Read Simon: Rockstar Romance (The ProVokaTiv Series Book 3) for Free Online Page B

that’s what I was guessing.
    “Almost there. I can taste victory,” Jessie called out, barely turning her head.
    “Don’t count on it until you cross that finish line,” I shouted.
    Yes! With a second burst of energy, I edged closer and closer to Jessie, to the spot I recognized as where our run began. Other people were on the path, running much more leisurely and Jessie wove around them with me hot on her heels. Finally, I was next to her. I looked at her. She wasn’t looking at me, though, she was focused straight ahead and her strides suddenly became longer, almost like she had elastic legs, and she turned into sprinter girl.
    Wow! I had about twenty feet to change this around and I gave it my all, but as I crossed the finish line I realized that the great butt I’d been just behind on most of the run was still ahead of me. 
    “Yes!” Jessie shouted as she raised her arms in victory, slowing down her pace and gradually coming to a stop.
    When I caught up to her, she started walking again, and I said, “It was all luck. You know the course better than me.”
    “That is the lamest excuse ever,” she said, laughing at me through a winded voice.
    “Okay, get it over with,” I huffed between breaths.
    “What?” she asked.
    “The bragging thing. Come on, I can take it.”
    “You can take it later. I’m saving it for social media, my friend. Can’t wait.”
    “We didn’t say anything about that!” I protested.
    “Did you think I was going to brag to the pillows in my apartment? Buck up!”
    “Oh, I see how you play. Pretty crafty. Make me think you’re all sweet and then you show that devious side. The devil dressed like an angel.”
    We both started laughing and I felt great. It was an excellent morning. “So, are we good?” I asked suddenly. I just had to find out.
    “Of course,” Jessie said to me. “You know, how about coming over to my humble little apartment for dinner tonight. It’s about half the size of your hotel room. What do you think?”
    “What about your roommates?”
    “We could go out to eat if you preferred, Simon. Or if you have other plans…”
    I smiled and put my hand up.  “No, it’s great. I was just curious, that’s all. Dinner at your place sounds nice. Thanks for the invitation,” I said.
    “Don’t worry; I promise not to bite you or hound you. I probably should mention that I’m not the best cook in the world. If you want true gourmet, you’re not going to find it,” Jessie said, laughing.
    “Well, I didn’t grow up on gourmet and contrary to what you may believe to be true, meals on the road are mostly processed junk food and a great majority of the ones I eat at home come to me in a take-out box. So, a homemade meal, even if it’s not gourmet, is a pretty sweet deal.”
    Jessie’s head was tilted slightly and she was smiling at me. I would have given anything to know what she was thinking, but I knew women well enough to know that she wouldn’t have told me, anyway.
    We walked to her car and I pulled out my phone.  “What’s your address?”
    She told me and after I typed it in, she pulled out her phone. “Picture.”
    I went next to her and smiled as she extended her arm out, getting us both in there. She showed me, typed something in secretively, and then pressed send, posting it to her Instagram. Then we got into the car.
    A talk about music ensued all the way back to the hotel, only interrupted by the dings from alerts she was getting on her picture.
    “What are all those messages saying?” I asked. I wanted to grab that phone and look so bad. Completely inappropriate!
    “Do some research and find out,” Jessie said playfully.
    Before long, I was on the sidewalk watching her drive off and already looking forward to dinner at her apartment that night.
     

Chapter Nine:
Underneath it All
     
    The offer for dinner had flowed so easily from my lips after the fun running adventure with Simon, but now that the time was almost near, I was