Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

For ten days, they lived in the most amazing bubble. They'd left their mountaintop paradise—and Juliette let Simon drive her rental car down the scary road so she could keep her eyes closed—and from there, it was a bit of a whirlwind. Although Simon had previously mentioned going to see his family during this part of the break, he decided he'd rather take her to some of his favorite places so they could keep enjoying this private time together before the tour resumed.

First, they spent a few days in Nashville, then went on to Key West where they had a private villa right on the beach for three nights, then to New York for one night so she could check on her place and refresh her wardrobe, before they went to Simon's place in the Hollywood Hills.

The house was stunning—not that she expected it to be anything but—but…it also wasn't really his. He was renting it from a friend, and she was starting to notice a pattern.

And not a good one.

They were having lunch out on the back deck—which had jaw-dropping city, mountain, and ocean views—when she finally had to say something.

"Are you renting this place while your house is being built? Renovated? Is this just a place you use when you're in California?"

Simon placed their salads down on the table with a serene smile. "This view is spectacular, isn't it?"

"Definitely! I mean…I'd want to eat every meal out here if this was my home." Picking up her fork, she studied him. "So tell me again why this isn't your home?"

Shrugging, he seemed unfazed by her question. "I've been on the road so much for the last two years that it doesn't make sense for me to own a house. Besides, there are so many places to see that I can always find a place to stay in between tour dates."

"Okay, yeah, I get that, but…wouldn't you like to have a place that's yours? A bed that's your own? You know, a house where you can come to while on a break and know that you're…home! You saw my crappy apartment, but I kind of enjoyed sleeping in my bed. That's what Nikki said too before they left Asheville—she couldn't wait to go home and sleep in her own bed."

Another shrug. "It's not really a big deal to me. I always have a place to go, whether it's here or another rental like we had back in North Carolina. Or I go and visit one of my brothers or my mom…it works."

Honestly, Juliette didn't know if she could stand it, but…luckily she didn't have to. At least once the documentary filming was over, she'd get to go home.

And that's when it hit her—she'd have to go home.

Alone.

Without Simon.

Well, crap…

While internally she was freaking out, outwardly she smiled and ate the Greek salad with grilled salmon that Simon had prepared for her. He was chatting about all the things he was going to have to do when they got to Seattle in two days. Just listening to it was exhausting. She had no idea how one person could do it. Sound checks, interviews, photoshoots…sure, Juliette had worked with plenty of actors and musicians, but it seemed like Simon did a lot more than the average celebrity.

Juliette already knew he didn't require a lot of sleep. He was an early riser—no matter where they were—and tended to start the day on the go and didn't stop until they went to bed at night.

Where she kept him going for a while longer too.

But honestly, the more she thought about it, it was like he never stopped moving. He never fully relaxed. When they were in Key West, he was jogging on the beach or surfing or wanting to go out on a boat to go fishing. In Nashville, they toured all the big music spots and then tried several restaurants. And in New York, he jogged in Central Park, went shopping all along Fifth Avenue, and she swore they must have gone to at least three different places to eat on their one night there. Did he ever just…relax? Shut down? Spend time alone?

Did he do all of that because it was what was expected of him or was being alone and quiet something he couldn't deal with?

It would explain his sunny disposition. There was no way to dwell on the past and the trauma his father had inflicted on him if he was always on the go and keeping busy.

Hard to hit a moving target and all that…

But she kept that to herself and continued to listen to him talk about what life on the road was typically like. They were finishing up their lunch when he asked, "So? What do you think? Have you done anything like this with your previous clients?"

"Actually, I haven't. I've never gone on tour with any of the musicians. The only tours I've done are promo tours for movies and those are relatively tame compared to what you do. Most of the time, the client stays in one place and the interviewers come to them. For me, it's just a lot of standing around and watching."

"That would make me crazy," he said, popping an olive into his mouth. "With all the new music I've written, I can't wait to get with the band and really flesh it all out. We have sound checks and rehearsals, but I tend to ask for a couple of hours to jam when I'm on tour and have new stuff to work on."

Again, effectively eliminating any extra free time.

That was something she was going to comment on, but her phone rang and she saw Vanessa's name on the screen.

"Um…I need to take this. It's my boss," she said as she got to her feet. "I'll just go…"

"Take it in the office," he said, kissing her on the cheek. "I'll clean this up."

"Thanks." Clutching her phone, Juliette stepped into the house and walked down the hall toward the home office before answering. "Hey, Van! What's up?"

"Hey! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Nope. Why would you even ask?"

"Because it took you forever to answer. I just figured maybe you were in the middle of something and couldn't break away."

Yes, a delicious lunch, a spectacular view, and the sexiest man I've ever met, but…whatever…

"Sorry. Simon and I were having lunch and discussing the schedule for Seattle, and I'd left my phone in the other room."

"Wow! That is very unlike you!" Vanessa said with a laugh. "You normally have your phone in your hand at all times!"

"Well…lunch and all…"

"Not a big deal, Jules. I was really just calling to see how things were going."

"Everything's great," she replied, sitting down behind the glass desk in the plushest office chair she'd ever put her butt in. The hum of approval was out before she could stop it.

"What was that noise?"

"What noise?"

"It sounded like you were humming or singing," she said with another laugh. "What's going on?"

Juliette laughed with her. "I think I may have found the world's most comfortable office chair. It's like sitting on a cloud but with lumbar support!"

"Ooh…get the brand and let me know! I'm always on the hunt for a good chair!"

"Will do!"

"So you're gearing up for Seattle and filming is supposed to start up right away, correct?"

"According to the schedule, yes. We had a video call with Simon's agent and the documentary producers and we're all on the same page." She smiled just thinking about how much of a badass she'd been on that call.

"That's…sort of what I'm calling you about."

"Oh?"

"I had a call earlier from Max Yearsley, and he—very nicely, but firmly—suggested that someone else work as Simon's publicist because you were too rigid and rude."

"What?!" she cried, jumping to her feet. "Are you freaking kidding me right now?"

"Jules…"

"No! No, do not tell me to calm down, Van! He's just pissed because he's not getting his way! Simon does not want a certain part of his life included in this project and none of it is relative to what he's doing today! I don't get why they're harping on this one point!" Her stomach clenched and her lunch felt like it was on its way up.

"They have a vision for what they wanted this doc to be and you're standing in their way," Vanessa reasoned.

"Bullshit. Simon agreed to a very specific project, and Max and his team changed the rules. There is a contract that firmly states this is a concert film. They're the ones trying to make this into a personal biography. Simon's told them no repeatedly and he's ready to pull out of the project all together if they go against his wishes."

"Okay, okay, this is why I called you. I wanted to get your side of things and, obviously, you're putting the client first. That's awesome. But maybe you can…"

"Van, whatever you're about to suggest, forget it. My job is to work on Simon's behalf to get him portrayed in the best possible way. What Max and those guys want would not do that. I was firm and… gah ! You know how this goes, a woman stands her ground and that means she's rude or bitchy. I'm doing my damn job! Simon didn't have a problem, and his team didn't have a problem with what I said. So the next time Max Yearsley calls…"

"Got it. I'll tell him to go to hell," Vanessa said with a hint of amusement. "And for what it's worth, I get what you're saying. I felt he was a little condescending, and he even asked to speak to my father or grandfather. Clearly he did a little research into the firm and knows who started it. So…yeah, he's a total douche."

That made her relax, but only slightly.

"This is far from over," she said wearily. "I know as soon as we show up in Seattle, he's going to push the issue again and again and again. Honestly, I wish Simon would pull out of this project. It would make everything so much easier."

"It would also put you out of a job," Vanessa reminded her. "I'm still getting calls about the whole Roxie thing. Working for Simon Bennett was supposed to be a safe choice—a client that you couldn't possibly have an issue with because he's the nicest guy in show business."

Rolling her eyes, she let her head loll back.

"I'm not having a problem with Simon. I'm having a problem, apparently, with the documentary guys."

"Unfortunately, if the documentary goes away, I'm not sure what I'll have for you," Vanessa said somberly.

"While I appreciate your honesty, Van, I'm not going to push Simon into doing something he is vehemently against for the sake of my job."

Silence.

Sitting up straighter, she waited for the rebuttal. The rebuke. The laughter. Something. Anything!

Well, this is awkward…

"I see," Vanessa finally said before sighing. "Then I guess we take this day by day. But if it all falls apart, I don't want you coming here and demanding I find a client for you. Some things are going to take time."

"I'm aware, and there will be no demanding." Hell, she wouldn't even go there and beg because…maybe it was time to move on from Premiere. Maybe this last chance she was given was just that…the last one. While working for Premiere and with Vanessa had been great and opened a lot of doors for her, it was also a lot of drama and pressure. It seemed like they only attracted high-maintenance celebrities, and was that really what she wanted to do with the rest of her life?

Simon was the first client she'd ever had where it wasn't a daily struggle to find a positive spin on behavior or appearances.

And that was before they got involved romantically.

Juliette knew there were going to be repercussions for that, but…she'd think about them later.

"Look, Van, I need to get going. I appreciate the call and letting me know Max is being a dick and trying to undermine Simon. I'm on it."

"Okay. Good. Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Thanks." It felt stiff and awkward, but…maybe that's because Juliette was finally seeing things differently.

Maybe.

Hanging up, she went back outside to the deck and found Simon lying on one of the lounges. His eyes were closed and he looked utterly relaxed. It almost seemed like he was asleep.

"Did your call go okay?"

Alright, clearly not asleep.

"As good as it could have, I suppose," she said, sitting down on the lounge next to his.

He sat up and looked at her. "Well that doesn't sound good."

Maybe it wasn't fair to share what Vanessa had told her, but it only seemed right for him to know exactly what he was dealing with.

"Yeah, so…Max called Vanessa."

All he did was give her a curt nod, and as much as she wanted him to curse and carry on, that wasn't him.

"He wants someone else to do your PR because I'm rigid and rude," she said.

"Persistent," he mumbled.

"I stood my ground, though. I told Vanessa I was merely conveying your wishes and…"

Holding up a hand to stop her, he let out a weary sigh. "I am a man of my word, Juliette. Always have been. And I'm trying very hard to honor this agreement—this contract—but…I think I need to get my attorney involved."

It made sense, and yet…

"Mick seems way more powerful than any legal team. I mean…he's kind of a legend in this business. If you'd just talk to him…"

But he was already shaking his head. "I'll call my lawyer." And with a look of utter defeat, he simply walked away, leaving her feeling like she'd just kicked a puppy.

He stayed locked away in the luxurious office for far longer than he needed to, but Simon needed some time to decompress. It had been years since he'd had this kind of anxiety and tension, and he hated it—absolutely hated it.

And yet he refused to be bullied into bending to someone else's will.

Now, his legal team was getting involved and this was all becoming a much bigger issue than it needed to be.

And making this big secret seem even more attractive to the vulturous mind of Max Yearsley.

Great.

Raking a hand through his hair, Simon let out a long breath and knew he had done everything he needed to and could now go back to Juliette and enjoy the rest of the day. They were going to his favorite steakhouse for dinner, and then, if everything went as planned, he wanted to make love to her under the stars tonight. Honestly, he wasn't sure if either of them were that adventurous, but the yard was fairly private and from the first moment he saw her out on the deck, he knew that's what he wanted.

But…he'd see if it would come to fruition.

Standing, he stretched and told himself that everything was under control so he could relax. Walking out of the office, he found Juliette sitting on the lounge he had vacated earlier. Her eyes were closed and she had a serene smile on her face. Today's sundress was a white eyelet that was stark against her tanned skin. Just the sight of her took his breath away.

As stealthily as he could, Simon tiptoed over to the lounge and crouched down beside her. He held his breath for a moment to see if she'd acknowledge him.

She did not.

Reaching out, he gently rested his hand on her ankle and paused.

She didn't move.

Slowly, his hand caressed its way up her calf, over her knee, and came to rest on her thigh, just a hint under the hem of her dress.

"If that hand goes any higher, I'm going to assume you're into very public displays of affection," she said with sleepy amusement. "Or you're an exhibitionist." One beautiful eye opened and looked at him. "I didn't think that was your thing."

Unable to help himself, he laughed softly, shaking his head. "With you, sweet Juliette, I want to be all those things because you are a constant temptation. The ultimate distraction."

His words obviously pleased her because she hummed happily. "Is it wrong that I love that? I don't think I've ever been any of those things to anyone."

"Then anyone who didn't see that was blind or stupid." Then he shrugged. "But their loss is my gain because I do see it, feel it, and appreciate it." His hand moved higher, toying with the lace band at her hip. "And your taste in lingerie is spectacular."

Another hum. "Glad you approve." Sitting up a bit, she looked around. This corner of the deck held the most privacy and the sexy grin she gave him told him she was thinking all the same naughty things he had been earlier.

"Juliette…"

She sat up and quickly whipped the dress up over her head before reclining back against the lounge.

"My God, you're magnificent," he marveled. All her curves were on display, and he couldn't wait to have her wrapped around him.

His own shirt went flying before he kicked his jeans off. He was already barefoot, so all that was left was his briefs.

And yeah…with his thumbs hooked on the waistband, he took a minute to consider if he really was an exhibitionist…

"Do it," she whispered before licking her lips.

Groaning, Simon quickly peeled off his briefs before joining her on the lounge, both of them laughing like two kids afraid of getting caught.

Which, let's face it, they were.

"We can totally go inside," she said between giggles. "I'm totally faking my bravado!"

That just made him laugh harder. "Me too!" Shaking his head, he added, "Kind of wish you would have said that before I took off my briefs!"

"Come on," she said, wiggling out from under him. "Let's grab our stuff and go inside—but leave the sliding doors open so it's almost like we're outside!"

"Deal!" Within seconds, they were scrambling for their clothes and running into the house, laughing the entire time. In their bedroom, Simon dropped his stuff on the floor and scooped Juliette up in his arms before getting them both onto the bed.

Juliette's legs wrapped around his waist as her hands smoothed over his chest, over his tattoo. "I don't know why I'm so fascinated by this, but I totally am," she said, her voice a little breathless. "I never expected you to have one."

Hell, if this was the effect a tattoo had on her, he'd gladly go and get a dozen more.

But…later.

Much, much later.

Her skin was warm and smooth, and he didn't want to talk about himself right now. All he wanted was to make love to her and turn a really crappy afternoon into a seriously great one.

And that meant less talking and more touching.

The kiss was brutal and needy; his hands shook as he tugged her panties down and helped her get them off completely. The room had one entire wall of glass doors that were open and it was almost like making love outside and it just fueled the fantasy.

With the way Juliette was responding to him, it was as if she knew what he needed and was more than willing to give it to him. And while it wasn't outside under the stars, it was still wildly satisfying and utterly consuming.

Simon had no idea how much time had passed, because it didn't matter. He needed Juliette for his sanity and because she fed his soul.

The cries of pleasure she let out canceled out everything else he was thinking, and he simply let the wildness take them both.

"Tell me about the lion."

The sigh was loud and dramatic as he flung an arm over his eyes. "Seriously? Now?"

She was curled up at his side, their legs tangled together, and her hand over the tattoo. "Ever since you took your shirt off that first night, I've wanted to ask. The color is amazing. Is it new?"

Lowering his arm, he shook his head. "No. I got it the first time I played in Vegas, so…three or four years ago?" He couldn't quite remember the specific date. "Anyway, I flew my brothers out to see me perform. I know it's a bit clichéd, but all I could think about was how awesome it would be to spend my very first time in Las Vegas with my brothers."

"I can understand that."

"So they flew in the day of the show," he explained. "And we were staying at the Bellagio—because I thought I was the king of the world—and I was performing at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood." Shifting slightly, he turned his head to face her. "They showed up in my dressing room, and I swear I remember just feeling so damn happy. Like…they'd seen me in concert before, but for some reason, that moment was like the pinnacle of success for me."

"Aww…"

"So I went out and did the show, which was awesome, and when it was over, I went backstage and showered and changed, and Jax was grinning from ear to ear and said he had made plans for us for the rest of the night." He chuckled because he could still remember that goofy grin on his little brother's face. "I had planned on us having dinner and then maybe hitting one of the casinos and then doing something touristy the next day."

She laughed softly. "Sounds like you."

"That's pretty much what Jax said too when I told him what I thought we were going to do. Anyway, he tells me we have reservations at this amazing steakhouse, and then we're all getting tattoos." Another laugh. "Honestly, I thought he was joking, but obviously, he was not."

"You all got tattoos that night? Even Noah?"

He nodded. "Even Noah. I think that was the most shocking part of the whole thing. I mean…as a rock star, it's almost expected. With Jax being an athlete, it totally made sense. But Noah? He's a straitlaced finance guy. I really expected him to put up more of a fight, but I guess Jax sort of talked him into it."

"What did he get?"

"A phoenix and it's on his chest, just like where mine is."

"And Jax?"

"He totally went with a football theme—a helmet with his team's logo, a football with the NFL logo, and then the shadow of two players. It's cool as hell, and we had to practically do an intervention to get him to put his shirt on."

"So he got it on his chest too?"

He nodded. "We thought it was cool that we were all getting them in the same place even though they were all different. It took hours. Like…hours," he said with a slight eye roll. "I had no idea tattoos took so long. And it was so late and I was so full from dinner that I'm pretty sure I fell asleep in the chair. I had just performed a ninety-minute show, so I'm not ashamed to say it was well past my bedtime."

"What time did you finally get out of there?"

"It was almost three. Jax was so revved up afterwards and kept talking about how we needed to hit the casino in the hotel, but Noah and I both shot him down. And you want to know the funniest part?"

She nodded.

"He fell asleep in the limo on the way back!" He chuckled. "Noah and I laughed our butts off at that."

"Did you finally let him go gamble the next day?"

"Oh yeah. I had a show that night again, but I told him he didn't have to come see me. He was more than welcome to go and gamble and maybe see the sights a bit. Noah went with him and then we met up for dinner after the show. It was a great weekend and now we all have our mementos of it."

Her hand smoothed over the tattoo again. "I love that story. You're so lucky to have brothers. I have no idea what my life would have been like if I had a sibling, but I sometimes think about that."

"Without Jax and Noah, I don't know if I could be the man I am today," he admitted, his voice going a little gruff. "Although, without Noah, I probably wouldn't be here at all. If my parents hadn't gotten pregnant with him…"

Juliette snuggled even closer. "Then I'm very glad they had him."

Kissing the top of her head, he had to agree.

"And they're going to be at some of the upcoming tour stops for the sake of the documentary, right?"

Simon instantly felt himself tense up and quickly reminded himself to relax, but Juliette was too quick for him.

Lifting her head, she gave him a very stern look. "Okay, this is a problem."

"What is?"

"This body language, Simon," she said, her shoulders sagging slightly. "If just the slightest mention of the documentary has your entire body reacting like that, it's not a good thing."

"It's not…"

"It is," she interrupted. "Nothing good is going to come from this. And I'm saying this as your publicist—as the person working for you—and as your friend."

That was…an odd way of describing them, he thought.

"Is that all we are? Friends?" he asked.

"Simon…"

Sitting up, he stared at her. Her hair was in total disarray, the sheet was a tangled mess that barely covered her, and she was staring back at him with those deep, gorgeous green eyes. He wanted to say it didn't matter, that she could refer to them as friends because it was still an endearment, and this new phase of their relationship was new, but he was a little greedy. He wanted to know that there was more, that she felt more.

"How much research did you do on me and my life before showing up in Asheville?" he asked.

Frowning, Juliette tucked the sheet around her as she sat up beside him. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Just…humor me. How much research did you do?"

"A lot, Simon. But I don't see what this…"

He held up his hand. "How many romantic relationships did you read about in that research?"

That question clearly stumped her. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but it was an obvious answer.

"There were two and they were brief," he said. "I don't get into romantic relationships because I've been so focused on my career. My relationship with Tracy Jennings was more of a publicity thing because I did one song for her movie. And I dated Rachel Moorings, who was a very nice woman with no involvement in the entertainment industry, for a year. Ultimately, she hated how I was always on tour or in the studio and went back to her high school sweetheart. They're married now with two kids."

"Again, I don't see what this has to do with anything…"

"I'm here with you, Juliette, because you're more than a friend. You're here with me in my bed because you mean more to me than something casual." And because he always wore his heart on his sleeve, he kept going. "I'd hate to think that you're with me just because it's convenient or a way to pass the time. I don't want to just be your friend."

Now her expression softened. Reaching out, she caressed his jaw. "I rarely do romantic relationships," she whispered. "I'm not good at them because I've always been so career-driven and…" She shrugged. "Letting anyone get close is…it's hard for me." There were tears in her eyes now. "You're closer to me than anyone's ever been, and it's scary. Please be patient with me because…"

The first tear fell and he didn't let her finish, leaning in to kiss her instead. He hadn't meant to make her cry or to ruin a beautiful afternoon. So instead, he kissed her, and she kissed him back. Slowly, they reclined back against the pillows and into each other's arms. And as the sun went down in its spectacular fashion, Simon told himself they'd started something good. Something right.

Something that had the potential to be…everything.