I didn’t move. I just didn’t trust myself. “No, I don’t mind,” I said.
The sudden unevenness in my voice made her look at me quickly. “I’m sorry I can’t do what some girls would do,” she said steadily. “Not because I think it’s wrong, but because I think it’s too soon.”
I went over to her and stood very close. “You’re swell,” I said, “I don’t want that. I just want you to know I’m crazy about you. I want to help you and do things for you.”
She put her hand on my arm. “Thank you.”
I gave a grin and walked out, shutting the door behind me.
The fat guy and Gus were sitting under the lamp waiting for me. The fat guy held an automatic directed at my belly. He said: “Reach up, lug, grab a handful of heaven.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THOSE TWO GUYS got me rattled for the moment. I leant against the door and put my hands up. There was a vicious look in the fat guy’s eyes that I didn’t like. I guessed he was feeling mighty sore with me.
Did he know Mardi was right behind me? Was he after her or was he just going to settle things up with me?
I said softly: “How’s your noggin, Gus? You birds want a lot of shakin’, don’t you?”