Page 122 of Simon Says

“Well, look at her, will ya?” Barber slanted Dakota a glance. “Seems you aren’t the only one who felt the need for a little shake-up to the image.”

Dakota rolled her eyes. Her wardrobe update didn’t begin to compare to Bonnie’s alterations. The woman had sheared off her long hair into a tousled, and admittedly sexy, shoulder-length shag. Her makeup was brighter, her clothes more revealing. “She looks sexier.”

“I’m sure that was the point. And what do you know? She’s sent the escort on ahead and she’s coming this way. In fact, it appears she was looking for you.”

Dakota stiffened, then lifted the phone to her ear. “Um, Simon, I sort of need to go.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Not a thing, except that Bonnie is fast approaching. I think she wants to…talk.” Nearly choking on that last word, Dakota said, “Will you let me know what time you’re getting in?”

Simon ignored her question. “What the hell does Bonnie want?”

“I have no idea.” Bonnie stopped in front of her, so Dakota said, “Should I ask her for you?”

Bonnie looked at Barber and smiled. “Hello, Barber.”

“Hey, darlin’. Lookin’ good.”

“Thank you.”

“The new ’do rocks.”

Bonnie gently shook her head to ruffle her hair. “I like it, too.” Lazily, she turned to Dakota. “I don’t suppose that’s Simon on the line.”

Dakota wanted to tell her to go to hell, but instead she said, “None other.”

Holding out a hand, Bonnie asked, “May I?”

Of all the nerve! Eyes burning, Dakota swallowed her ire and said sweetly, “Why not?” as she handed over the phone.

Bonnie smiled, but didn’t thank her. “Simon, how auspicious.”

Disregarding manners, Barber stayed seated while Bonnie continued to stand near their table. He even went back to eating.

Dakota didn’t budge.

“Now, Simon, don’t be surly. I have something important to tell you.” She laughed. “Well, if you’re certain you don’t want to hear, of course I won’t bother you. But since it’s about Dakota…yes, that’s what I thought.”

Barber stopped eating to stare up at her.

Dakota’s heart thumped against her ribs.

“I received the oddest phone call from a man who refused to identify himself. He said if I wanted you back—which I no longer do—that he could arm me with enough information about your little songbird to make you dump her. And those were his exact words for her, not something I made up.”

Dakota couldn’t move. Her legs felt frozen—like her heart.

“If you raise your voice at me, Simon, I’ll not share the rest.” Bonnie looked at Dakota while speaking. “Naturally I told him I wasn’t interested in gossip. He called me a fool, and told me that if I cared for you, I’d save you from her. It’s because I do care that I’m sharing this. Honestly, he had a very odd way of speaking that didn’t feel right. After what happened in the parking lot, I thought it’d be best to let you know so that you can protect yourself.”

Heartbeat slowing, Dakota went rigid. Her hands curled into fists on the tabletop.

“You’re welcome,” Bonnie said. “I don’t expect to hear from him again, but yes, if I do, I’ll let you know.” She paused, and then smiled. “Actually, I’m doing quite well. I got a promotion at work, so I gave myself a makeover and I’m taking tonight to celebrate. Thank you.”

Dakota began fuming again, especially when Bonnie gave an intimate laugh and made a kissing sound into the phone before handing it back to Dakota.

She started to leave, but Barber took her hand. “Bonnie?”

“Hmm?”

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