Page 29 of Baby Bodyguard

“Absolutely not. Maybe we should talk about the sort of characters you hang around, instead of worrying about me.”

“So you’ve never inadvertently acted in a way that would anger someone?”

She shrugged. “Well, sure. Isuspect I do it all the time. Take us, for instance. We’ve only known each other a few hours and I’ve already managed to annoy you any number of times.”

His expression lightened. “True. But nothing you’ve done would cause the depth of emotion needed for revenge.”

“Thank goodness for that,” she said with heartfelt sincerity, “or I’d be in deep trouble.”

“What about someone you’ve know a bit longer?” he persisted. “Someone you’ve managed to seriously annoy.”

Good grief! “This is crazy, Noah. How did we get on this subject, anyway?”

“You haven’t answered my question.”

“That’s because it’s ridiculous.”

“Humor me.”

“Oh, for crying out loud!” She fell back on the bed, arms spread wide, and stared at the ceiling. “No. Are you happy now? No, I’ve never—to the best of my knowledge—done anything to anyone horrible enough they’d want to take revenge. For your information, Ilike just about everyone I meet and they tend to like me, too.” She lifted onto her elbows and fixed him with a pointed stare. “Although the jury’s still out on you.”

“I’m crushed.” He approached, leaning against the bedpost closest to her. “What about the baby-maker you gave the boot to this morning? What was his name? Griffith?”

“So? What about him?”

“Aren’t you worried that he’ll be angry over your rejection?”

“Not at all. It was a tiny hit to his ego. He’ll get over it.” Deciding that turnabout was fair play, she asked, “What about you?”

She’d startled him and it pleased her no end. “What about me?”

“Have you ever gotten someone mad enough they’d want to get even?”

He inclined his head. “Probably.”

“You have?” She stared in fascination. This story she had to hear. “And?”

“And… what?”

“What did they do to you?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh.” She tried not to look too disappointed. “Why not?”

He slowly straightened. “Do I look like the sort of person who’d stand idly by while attacked?”

“No.” A sudden thought occurred to her. “Do I?”

A broad smile slashed across his face. “You look like someone who wouldn’t see the attack coming, wouldn’t notice when it hit, and would probably try and make friends with the person afterward.”

She grinned triumphantly. “Now there’s where you’re wrong.”

“I don’t think so.”

“I do.” She folded her legs beneath her and stabbed her finger in his direction. “And I’ll tell you why.”

“This I’ve got to hear.”

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