Love Him Free (On the Market #1) - E.M. Lindsey Page 0,88

Ex.’ Charlie nodded when he understood. ‘At your hotel?’

Charlie mouthed along with the letters, then shook his head and circled his fist over his chest. ‘Sorry.’

Rocco tapped open his notepad. ‘If u c him, pls tell me. His name Eric and I think here. I think he said something 2 Simon bc he left and can’t find him.’

Charlie’s look was full of sympathy, but no real knowledge, and that did make him feel a little better that Eric had only inflicted his bullshit on one person—but he hated that the one person was Simon. Charlie gave him a firm nod, then reached out and squeezed his arm. The look Charlie’s companion gave him was possessive, but more curious than angry, but Rocco didn’t have it in him to wonder. Not now.

He waved a goodbye to Charlie, stopping to give Pumpkin a quick pat, then started on his way to the bakery. With any luck, Simon would be there, but if not, he was happy to stand vigil until his lover got back.

Rocco was shut out. The door that led to the stairs up to the apartment was locked, and as much as he wanted to think he could wait all night, he had James to think about. He rang the buzzer enough times that he knew it would irritate anyone inside, but when no one threw anything from the windows, and when no one came down, he realized his plan was futile.

If Simon was up there, he wasn’t going to see him.

The not knowing was going to drive him crazy. It was under his skin, and the only thing in the world he wanted was to take Simon in his arms and kiss him until he unearthed every seed of discord Eric had planted. He said a little prayer into the universe that Eric wouldn’t be brave enough to come near him soon, though, because Rocco was pretty sure he’d risk jail to get a few good punches in to his perfectly shaped nose.

He let out a groan, then set James on the ground and turned to head home when there was movement behind him. Simon’s name was on his lips when he turned, but it was James, looking somewhat sheepish as he let himself out of the bakery and shut the door behind him.

Fuck fuck fuck.

James was holding a note, and he flinched when Rocco snatched it out of his hands. ‘Simon doesn’t want to talk right now. Levi is up there with him, and Simon said he’d text you in the morning. He asked me to give you a ride home.’

Rocco bit his lip and swallowed past a lump in his throat. But at the very least, he loved Simon enough to comply with his wishes. It was only fair, after all. He handed the note back and nodded, but he was in no mood to have a full conversation with human James, and he was in no mood for an awkward drive back to the rental.

“Tell Simon I’ll speak to him soon. I’m going to walk.” He committed an impolite act that he used far too often on his brothers, and he turned his back. He had no idea if James called after him, but no one tried to stop him as he made his way to the main street, and he began the long journey back to the empty house.

His feet ached by the time he got there, and James put up no fuss at all when Rocco ordered him into the crate. He set the latch and pulled a blanket over his baby, then collapsed in the master bedroom, lying on his stomach as he pulled his laptop close.

His entire body craved comfort. It craved the warmth and softness of Simon against him—the one thing he wasn’t allowed to have right then. He wanted to stomp his feet and raise his voice and throw a full tantrum until he got his way, but he knew better.

If this had been Rocco in a different life, even a year ago, he might have considered it. He might have pouted outside of the door, or wheedled James to let him up, then threw everything he had at Simon until the man gave in and let him in.

But he was trying not to be that person. Simon made him want to be better—to explore the depths of himself he’d left hidden for more shallow waters that got him fame and money. He had the potential to be more than