Page 38 of Indescribable Love

She nodded solemnly.

It took another five minutes for that to happen and, once they were officially off the call, Mick faced the camera with a scowl. “Juliette Bellucci, that was a pretty ballsy thing you did here today. I would have appreciated a call beforehand letting me know what you were throwing down.”

Another nod. “My apologies, Mick.”

That made him smile. “I enjoy having bold, confident people on the team. And I love knowing that you’re looking out for Simon. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person.”

And yet another nod. “I’m looking forward to that too.”

“Good. Keep making music, kid, but make sure you’re getting some rest. You were supposed to be taking a break. This next leg of the tour has a brutal schedule because of the film. I don’t want you to be exhausted. Nikki, Jules, make him rest, okay?”

“We’re on it, Mick!” Nikki said cheerily. “Don’t worry.”

“Excellent! Okay, we’ll talk next week. Thanks for everything today and have a good one!”

The screen went blank and they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

For a moment, Simon didn’t know what to say. All he knew was that he was completely elated! For the first time since the early planning phases of this project, he felt hopeful.

“That was awesome!” Nikki exclaimed as she got to her feet. “I mean…wow! Jules, you were intimidating in the best freaking way! I wanted to totally high-five you at one point, but didn’t think it would have looked professional. Damn! That was just so powerful! Don’t you agree, Simon?”

He nodded and smiled at her. “I have hope,” he said and then smiled at Juliette. “Thank you.”

Fortunately, she smiled back. “That’s my job. I told you I’d take care of it.”

Reaching for her hand, he squeezed it. “You did and I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“Okay, I think this was all awesome and we should celebrate, but before we go any further, I need to say something,” Nikki interrupted. She looked a little nervous, and he had no idea what could possibly be wrong. “Celia and I are going to head home tonight. I know we have until the end of the weekend and all, but…Alex is getting a little whiny about missing his toys and I’m a little cranky because I miss my own bed. We appreciate you including us in this trip, and I hope you don’t think we’re ungrateful…”

“Nik,” he said as he stood. “It’s fine. I get it. Take the time at home with your family because I know you’ll be there for the launch of the second leg of the tour. You don’t have to ever feel bad about wanting to have a personal life.”

She was instantly there hugging him. “Thank you.” When she pulled back, she looked serious. “I’ll still be available to work, so if there’s anything you need…”

“Nik?”

“Hmm?”

“Go pack and I’ll see you in Seattle.”

The squeal of happiness was her immediate response before she hugged him again and then turned to do the same to Juliette. “Seriously, Jules, you were impressive. I’ll see you in a few weeks!”

The instant the door shut, you could have heard a pin drop. The silence was deafening and awkward, and all he could think of was how he and Juliette were finally going to be alone.

Swallowing hard, Simon slid his hands into his pocket. “So, um…I was thinking. Maybe you and I can go on a genuine date tonight—like a proper night out. We could go into town and have dinner, and there are some great shops and galleries to explore. What do you think?”

She didn’t respond right away. Was she going to turn him down? Tell him it wasn’t a good idea? They’d been sleeping together every night for the past several nights, but…just sleeping. He was trying to be a gentleman and not rush her or come on too strong. Now he hoped it hadn’t been a complete turnoff.

Great.

How awkward would it be if she changed her mind about them and now they were stuck here alone?

Ugh…

“I have a counterproposal,” she said as she sauntered closer.

“O-kay…”

“I’m thinking of a completely improper night in.” They were toe-to-toe, and the sultry tone of her voice and the warmth of her body were pretty convincing. “We can order dinner in, and…not leave.” One hand smoothed over his chest. “The only place we need to go is your bed or mine.”