Page 45 of Simon Says

He badly wanted to believe her. A hundred questions went through his mind, but all he said was, “Probably?”

“Yeah. I can’t guarantee anything because I just don’t know.” She turned the key in the engine. “Now, unless you plan to go driving around with me today, you’d better get out.”

“Could I have a kiss good-bye?”

“No.” She stared out the front windshield.

Grinning, Simon slowly leaned in close to her. She looked worried, but she didn’t retreat. He put his mouth on her cheek for a soft, nuzzling kiss.

Her breath came a little fast.

He kissed a slow path to her neck, licked one sensitive spot, sucked gently.

She moaned.

He kissed his way up to her ear, nibbled on her earlobe—and she turned toward him in a rush, kissing him hard and fast.

Silly woman.

It wasn’t a question of “probably” as much as “when.” He’d prefer sooner to later, but she did seem concerned about it, so he’d take it slow.

Withdrawing by stages, Simon kissed the corner of her mouth, her jaw, her cheekbone. “I won’t be at the gym tomorrow.”

Eyes still closed, Dakota gulped and nodded. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“You’re welcome.” He didn’t want her to hang out all day waiting for him, when he wouldn’t be there for her to needle. Other men would be there, and though he’d never been the possessive type, he didn’t like that setup at all.

Mallet had already proven that Simon wasn’t the only man interested.

Slowly, Dakota’s lashes lifted to show him dazed eyes filled with confusion. “What is it about you?”

“What do you mean?”

She sighed. “Never mind. You’re cocky enough as it is.” Settling back against her door, she asked, “Where will you be tomorrow?”

“Just taking a day off.”

“Really? You do that?”

Simon shrugged. He trained hard, but he didn’t believe in working at it 24/7. “There’s a party tonight, and I’ll be out late.”

She thought that over. “So you’re not just avoiding me?”

“There are a lot of things I want to do with you, Dakota, but avoiding you isn’t one of them. Not anymore.”

“Good.” She looked more than a little confused. “Well then, I’ll see you the day after.”

“I’ll be there.” On impulse, Simon said, “Let me see your cell phone.”

Even as she pulled the phone from her pocket, she asked, “Why?”

“I want you to have my number.” He took the phone from her and programmed in his number. “If you see your ex, or even if you think you’ve seen him, give me a call.”

“Why should I?”

“Just do it.”

“Because Simon says? I don’t think so.”

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