Page 86 of Simon Says

Flushing, she rushed to say, “I didn’t mean itthatway.”

“I know. Actually, I travel my ass off doing promotion.” He didn’t look happy about it. “I just got back from Palm Springs, and I was in New York before that.”

“What kind of stuff do you do?”

Simon shrugged. “There was a lengthy documentary on Dean with me as his trainer. There are always ads—you know, dressed in athletic shorts, or wearing certain running shoes. Power drinks, customized mouthpieces.” He ran a hand over his smooth head. “I’ve even done ads for razors.”

Dakota couldn’t believe how casual he was about it. “You’re a celebrity.”

“In small, exclusive circles, with a contained audience.”

“No way. The whole world is talking about the SBC. It’s overtaken boxing.”

“Maybe.” He paced in front of her. “The talk show is nothing new, and I’d pass on it in a heartbeat, but that was Drew Black on the phone.”

“The owner of the SBC?” Dakota had followed Drew’s story and knew how instrumental he’d been in making the SBC a highly recognized association. “Do you know him well?”

“Yeah, sure. He’s a good guy. When I told him I was returning to fight, he jumped all over it. They’ve been giving it top billing, so it’d be lousy of me to turn down any additional promotion for the organization.”

“Of course you wouldn’t turn them down! It’s an awesome offer.”

Very softly, Simon said, “I don’t want to go.”

She could see that. “Well, for heaven’s sake, why not?”

He gave her a look that spoke volumes.

“Oh, come on.” Dakota crawled over to sit on the edge of the mattress, facing him. “You can’t go changing your itinerary on account of me.”

“Why not?”

He had to be kidding. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

The intensity of his stare unnerved her. “Will you?”

Oops. Until she said it, she hadn’t really made the decision to stay. Simon knew it, too. Hoping to retrench, Dakota said, “Maybe.”

He took a step closer to her. “Too late, honey. You said it, now promise me that you meant it, and I’ll go to Vegas with fewer misgivings.”

When she hesitated, he said, “Or I could still call Drew back and cancel—”

“That’s blackmail.”

He shrugged.

Dakota doubted he really meant it. Hadn’t he just said he felt obligated to go? But she didn’t want him conflicted over such a fun opportunity, so she rolled her eyes and said, “All right, all right. I’ll be here.”

Smiling, Simon set the phone back on the nightstand and said, “Scoot over, woman.”

Putting an end to the discussion, he had them both settled back in bed in no time. With an arm around her shoulders, Simon tugged her in close. Dakota rested her cheek on his naked chest, her hand on his bare abdomen.

In that position, she didn’t feel the least bit threatened. But she did feel warm and secure and…excited.

By silent agreement, they watched the movie.

Or at least, Dakota tried to watch it. But on every level, she was aware of the crisp chest hair tickling her cheek, the solid muscles and warm skin under her palm.

With every breath, she inhaled Simon’s stirring scent.

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