Grey cleared his throat, unable to speak just yet.
The girl looked up at him. “You were really awesome,” she told him in an embarrassed whisper.
He ducked his head. “Thanks. That’s because I had someone special in the audience watching me.” He winked at the girl and she grinned. “This was the best night,” she told him.
“I think so too. I hope it’s going to get even better. Is it okay if I steal Avery here for a minute? I need to ask her something very important.”
Lilly nodded. “I promised my parents they could take me back to my room so I could rest. Thank you for the best night,” she said again.
“Any time,” he told her. Heart in his throat, Grey rose to his feet and met Avery’s gaze.
Her luminous violet eyes were filled with moisture. He wasn’t sure if she was happy, sad, or a combination of both.
“Come with me?” He extended his hand, knowing his entire future hinged on her answer.
He grasped her hand, relieved when she didn’t pull away, and led her to a quiet corner of the room. He’d planned a big spectacle, but Emerald’s appearance had killed that idea. And he hadn’t had time to corner her before his performance.
He held both her hands in his and met her gaze. Words normally came easy, but his brain felt scattered and his heart fragile. Only this woman could do this to him, Grey thought.
He met her gaze and forged ahead. “I’m so damned sorry the craziness in my life has to touch you at all, but especially tonight.” He shook his head and groaned.
Her lips lifted a little. “I think we already established the crazy comes with your rock star status,” she said, her words not giving him a lick of insight into her feelings. “You signed her boobs?” she asked him.
He winced. Of all the questions or comments he thought she’d have about tonight, that hadn’t been it. Hell, he’d been trying to put those kinds of things out of his mind for years.
“I’m not proud of it, but it came with the territory. Avery—”
“Do you realize how long it’s been since she showered if she still had your name on her chest?” she asked, her voice rising.
Once again, his mind hadn’t gone there either, and he cringed. “I’d rather not think about it,” he muttered.
“Me neither. I could have lived the rest of my life without knowing or seeing that.” She wrinkled her nose in adorable disgust.
“Avery,” he tried again. “I could live the rest of my life without all of it. I just can’t live it without you.”
He revealed his heart and finally captured her full attention, her eyes huge on his.
“Oh, Grey.”
He grasped her hands tighter. She was his lifeline, and he wasn’t letting go. “I couldn’t stand it if you walked away from me now, after we’ve gone through so much and come out the other side.”
Before she could reply, he slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out the ring he’d bought way before he’d ever had a realistic chance with her but long after he’d gotten to know her again.
“I realize I left you once, but I promise never again. And I know I’m not a bargain, and I bring with me more hassle than you need or want in your life, but I love you. I want to take care of you, to have fun with you, and to be by your side for the rest of my life.”
She blinked back what he prayed were happy tears.
He held out the ring and went on, putting it all on the line. Because that’s what he’d done when he’d left her behind years ago, seeking that shot at fame and fortune in L.A. He’d been lucky once, and he prayed the stars aligned for him again.
“The box wouldn’t fit in my pocket.” He held the delicate ring between his thumb and forefinger. “It’s a mix of traditional and modern … it’s Tiffany,” he said, letting out a nervous laugh. “And it’s you.”
Avery stared at the gorgeous engagement ring, looking so delicate in Grey’s big tanned hands. He was right, the halo style, cushion cut encircled by double rows of bead-set diamonds with a diamond band was the perfect mix of traditional and modern. And it was perfect for her.
“So? Will you marry me, sugar?”
Her legs began to shake, and somehow she managed to nod and not pass out, this time for the very best reasons. “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Thank fuck,” he muttered and slid the ring onto her finger.