Simon Says (38 page)

“Dakota.” He reached for her hand. “There's nothing about you and me that could ever be interference. I love you and I want a life with you. That includes a house and kids, your own career, and anything else you want. I'll still have to travel when I fight, but I hope you'll be able to travel with me sometimes, too. When we have kids, then they can come along as well.”

That sounded nice to Dakota.

Simon stopped at a red light. “I've been thinking. The SBC is into using new bands for the musical openings at events. It's always something hard and edgy—like Barber's music. Do you think he'd be interested?”

Dakota's mouth dropped open. “You'd do that for him?”

“I'd do it for you.” Simon half smiled. “And he's not so bad.” Under his breath, he added, “He's got good taste.”

Dakota laughed. “That'd be wonderful!”

“I can't make any promises, but I can take Drew Black to hear him play sometime. It's up to Barber from there. But I'd say he's good enough.”

“If you say it, Simon, then it must be true.”

“Is that so? Well, I say you're the most wonderful woman in the world, and I love you.”

She leaned across the seat to kiss him. “I love you, too, Simon.” Grinning, she added, “Whoever would have thought I'd be marrying Sublime? I mean, you're famous with the female fans.”

“It's a joke, nothing more.” He glanced at her. “Did I tell you that the guys gave you a nickname now, too?”

Her eyes rounded. “They did?”

“Yup. You're now officially Divine.”

“No way.”

“According to the fighters you are. Dakota ‘Divine' soon-to-be Evans.” He lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth. “I'll be calling you something else, though.”

“Really? And that is…?”

He grinned. “All mine.”