Simon Says by Lori Foster Read Free Book Online

a competitor, because I know what it takes to compete.”
    Dryly, Simon said to Dean, “She’s not a competitor.”
    â€œThank God for small favors.”
    Obnoxious asses. Dakota glared at them. “What I’m saying is that I know enough to recognize the difference between a little knowledge and enough experience and talent to get in the ring. You have to admit that’s more than some of the guys who try to compete.”
    There’d been several instances where a hard-ass bozo stupidly wanted to compete in the ring, but a barroom brawler never stood a chance.
    â€œAnd that’s exactly why Simon should hear me out, because I don’t have any delusions, just good practical advice.”
    Again, Simon strode toward her. “Tell you what? Why don’t you hightail it out of here now and let us get back to work, and we’ll just forget all about this.”
    â€œI had no idea that SBC fighters had such pigheaded arrogance.”
    Simon reached for her arm—and Dakota reacted on instinct. Well…instinct and short temper; after all, he had insulted her with his macho baloney.
    Moving fast, she knocked his arm aside and in Muay Thai fashion, kicked out—stopping just sort of hitting Simon in the temple.
    Simon stiffened in shock.
    Dean and Gregor gaped at her.
    Standing there like that, balanced on one leg with the other extended straight in the air, her foot inches from Simon’s head, Dakota said, “Be glad I can control myself. Otherwise, that kick would have knocked you out.”
    His eyes narrowed.
    Smiling, Dakota tapped her toes against his temple so he’d know the exact spot she’d pinpointed, and then she dropped her leg and turned her back on him in one smooth motion.
    Unwilling to press her luck, Dakota snatched her shoes from the corner and left the ring in a barely veiled hurry. Once on the ground again, she turned back to Simon. “Same bat time, same bat station?”
    Frustration, confusion, and antagonism all flashed in his gaze. “What?”
    Dakota fought back her grin. “I take it you’re not a Batman fan?”
    The antagonism took over. “No.”
    â€œFigures.” She sat to pull on her boots. “I was asking if you’d be here tomorrow at the same time.”
    â€œWhy?”
    Simon’s responses had fallen into one-word clipped replies. Dakota wondered if that had any significance for anything. She didn’t know him well enough to decide.
    Lacing up her boots took a minute and gave her a good excuse not to look at him. “I still need to talk to you, that’s why.”
    â€œYou want to talk, then talk. I’m listening.”
    â€œNo way. This isn’t a good time.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    Did he hope to convince her to finish her business now because he didn’t want her coming back tomorrow? Oh, no, she wouldn’t let him off that easy. “You’re too busy beating your chest and playing Tarzan, which makes me want to clock you for being a jackass, and I need a liquid pick-me-up in a bad way before I put up with any more of your macho bullshit.”
    Dakota spared a quick glance his way, but couldn’t tell what he thought of her deliberately abrasive statement. She finished her boots and stood again. “So, is tomorrow good for you?”
    For about fifteen seconds, Simon stood undecided, and she held her breath. Then he crossed his arms on the ropes and nodded. “I’ll be here.”
    â€œGreat.” Relief revived her as she pulled on her coat. “I’ll bring a thermos of java. We can share.”
    â€œI have my own drinks.”
    â€œProtein junk, I bet.” After wrinkling her nose, she buttoned up her coat to ward off the fall breeze. “To each his own.” Anxious to leave while she was still ahead, Dakota gave a negligent wave and headed for the door. She could feel Simon’s gaze boring into her back, but rather than