Regret Came Too Late

Other than that one flimsy excuse, Simon couldn't think of any other reason. Ethan had been out of it all night, and it was as if he hadn't even heard half of what Simon said. He looked lost in his own world.

Simon, frustrated, slammed back a shot of whiskey. "Ethan?" he called.

Only then did Ethan lift his head, his voice distant. "What is it?"

"You good, man? You've been zoning out all night."

Ethan rubbed his forehead, his fingers pressing into his temples when his phone buzzed quietly on the table. He glanced at the screen, then said flatly, "I'm leaving."

Simon stared at him in disbelief. Seriously?

Tonight's meeting this whole damn setup-was Ethan's idea. He had practically twisted Simon's arm to come meet Grace and throw a project her way. Simon had agreed. Now, before they even finished the first drink, the guy was bailing?

Simon clenched his teeth, feeling ridiculously stifled. "You" He barely got the word out before Tim appeared to wheel Ethan out.

Simon slumped back in his seat, fuming. He pulled out his phone, his mood in the gutter.

Without thinking, he shot off a text to his usual hookup. "I'm asking you a question. What the hell are you so busy with?"

message he sent had gone unanswered. And now, this one didn't

he glared at his screen, "There's no way she'd

there was nothing. The silence gnawed at him. From the day he was born, he had never, ever been treated

hesitation. And now that it's me

a long table surrounded by screenwriters. They were finalizing the next round of scripts

thought we had an agreement," she said

Simon stiffened.

agreed on something. He had set the rules from the start-no prying into each other's private lives, no drama, and

with other when it was between the sheets. If either of them wanted out, they could

else. He hadn't expected her to-

looks, his money, and his power, women were supposed to fall over themselves for him, not act like he was just another

with her. He hadn't expected it to be good, but it was-good enough that he kept going

strangers. They never talked about their lives. He didn't even know what she

obvious-awkward touches, hesitant reactions. She was

She looked so polished, cool, and untouchable. Who would've guessed she

cigarette and took a drag. Nothing