Page 63 of Simon Says

She named the motel, and then turned him down. “There’s no reason for you to drive me there, Barber. I already have a ride.” Before he could voice his opinion on that, she added, “And even if I didn’t, I know how to call a cab.”

“But why should you when I’m right here, ready and willing to be at your service?” He held out his arms like a sacrifice, trying to tease her into agreeing.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Distracted, her gaze continually scanned the room.

She must’ve really been spooked to be so vigilant.

“Dakota…” But Barber didn’t know what to say. He hated to mention the past. She’d had so much fun tonight that he didn’t want to ruin it for her with ugly memories. And after her rousing performance, odds were that any number of horny men were eyeballing her with hungry thoughts.

“It could have been my imagination.”

Neither of them believed that. But in the crowded club, Barber doubted any real trouble could find her.

And if a guy tried to press his luck, Dakota had the training to make mincemeat of him.

She smiled up at him. “Roger’s waiting for me, so I better get going. I just wanted to say good-bye first.”

“I’ll see you when you finish with him.”

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “Soon as he and I are done talking, I’m outta here.”

Barber glanced at his watch. He had hours to go before he finished for the night. “If you’d hang around till our break, I could—”

Dakota gave him a level look. “No.”

Her insistence wore on Barber, and he knew why. “What’s the matter? You worried lover-boy will have a hissy?” Simon had clearly challenged him, and Barber had been tempted to accept. “I can handle myself and you know it.”

Dakota let out an exasperated breath. “I’ve never doubted that. You’re the one who’s not interested in competing.”

“I’ve got nothing to prove.” But Dakota did. From the day he’d met her, she’d been trying to prove to herself that she was worthy of forgiveness. And that was why he’d ignored Simon’s provocation and instead had talked her into doing what she loved best: performing. “What does Romeo mean to you, anyway?”

Barber watched her face and saw the second she put up her defenses.

“Nothing.” She didn’t quite meet his gaze when she muttered, “And his name is Simon, not Romeo.”

“I know his damned name.” Barber crossed his arms over his chest. “If he means nothing, then how come you were drooling when you looked at him?”

“Drooling.”Dakota slugged him in the arm. “I did no such thing, and you know it.”

“A slight exaggeration.” At least he had her attention again. He hated it when she shut him out. “So if you’re bailing on me tonight, what do you say about hooking up tomorrow? We could grab a nightcap somewhere, gab all night, and watch the sun come up.”

“Just like old times, huh?” A faint smile curved Dakota’s mouth, easing the signs of tension. “We haven’t closed out the bars in years.”

The mention of old times reminded Barber just how far she’d come. In a blink of time, she’d grown from a scared little girl still in her teens, allowed in the bars only because the owners liked him, to a mostly confident, take-charge woman who captivated an audience of men when she sang onstage.

In many ways, he saw Dakota as a little sister, best friend, and fun companion.

In other ways, she tempted him to push for more than platonic sharing. But Barber knew it’d never happen, and he cared too much for her to drive her away by acting like a randy goat.

“I’m still a good listener, Dakota.”

“I know that.” She leaned into him for a big hug. “But let’s plan on catching up somewhere in Ohio, after I’ve gone home. Tonight I just want to hear Roger’s offer, then hit my lumpy motel bed to sleep for a good eight hours.”

Knowing she wouldn’t relent, Barber nodded. “You got it, babe.” While rubbing her back, he looked beyond her—and saw Bonnie. A real hellcat, that one. “I’ll call you when I get back to Ohio next month.”

She looked up at him. “That’d be great.”

Barber cupped her face. “So before you split, tell me what you know about your beau’s ex.”

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