my thoughts again. It was becoming a bad habit – one I thought I'd given up as a kid. And I hadn't been one ofthosesince I'd been maybe ten years old.

In the kitchen, I made a forwarding motion with my hand. "Go ahead. Ask."

"Well…I'm just wondering, what's your policy on guests?"

My shoulders tightened. "My policy?"

"Yeah, I mean it's your house and all, but I was wondering if I could have someone over."

My jaw clenched.Who? Some guy?