Page 64 of Simon Says

“Simon is not my beau,” she said, before she realized exactly what he’d asked. Then she stiff-armed away from him. “Oh, please. You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Nope.”

“She’s a bitch.”

“Yeah.” Barber watched Bonnie search the room. Hunting for Simon? Probably. She wasn’t a woman who’d like rejection. “But a sexy bitch.”

“If you like claws and a forked tongue.”

Barber laughed. “I’m male, Dakota. I like any kind of female tongue.” Even the acerbic ones could be sweet when coerced into the right use.

Disdain curled her lip. “Whatever. It’s your life. Have at it and good luck.”

Barber saw Bonnie visually lock on to someone to her left. Given the change in her posture, from determined to seductive, he’d bet his last pair of underwear he knew who she saw.

When Simon came into view, heading straight for them, Barber had his assumption confirmed.

On impulse, knowing Simon would see, he kissed Dakota’s forehead. “He’s heading this way, love.”

Dakota went on the alert. “Who? Simon?”

“Yep. And I think I’d like to snag Ms. Bonnie before she snags him, so now’s your chance to make your getaway if you still want to make an early night of it.”

“I do.” She gave him one last hug and headed off in a rush. Barber watched her disappear through a darkened doorway.

Just as Simon reached him, Barber stepped into his way. “Hey, bud.”

Simon almost plowed over him. “Excuse me.”

“Sorry.” Still blocking his way, Barber said, “No can do.”

Disbelief brought the fighter to a standstill. Deadly serious, he said, “Trust me, you don’t want to do this.”

“But you do?”

“Not really.” Though his gaze remained direct, Simon relaxed his stance. “But I can. And I will.”

A laugh took Simon by surprise. Barber clapped Simon on the shoulder. “Put away the brass knuckles, my man. I just want to ask you something.”

“I’m busy.”

“Chasing Dakota, I know.” Simon’s expression made Barber laugh again. “She’ll be busy for a few minutes, and I won’t keep you any longer than that.”

Impatience showed through Simon’s attempt at civility. “What is it?”

“It’s about your woman.”

“Dakota?”

Leaning back on the wall, Barber asked, “How the hell did I miss your sense of humor?”

Unamused, Simon started away, and Barber said, “Actually, I meant Bonnie.”

Simon paused again. “Bonnie’s not mine.” He searched the area, trying to find Dakota. “If you’re interested in her, feel free.”

“No warnings about her?”

Dark eyes took Barber’s measure. “You’re a big boy. You can make your own assessments on Bonnie.”

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