Free Dare to Rock by Carly Phillips Page B

manager about to ring the bell. “Simon.” Grey was surprised to find him there.
    “Kingston,” Simon said by way of greeting.
    His gaze zeroed in on Avery, and Grey had the sudden urge to pull her behind him and shield her from his manager, which was ridiculous.
    “Lola’s inside but we were just leaving,” Grey informed the man.
    “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Simon asked, curiosity in his tone.
    “Avery Dare,” she said, extending her hand.
    “Simon Colson, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I trust you enjoyed the concert I left you tickets for?”
    That night was the last thing Grey wanted in Avery’s head now, when he finally had her on the way to his bed.
    “I did. The band was amazing,” she said, genuine enthusiasm in her voice, and a bit of pride filled him at the knowledge that she had enjoyed the concert.
    Simon nodded. “I know it’s hectic backstage afterwards, but I hope you were able to make good use of the passes?” he asked in a too-kind voice.
    Grey swore. The SOB knew full well what had happened that night, and he was deliberately rubbing Avery’s face in it. The question was why? And the only answer he could come up with was that Avery’s presence in his life somehow threatened Simon. Which again made no sense, since the man had no idea Grey wasn’t keen on using him in any future endeavors.
    He tightened his grip on Avery’s hand and turned his attention to what was important—Avery, who eyed Simon with a healthy dose of wariness.
    “I did get backstage, actually. And you’re right. It’s a crazy scene,” Avery said.
    He was surprised she managed to keep her voice and expression neutral.
    “Comes with the territory. Especially around our boy here. The women love him.” Simon smiled at her.
    Grey had had enough, but before he could speak, Avery did.
    “They do because he’s that talented.” She straightened her shoulders and met Simon’s gaze. “But as you can see, Grey and I reconnected, and that’s all that matters.”
    Grey grinned. Apparently his girl had solid intuition and knew how to hold her own. She’d managed with Lola and again now with Simon. He hoped she realized her own inner strength.
    She turned to Grey, dismissing Simon. “You ready to go home?”
    “With you? I was born ready.” He glanced at his manager. “I’d say it’s nice to see you, but given you’re still playing mind games, not so much.” He led Avery around Simon and walked out the door.
    They settled into his car, and he turned to face her. “We still good?” he asked, hoping that her replies hadn’t been a performance for Simon’s sake. He didn’t want her to return to being worried about the rocker lifestyle.
    “Your manager’s an ass but we’re fine.” She buckled her seat belt and met his gaze.
    “We don’t need to talk?”
    “Is that what you really want to do now?” She snaked a hand across the seat and settled her warm palm on his thigh. “Because I thought we had bigger, more important plans.” Her hand slid upward, closer to his aching cock.
    Message received, Grey thought, turning on the ignition and heading out.
    *     *     *
    Avery’s thoughts were running all over the place. If she put aside the fact that her underwear was in Grey’s pocket, the most prevalent thought in her head was taking back control. She wasn’t going to let her fears stop her from experiencing what was bound to be the best sex of her life with a man she still had deep feelings for. Nor would she allow Grey’s manager to run her off. And for whatever reason, that had been his intent. His polite British accent hadn’t covered the fact that he’d intentionally tried to intimidate and scare her by reminding her of all the women who surrounded and wanted Grey.
    For right now, Grey was here with her. She’d seen him signing autographs and on the stage, and there he was in his element. She wouldn’t want to take that sense of self away from him and knew better than