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?"

last message he sent had gone unanswered. And now, this one

thought as he glared at his screen, "There's no way

he had never, ever been treated

I came no hesitation. And now

a long table surrounded by screenwriters. They were finalizing the next round of scripts when his voice crackled through her earbuds. Her brows furrowed

an agreement," she said evenly, keeping her

Simon stiffened.

had set the rules from the start-no prying into

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

generous. If she hadn't liked it, he would have just found someone else. He hadn't expected her to- agree so fast, with such obvious relief as if she had been hoping

wrong way from the beginning. He was Simon, damn it. With his looks, his money, and his power, women were supposed to fall over themselves

her. He hadn't expected it to be good,

were practically strangers. They never talked about their

first night, her inexperience had been obvious-awkward touches, hesitant

untouchable. Who would've guessed she was that untouched underneath? It lingered in his mind more than

and took a drag. Nothing felt right— not the room, not