Seducing Simon by Maya Banks Read Free Book Online Page B

relationship with Simon and got on with her life. She had a child to consider, and despite the fact she couldn’t have the one man she wanted, she didn’t want to spend her life alone. Didn’t want to raise her child alone.
    -51-

    Maya Banks
    Mike might not be the one, but he was a start. The beginning to putting Simon and her disastrous night with him behind her.
    Today’s appointment had been an exercise in bittersweet. Simon had gone with her, but his presence had been a painful reminder of what she would never have. Pretending was doing her no good. She felt like a dog being patted on the head, and it was getting harder to bear.
    A few weeks ago such thoughts would have her in tears, but now she simply felt a deep seeded melancholy over the course, or non-course, her life was taking.
    Well enough was enough. She swung her legs over the side of the chair and got up. She walked back inside to see Matt and A.J. sitting at the bar watching Simon cook dinner.
    “What did Mike want?” Matt asked with ill-disguised curiosity.
    “He asked me out,” she returned nonchalantly. She crossed to the bar and replaced the phone on the charger then slid into a seat next to A.J.
    Three sets of eyes turned on her. “What?” It was hard to distinguish who’d asked the question since all three of their mouths were open.
    Simon stood frozen, spatula in the air. “Mike as in Mike from the station?”
    “That’s the one,” she replied.
    “What the hell is he doing asking you out?” She pinned Simon with a frosty stare. “Could it be because he’s interested?”
    A.J. chuckled. “You stepped in it this time, dude.”
    “I didn’t mean to imply that he wasn’t interested,” Simon said calmly.
    “I was surprised. I mean it came as kind of a shock.”
    “Why?”
    Matt grinned. “You better shut up while you still have teeth.”
    -52-

    Seducing Simon
    Simon held his hands up in surrender. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like it sounded. I just had no idea.”
    “Nice to know Simon the Smooth has moments of stupidity,” A.J. said with obvious glee. “For once it isn’t me getting into trouble.”
    “I’m glad you all find this so amusing,” she retorted. “Why is it hard for you to believe I have a date?” She turned and stalked to her room in disgust.
    “Way to go,” A.J. said shooting an amused glance at Simon.
    Simon watched Toni stomp away to her room. He was still reeling from the news that Mike had asked her out. What the hell was he doing asking her out?
    “If you frown any harder, something is going to go up in smoke,” Matt piped up. “And if you don’t flip those burgers, the kitchen’s going to go up in smoke as well.”
    “You mean you guys aren’t bothered by the fact Mike asked her out?” A.J. raised an eyebrow. “Should we be?”
    “Come on. Mike has a different woman every week. Do you really think we ought to be letting him take Toni out? You’ve heard him talk about how many times he’s gotten laid.” Matt and A.J. exchanged amused glances, which only served to irritate him further. “What’s wrong with you two? I’m being serious.”
    “Oh, yes, we can see,” Matt chortled.
    “Toni’s a big girl. She’s pregnant for Pete’s sake. She’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She knows all about Mike, and if she wants to go out with him, who are we to say anything?” A.J. pointed out.
    Simon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Any other time the two of them would be growling like a pair of Pit Bulls if Toni was going out with the wrong guy.
    -53-

    Maya Banks
    He didn’t like it. Didn’t like it one bit. He turned back to the skillet and flipped over a burned hamburger patty. That one was going to be A.J.’s.

    “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” A.J. said with a groan. “I gave up a date with Mindy Sue Stevens. I was assured of scoring too.”
    “Quit complaining and keep a look out,” Simon snarled from behind his menu.
    He edged the menu