Page 124 of Simon Says

“Dakota?”

“Yeah?”

“Tonight, after you get rid of Barber, think of me. And only me.” Simon hung up, and Dakota put the phone away.

Eyeing her, Barber asked, “Any reason for that earsplitting grin?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah. Simon says I should think of him tonight.”

“Like there was any doubt?” He uncovered her food. “You understand that if you don’t tell Simon everything, and I mean everything, then Barnaby or Marvin probably will, right?”

“It looks that way.”

“Perfect. Now that we have that settled, don’t you think you should eat?”

She didn’t argue the point. Simon did need to know it all. And then he’d understand that being honest with him meant more to her than possible letters from her mother. Surely he’d forgive her for her earlier omissions. “You know, I’m suddenly starving.”

“That’s the Dakota I know and love.”

She’d heard that “L” word more tonight than in all the years since she’d left home. It was growing on her. She liked it.

She’d like it even more coming from Simon. But that could wait. He had a title belt to win back, and she had a past to put to rest. After that, they’d have plenty of time to work out the kinks in their growing relationship.

CHAPTER 16

THEspot on the talk show went great, and as Simon left the studio, he continued to grin. Who knew the hosts, camera crew, and everyone else on the set were such rabid fans? Things had veered off course, but in a fun way, and he felt it was a better show for it. The relaxed conversation, the honesty of the questions, and the opportunity to give detailed answers would prove great promo for the SBC.

He couldn’t wait to hear what Dakota thought of the show.

Because it was taped, he should be home in time to watch it with her. First he’d kiss her silly, then maybe take her to the hot tub to play a little more, and then…Simon didn’t want to rush her, but he hoped she’d be ready for lovemaking.

He was more than ready. He couldn’t even think of her without his muscles tensing and his dick twitching, yet he thought of her at every quiet moment. Hell, sometimes she crowded his brain when it wasn’t quiet. In the middle of his interview today, he’d started wondering if she was at the gym, if she was grappling with Barber, if she was enjoying herself.

He needed her.

Soon.

The dry Vegas heat blasted Simon in a smothering tide as he stepped out of the building. Slipping on reflective sunglasses, he glanced around the lot, looking for the car that’d take him back to his hotel.

His gaze skimmed over a lone man leaning against a black sedan. Then shot back.

Shielded by his sunglasses, he studied the man. He stood two inches taller than Simon and had a bulkier build, especially through the shoulders, neck, and chest. Thanks to the heat, sweat had darkened his shaggy blond hair. He wore his own sunglasses, hiding his eyes, but Simon knew they were dark, piercing blue—something often mentioned by the commentators during a stare-down at the start of a fight.

Harley Handleman.

No doubt about it, he was waiting on Simon. The man had nerve. Or he lacked common sense. Simon wasn’t sure which.

Turning his back on Harley, Simon located his ride and started in that direction.

Footsteps sounded behind him. Harley called out, “Sublime.”

Simon said nothing. As he’d told Bonnie, what this man had done with her meant nothing to him now. But he wouldn’t have it thrown in his face.

“I know you heard me, Evans.”

Simon stopped, glanced over his shoulder. “Then you know I’m ignoring you.”

“I only need a second.”

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