Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Ella said with a grin at the kids, “we have a surprise for you tonight. Two very special people are here to sing for you. Let’s give a big round of applause to Lola Corbin and Grey Kingston of the band Tangled Royal!” Ella clapped, and the crowd burst into applause and happy screams.
Rep, who’d been waiting in the corner, handed Grey his guitar, and for the next half hour, he and Lola performed for the kids. Those who could dance did. Those who couldn’t sat and listened or sang along, smiles on their too-pale faces. No performance had ever meant or affected Grey more, because no audience had ever appreciated the moment quite as much. Because they knew, as most didn’t, that time wasn’t promised, and enjoying life when they could truly mattered.
When he and Lola had planned this, it’d felt small and inconsequential. There was so little he could do to add to what Avery had accomplished tonight, but giving sick kids a great memory to keep with them and share with their friends allowed him to play a small part. Now he understood the reasons she volunteered and what she got out of the time she spent here. He wanted to continue to do his small part to make kids like these smile.
He and Lola wrapped their miniset, and he ran a hand through his damp hair. The high that always came with performing still pulsed through his veins, only tonight, there was so much more emotion attached to it. Avery had always been in his vision and thoughts during the performance. His beautiful angel, looking fucking perfect and representing everything he wanted, wrapped in a white gown and warm smile. But while he had no doubt she’d loved his contribution, whether she still loved him enough to stay with him remained to be seen. He’d marred her perfect charitable event with his fame. The same fame she had run from before.
He drew a breath for courage and looked her way. She stood beside a young, pale girl in a wheelchair, an IV attached to her arm. Her focus was on the child, who couldn’t dance, participate, or do more than sit and take things in, and as Grey looked at them, he lost his heart to her all over again.
His mouth dry, he walked over and knelt down so he was at Lilly’s eye level. “How are you, gorgeous? Having fun?” he asked the ten-year-old he’d met earlier.
Her wig had tilted a little on her head, but she nodded, her eyes bright. Behind her, her parents held hands, smiling down at their daughter.
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.
“Anytime,” 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.