He lost it then. One last thrust and he exploded inside her, giving her everything he had and was, taking her over the edge along with him.
Long after he came down from the high, long after she left, he could only pray she felt the same way.
* * *
Grey and Avery took a quick shower together, and she left so she could stop at home, change, and meet her sisters. Grey had planned on spending the day with his music and writing, but Lola had called and wanted to bring lunch by so they could talk. Needing an ear and wanting to clear the air with her, he’d agreed.
When he heard the knock on his door, he opened it, assuming he had to help Lola with packages for lunch. But instead of Lola, he came face-to-face with Simon.
The bastard had somehow talked his way past security, something that would not be happening again.
“What are you doing here?” Grey demanded.
Simon pinned him with his steady gaze. “You’ve been avoiding my calls.”
“I’ve been busy.”
The man pushed past him, letting himself into Grey’s apartment without being invited. He pulled off his jacket and draped it over the nearest chair.
“We need to talk. I know Lola’s plans. I know my other clients’ plans. I don’t know yours. And I’ve had calls from major stars who want you to write for them now that you have time.”
Grey folded his arms across his chest, unwilling to let Simon think he ran Grey or his career. “I know.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’ve had the same calls.” Grey turned his back on Simon and headed for the kitchen. He opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. He held one out for Simon.
“No thank you,” he bit out. “I’m your manager, Grey. You aren’t supposed to be talking to anyone unless I’m involved.” He pulled on the sleeves of his dress shirt, an agitated tell Grey was used to seeing from the man when he didn’t get his way.
And things were about to go downhill.
Grey took a long sip of water and swallowed, gearing up. “Actually you’re Tangled Royal’s manager. If you gave a shit about what I wanted to do with my career or my life, you’d be my manager too.”
Simon stiffened. “What are you saying?”
“You’re out, Simon. I appreciate everything you did for me and the band, but you and I don’t share the same vision anymore.”
Red mottled the man’s face. “Ever since you got a bug up your ass about that stupid chick, your priorities have been fucked up. Lola would’ve continued with the band if you weren’t constantly harping on coming home.”
Not one part of the man’s statement was true. Grey’s head throbbed, and the desire to rip Simon’s head off for what he’d said about Avery was strong, but so was his sense of self-preservation. A lawsuit was the last thing he needed, and Simon wouldn’t hesitate to cause him trouble if he could.
“Get. Out,” Grey said, his jaw clenched as hard as his fists at his sides. To emphasize his point, he headed out of the kitchen and into the living area and straight for the front door.
Simon’s heavy footsteps followed. He picked up his jacket, his movements jerky, his anger palpable. “You wouldn’t be anywhere if it weren’t for me, Kingston. And you won’t get anywhere either.”
“My life, my choice,” Grey reminded the other man.
“A choice you’ll regret,” Simon said before storming out, passing Lola on the way.
“Simon?” she called after him.
“Let him go, Lo,” Grey said.
Lola stepped inside, and he shut the door behind her. She had bags in her hands, and he grabbed them from her, and they made their way to the kitchen. “What was that all about?” she asked.
“I fired him, and it was a long time coming,” he muttered. “If he works for you, that’s great, but as far as I’m concerned, he’s a pain in the ass. He doesn’t care what I want. He blames me for the band breaking up, and worse, he blames Avery. He’s rude and insufferable, and I’ve had enough.”
Lola stepped up and hugged him tight. “I get it,” she said before easing back.