Page 158 of Simon Says

“Why?” More alert, she studied him. “Who are you meeting at the gym?”

Simon hid his evasion behind annoyance. “Stop grilling me. And please, if you’re going to play in the hall, put on some jeans.” He rethought that, and added, “A bra would be nice, too.”

He turned to go, and she grabbed at him. “Simon, what are you up to?”

Because he couldn’t help himself, Simon cupped the back of her neck and drew her up. “I used to be such a calm, reasonable man, but I swear you’re making me crazy.” He kissed her hard and fast. “We’ll talk later.”

More than a little confused, she said, “Yeah, right. Where have I heard that before?”

Simon left before he could do anything else stupid. Like apologize. Or declare himself.

One thing at a time, he decided. His explosive relationship with Dakota would wait. Right now, he needed to focus on Marvin Dream and his plans to get him permanently removed from Dakota’s life.

CHAPTER 21

WITHINseconds, Dakota pulled on her flannel pants, grabbed her car keys and room card, and shot out the door. Halfway down the hall, someone caught her by the arm. She swung around in surprise.

Barber released her and quickly backed out of range. “Whoa. Take it easy, slugger. I just wanted to know where you’re rushing off to.”

“Damn it, Barber, you startled me.” Rather than go barefoot through the lobby, she went down the hall to the side door. “I have to get to the gym.” She was aware of not only Barber following, but Michael and Harley, too.

“Why?”

“Because Simon’s up to something.”

“Like?”

Crushed gravel bruised her feet and hobbled her headlong dash to her truck. A cold evening wind made her hands shake as she tried to get her key in the door lock. If Michael and Harley listened in, it didn’t matter. She didn’t have time to worry about that.

“Simon went to see Barnaby, today. Then he gets a call and shoots out of here.” She bit her lip. “I heard him mention the gym.”

“So?”

“I think he’s going to meet Marvin there.”

Floodlights showed Barber’s surprise. “Hell.”

“I have to go.” Though shivers racked her body, the key finally went in and Dakota unlocked the door.

Barber again pulled her back. “Don’t be a doofus, Dakota. You’re not dressed and you don’t even have shoes or a coat.”

“I don’t care.”

He halted her climb into the truck. “I’ll go. I’ll take Mallet with me.” He turned to Harley. “You in?”

Harley’s piercing gaze went to Dakota, and he shrugged. “Why not?”

Dakota felt the panic setting in. “I’m not going to wait here, Barber, so forget it.”

“I figured as much. Remember, Dakota, I know you.” He took her keys and handed them to Harley. “Get dressed, and then you can ride over with Harley.”

Michael scowled at that plan. “I’ll wait with Dakota.”

“No, you’re coming with me. Simon and Harley have a fight coming up. If we do find Marvin up to no good, they can’t chance bruised knuckles.”

Michael’s brows shot up. “Meaning if Marvin is there, I get to kill him?”

“You can help me kill him.”

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