Simon’s eyes darkened at her boldness. The confident tone in her voice sent a sharp jolt through him, and he had to draw in a slow, steady breath just to keep himself composed.

“Melva,” he said warningly, his voice low and gravelly. “You have no idea what you’re playing with.”

But Melva only grinned, leaning forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief, something that made Simon’s chest tighten. “Oh, I do,” she replied softly. “You think I don’t feel it too? The ...