Page 60 of Simon Says

Simon stiffened. “When the hell did you decide that?”

“While we were in the bathroom,” Eve told him. “Talking about you.”

“Great.” Simon frowned at her. “Thanks for nothing, Eve.”

She shrugged.

“There’s no point in me staying,” Dakota explained. “That’s real clear to me now.”

“I think her decision has something to do with Harley,” Eve added helpfully.

“Harley?” Simon drew back in disgust. “What the hell does he have to do with this?”

Things were quickly spiraling out of control, Dakota decided. She put her hands to her head. “Get real. It doesn’t have to do with any one person. I just need to think about a few things.”

“And you can’t think in Harmony?” Simon demanded.

Roger took her arm. “I understand. Rather than make any decisions tonight, why don’t you let me buy you a drink, make you an offer, and then you can have the night to consider it?”

“Well…” Dakota just didn’t know. She looked at Simon. The longer she stayed near him, the more she wanted him, and the more impossible she knew that to be. Whether he acknowledged Barnaby or not, he was still his son. If that wasn’t awkward enough, she’d be utterly humiliated when Simon found out about her past. And if she stayed, he’d definitely find out. “No, I don’t think—”

Simon started to say something, and Eve latched on to him. “Really, Dakota, what will it hurt to hear the offer? I’m sure Roger won’t keep you long.”

“Not long at all.”

With Eve clutching him in a determined way, Simon glanced at her in confusion. “What are you…?”

“Roger is family,” Eve interrupted. “Did you know that, Dakota? He’s married to Dean’s oldest sister, Cam. She’s Jacki’s sister, too.”

“Ah…okay.” Dakota had no idea what Dean’s family tree had to do with anything.

“You two go ahead. I need to talk to Simon anyway.” Eve shooed her away. “You have my number, Dakota. Give me a call sometime tomorrow, okay?”

“Maybe. If I can.”If I’m still here.Then Eve was dragging Simon away, and Roger tried to urge her along, too. Dakota gave up. “Where are we going?”

“To my office upstairs. It’s quieter there.”

Quiet sounded good. “Is there a back way out from there?”

“A back way? Of course, but why?”

Feeling like a coward, Dakota lied, “I’m getting a headache and I’d just as soon not struggle through the crowd again if I don’t have to.”

“I understand. It won’t be a problem at all. Let’s talk business, and then I’ll show you out myself.”

“All right. But I need to do something first. Tell me how to get to your office, and I’ll meet you there in five minutes.”

Roger smiled. “That’d be wonderful. Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it.”

CHAPTER 8

“WHATthe hell are you doing, Eve?”

She sighed, and finally stopped hauling him along. “I’m butting in.”

He liked Eve a lot. She was perfect for Dean. “Is that right?”

“You’re interested in her, Simon. And she cares for you.”

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