Page 34 of Simon Says

“I thought I told you. It’s Jailer.”

“Perfect.” He gave a short laugh lacking humor. “Barnaby Jailer. Now I’m doubly glad he decided to cut me out of his life, because Dad filled in and he’s the best. I wouldn’t insult him by associating with Barnaby, and even if he wouldn’t be insulted, I don’t have room in my life for another paternal figure.”

“Maybe—”

“No. Do us both a favor—go back to Barnaby, tell him thanks but no thanks, and move on to something more lucrative.” He pinched her chin. “Maybe you can sing a song somewhere or something.”

Dakota jerked her head away. “You don’t have to be so hateful.”

“And you didn’t have to be so conniving about what you wanted.”

She gasped at that accusation. “Conniving?”

“Damn right.” Simon towered over her, and she cringed back. He frowned over her reaction, and allowed her the small distance without comment. “You led me to believe you were here out of personal interest.”

“No.” Annoyed that she’d let her fear take hold for even a heartbeat, Dakota squared off with him. “That was your colossal ego that led you to that assumption. As I recall, you didn’t even give me a chance to tell you what I wanted.”

“And you didn’t bother to correct me.” Suddenly he cupped the back of her head, drew her up to her tiptoes, and put his mouth over hers.

Dakota went limp, hot, and alive, all at the same time.

His mouth opened, urging her mouth to do the same. Without reserve, his tongue explored over her lips, the edge of her teeth, then past her teeth to twine hotly with her tongue. Bold and curious, Simon adjusted for a better, deeper fit.

Holy cow.

Needing to ground herself, Dakota clutched the soft cotton of his T-shirt. She leaned into him, overwhelmed, excited, ready…and the murmuring of the men around her sank past her numbed psyche.

Good God. She opened her eyes and saw that Dean and Gregor, along with a half dozen other men, stood there watching in various expressions of amusement, speculation, and disapproval—the latter coming from Dean.

Horrified, Dakota jerked away. But Simon’s hold on her nape didn’t let her get far, which was a good thing given the shaky support of her legs. She did not want to end up on her ass.

Through eyes that burned with emotion, Simon stared at her. “Damn, I needed that.” His thumb moved over her sensitive skin, reviving her and lulling her. Then he said, “Good-bye, Dakota.”

Good-bye?No way. He had to be kidding, she thought. But he released her, stepped around her, and walked out of the gym.

Leavingherstanding there with the audience.

And they all waited to see what she’d do.

Well, hell. Praying her face wasn’t as hot as she suspected it might be, she took a bow and said, “Glad you enjoyed the show.”

Trying to look nonchalant when she could barely walk, Dakota collected her coat and satchel and left the gym, too.

For once, the cold air felt good. She glanced around for Simon, but she didn’t see him anywhere so she made a beeline for her truck. She got in, slumped behind the wheel, and wondered what the hell she should do next.

But no matter how she tried to formulate a plan, her thoughts kept coming back to that kiss.

She hated to admit it, but more than anything, she wanted Simon to kiss her again.

CHAPTER 5

SIMONcouldn’t believe it when for the fifth day in a row, Dakota waltzed in. They made eye contact, she smiled and waved, and he wanted to punch holes in the nearest hard surface.

Why did she have to plague him? After that one hot kiss—which he’dhadto take and now wanted to repeat—he couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. He’d tried, he really had, but with her constant annoying presence, his efforts were futile.

Ignoring her hadn’t done him any good. She just pretended that it was otherwise by showing up in those snug jeans and goofy shirts, looking soft and cocky, and all too fuckable.

She smiled at him a lot.

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