Page 121 of Simon Says

“Why should I care? Once the letters are gone, pissed or not, there’s not much else he can do to me.”

In the middle of that debate, her phone rang. Glaring at Barber, she dug it out of her pocket and flipped it open. “Hello?”

“Are you all right?”

“Simon.” Her mood lightened, and warmth surged through her. “Hi. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? I heard about Dean’s car.”

Dakota wanted to groan. “I feel so bad about that.”

“I knew you would, but it’s not your fault. Dean doesn’t blame you. And we’re both just glad he was with you, since that bastard obviously followed you.”

She, too, was glad Marvin hadn’t found her alone. “Same here.”

With an added edge of frustration, Simon said, “I don’t like you being there alone.”

“I’m not. Thanks to you, poor Dean stuck with me for hours. And some of the guys were at the bar, and they helped to pass the time.”

“What guys?”

“Fighters. From Dean’s gym. Don’t worry, Michael was there.”

“Yeah, that reassures me.” He cleared his throat. “So how are you feeling? Not too sore?”

“For what?”

His sudden laugh sent a rush of heat through her body, and she knew Barber noticed. Half turning away, she said, “I’m fine, really.”

“Fibber. But I admire your stoicism.”

Changing the subject, Dakota asked, “How was your flight?”

“Boring. And I have some bad news.” He let out a breath. “I have to stay in Vegas an extra day. Seems like everyone knew I’d be here, and they all want a piece of my time.”

Visions of beautiful women lining up to see Simon added an edge to her tone. “Who’s everyone?”

“Sponsors. Fighters. Friends. But I hope to be out of here day after tomorrow.”

“Want me to pick you up at the airport?” She glanced across the booth at Barber. “I could get Barber to come with me.”

Barber made a face, but didn’t refuse.

“That’s all right. I left my car there. But I wouldn’t mind if you made some time for me when I get home.”

“Guaranteed.” Dakota hedged a moment, but she wanted to share. “I have some good news, too.”

“Let’s hear it.”

A little apprehensive, she said, “I talked with Roger, and we came to an agreement.”

“You’ll be staying in Harmony?”

“For a while at least.” Dakota couldn’t be sure, but she thought Simon might have sounded pleased. “I’ll start after Barber finishes up with his contract.”

“Good.” Before Dakota could relax, a new tension entered Simon’s voice and he said, “I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I think we need to talk.”

“Oh, really? Again?” As Simon laughed, Dakota looked up and saw Bonnie coming into the restaurant on the arm of yet another fighter. “Hang on a second, Simon.” She covered the phone.

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