Indescribable love, p.1
Indescribable Love, page 1
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
What happens to the last brother standing??
Chapter One
Also By Samantha Chase
About Samantha Chase
Copyright 2024 Samantha Chase
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book, with the exception of brief quotations for book reviews or critical articles, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Cover Design: Kari March Designs
Photographer: Regina Wamba
Edits: Jillian Rivera
Praise for Samantha Chase
“If you can’t get enough of stories that get inside your heart and soul and stay there long after you’ve read the last page, then Samantha Chase is for you!” -NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Melanie Shawn
“A fun, flirty, sweet romance filled with romance and character growth and a perfect happily ever after.” -NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips
“Samantha Chase writes my kind of happily ever after!” -NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Erin Nicholas
“The openness between the lovers is refreshing, and their interactions are a balanced blend of sweet and spice. The planets may not have aligned, but the elements of this winning romance are definitely in sync.” - Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“A true romantic delight, A Sky Full of Stars is one of the top gems of romance this year.” - Night Owl Reviews, TOP PICK
“Great writing, a winsome ensemble, and the perfect blend of heart and sass.” - Publishers Weekly
“Recommend Chase to fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Well-written and uniquely appealing.” - Booklist
Chapter One
Some days it didn’t pay to get out of bed.
Or answer the phone.
Or talk to people.
This was definitely one of those days.
Juliette Bellucci stood stiffly and stared out at the New York City skyline while she awaited her fate.
Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic, but essentially, she was waiting to find out if she still had a job.
The silence in the outer office was deafening, but she refused to sit or get comfortable or even glance at her phone. Being wildly uncomfortable seemed completely fitting right now. The sun was almost painfully bright, reflecting off of the buildings, and the more she looked around at the scenery, the more she wished she were anywhere but here.
“Jules? Vanessa will see you now.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she gave a tight smile. “Thanks, Amy.” Tugging gently on her skirt, Juliette held her head high and made her way into her boss’s office.
“Good luck,” Amy whispered before shutting the door behind her.
“Have a seat,” Vanessa said curtly, without looking up. It was a power move. She was going to stay that way until Juliette was squirming in her chair, ready to explode with anxiety.
So she sat and willed herself not to squirm.
Vanessa Jenkins looked up sooner than she expected, her expression cool. “What am I going to do with you, Jules?” she asked, leaning back in her seat. “I mean…what were you thinking? Do you have any idea the number of people I’ve had to put on damage control because of this?”
“It wasn’t…”
“It was,” Vanessa firmly interrupted. “You are the publicist for a two-time Oscar-winning actress who is prone to posting inappropriate content on social media! You know what she does when her movies tank or someone breaks up with her!”
“Again, I didn’t…”
“It took you four hours before you got that crap pulled down! Four hours where the entire world got a good view of your client in all her drunk and naked glory! And the things she did with the Oscar were just vulgar!” She shuddered dramatically. “The movie studio is furious, she’s been fired from the movie she was going to start shooting next week, and we are the laughingstock of the PR world! Where the hell were you? How could you allow this to happen?”
Letting out a long breath, she met Vanessa’s gaze head on. “I was asleep, Van. She put that first picture up at 3:45 in the morning. As soon as I woke up, I got it all taken down. I’m entitled to sleep, aren’t I? Last I checked, no one else stays up 24/7.” She paused to collect her thoughts. “Now, I’m sorry that this all went down the way it did, but the fact remains that I did get all the pictures taken down and put out a statement almost immediately.”
“Too little, too late, Jules. The studio…”
“The studio’s completely within their rights!” she argued. “Roxie needs to be in therapy, not another movie, and that’s not my fault!”
For a moment, Vanessa simply stared at her before she sighed. “Jules, you and I have been friends since middle school. I brought you on when I joined Prestige because I knew you would be an amazing publicist. And for several years, you were. I don’t know what’s going on with you lately, but your last three clients all had very public…nightmares that could have been prevented. You’re not doing your job and you’re making me look bad.”
Here it comes…
“My grandfather started this agency and with my promotion last year—a promotion that has me as the head of the agency—I can’t keep covering for you. I value our friendship, but I value my position more.”
And as much as she wanted to roll her eyes, Juliette completely understood. If the tables were turned, she’d feel the same way. The only genuine issue was that this really wasn’t her fault. The person at fault was the diva actress and the BFF who actually took the pictures and videos that got posted—videos where said BFF was laughing and telling Roxie what she should do.
And encouraged her to do more!
“Van, you know I’ve been working on putting some distance between Roxie and Amber. We both know Amber’s a huge part of the problem here.”
Nodding, Vanessa straightened in her chair. “I’m aware of that. But this is just the last straw, Jules. It’s not just the Roxie thing. It was the Theo Channing DUI…”
“I put him in an Uber myself,” she stated. “He paid the driver to take him back to his car.”
“You should have driven him home yourself!”
“He grabbed by boobs twice that night and tried to kiss me! He’s lucky I didn’t shove him in front of a moving vehicle!”
Vanessa frowned. “And Karla? Are you going to even try to defend yourself?”
“Um…”
“Because we have the video where you can clearly be heard talking about how she’s a phony. She wasn’t amused.”
“She is a phony! That entire magazine article was nothing but a sham! Those weren’t her dogs, that wasn’t her kitchen, she doesn’t cook, and that wasn’t even her baby! She hired a baby because hers—and I’m quoting Karla herself—wasn’t in her cute stage yet! I mean, who says that about their own baby?”
“She’s allowed to because she’s the mom! You can think whatever you want as the publicist or whatever, but you never bad-mouth a client when the press is around!” With a huff of annoyance, she went on. “You are seriously the most brilliant and clueless publicist we have! But you are also the most negative.” She fell back against the chair again. “I don’t know what to do with you, Jules! I honestly planned on firing you today.”
As much as she wanted to argue—or beg—she wouldn’t. Juliette hated people who didn’t take responsibility for their actions or who always had excuses. She refused to be like that.
“If that’s what you need to do, then…I’ll accept it,” she said quietly.
“I don’t want to do this,” Vanessa said after a moment. “I’m just not sure what else I can do. Roxie’s demanding that I fire you.”
“Roxie’s a spoiled diva who should be in rehab.”
Luckily, Vanessa smirked. “The only reason I’m not correcting you is because there’s no press here, but that’s the exact thing you need to control, Jules.”
“I don’t make a habit of saying stuff like that out loud and you know it.”
“Not with your words, but your face speaks volumes. Trust me.”
Letting out a long breath, she felt like she had to defend herself at least a little. “Look, this is who I am, Van. I openly admit to being pessimistic. I have worked very hard to overcome some really shitty circumstances, and having to kiss spoiled and pampered people’s asses for a living is hard. They don’t appreciate anything and sometimes…” Another sigh. “Sometimes it gets the better of me. I’m sorry.”
For a solid minute, neither spoke and Juliette figured it was the dramatic pause before Vanessa gave her a few perfunctory compliments and then apologized that she had to let her go. So she sat there and braced herself for it. She had a good savings built up and
Or at least a different clientele.
“I really should be sending your paperwork to human resources and asking you to clean out your desk…”
She didn’t have a desk there; she worked from home. But she understood it was a metaphorical desk and nodded.
“But I’m willing to give you one more chance.”
Juliette looked at her in total confusion. “Seriously?”
Nodding solemnly, Vanessa explained as she picked up a folder. “This client is possibly the nicest person in the entire entertainment industry. He’s the poster boy for good behavior and being a great guy.”
Ugh…she’d believe that when she saw it.
“I never wanted you to work with him because you’re too jaded, and I was always worried that your head would completely explode if you had to be around him for too long. He’s that upbeat and cheerful.”
“O-kay…then why now? If you’re looking for me to dig myself a hole too deep to get out of, then I’ll have to say thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather you fire me now than be the person who damages some little ray of sunshine’s reputation.”
Vanessa groaned. “Seriously, why are you like this? I’m offering you a chance at redemption, Jules. This is a lifeline, and I strongly suggest you take a good long look at yourself and take it.”
“Um…”
“Take the next week to get your head on straight and perhaps pull it out of your ass. This is your last chance. Prestige can’t afford to cover for you and your attitude anymore.”
“Hey!”
“We’ve known each other far too long for me to have to sugarcoat this for you. Stop being a downer, a brat, and…for lack of a better word, a bitch. Find something to be happy about. Put on your big girl panties, put a smile on your face, and play nice with the client.”
“Fine. Who is it and what does it entail?”
Smiling, Vanessa typed something on her laptop and then turned the screen toward her. “Simon Bennett. Singer, songwriter, and quite possibly the nicest guy in America.”
“Okay, but what does he need us for?”
“Simon’s going to be the focus of a documentary. His label wants it done. After the success of Taylor Swift’s tour film and Beyoncé’s, his label wants to do something similar. Obviously he’s not as big of a name—yet—but they’re hoping this film is going to be the thing to get him to the next level.”
Nodding, she kept staring at his picture. He was definitely good-looking and you could tell by his smile that he’s having a great time, but if he’s such a wonderful person, Juliette didn’t understand why he needed her—which is what she asked Vanessa.
“It seems like Simon’s not as eager to do this as everyone naturally thought he’d be. He’s doing it, but…he needs someone to sort of keep him on task and hold his hand.”
“Sounds like he needs an assistant.”
“No, he needs someone who knows the business and will oversee everything to make sure he’s being portrayed the way he wants to be. Someone who can make sure his brand isn’t negatively affected, while helping him see how great this opportunity is.”
The bark of laugher was out before she could stop it. “And you honestly think that person is me?” Another laugh. “Van, come on! Now I know you’re setting me up to fail!”
“I’m really not,” she countered. “I think someone like you—someone who can be firm but respectful—might be exactly what Simon needs. And now that you know what’s on the line for you, I think you’ll work extra hard to make this happen.”
Juliette instantly sobered. “I don’t know. I realize I need to put on my poker face and be more hands-on. And maybe not sleep as much,” she mumbled. “This guy sounds like my biggest nightmare. I can handle divas. I can handle jerks who get too handsy. But someone who’s all…you know…everything is great and everyone’s super? I’m not sure I can fake it that much, Van.” Pausing, she sighed. “Look, I know my strengths and weaknesses, and I swear I’m willing to put in the work to repair the damage I’ve done. It’s just that…”
Thought you weren’t going to beg, dummy.
“There has to be someone else, Van. I don’t want to be the person who brings down America’s sweetheart.”
Vanessa closed the computer and smiled serenely. “Then don’t. You’re due in Asheville, North Carolina, one week from today. I’ll email you the itinerary.”
“But…”
“And don’t pack like a diva. You’ll be on the road for at least the next six to eight weeks. Make sure you bring your passport, just in case. I’ve heard that Simon sometimes gets impulsive and likes to jet off to Europe.”
“Vanessa…” she whined.
“You and I both know you can do this. It’s time to stop being negative and start realizing how freaking awesome you are! You’re not that kid anymore, Jules. You proved them all wrong. Now go out there and show the world that I made the right decision with you. Don’t let me down.”
Dammit.
Rising, she smoothed a hand over her skirt. “Fine,” she grumbled. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“That’s the spirit!” They both laughed, but Juliette’s was more mirthless than anything else. And if her history was anything to go by, she’d be looking for a new job by the end of the month.
The sun was shining, the weather was glorious, and it was honestly a fabulous day to be alive.
There were only a few weeks left before his tour resumed, and Simon Bennett vowed to make the most of every second. The house he was renting up in the Blue Ridge Mountains had a spectacular view and was more peaceful than he could have imagined. When his brother Noah had recommended this as the spot to get away from it all, he’d been doubtful. But now that he was here? It was going to be hard to leave.
Of course, it wasn’t exactly a relaxing vacation. He’d come here to get some writing done for the next album and it was the perfect opportunity to take a break from the tour and not hear about the documentary that was going to start filming once they got back on the road.
Normally, he was the most agreeable guy in the world. If there was a chance something was going to bring his fans joy or help his career, he was fully on board. But this film was just…it wasn’t something he wanted to do. This wasn’t just a fluff piece where it was just him up on stage singing—like he originally thought it was—now they wanted a deep dive into his life.
And there were certain things, and specifically certain people, he preferred to keep out of the equation.
Like everything before he went on the reality show that launched him into superstardom.
Being the third runner-up on America’s Next Singing Sensation had opened doors for him he never thought he’d walk through. And up until now, that was where his story began. In every interview he’d ever done, they all asked about auditioning for the show and everything that followed. Now, that was going to change, and he wasn’t happy about it.
And Simon was always happy.
Always.
Every day was a gift, and he knew that from experience. So he’d made it his mission to live with appreciation for everything he had and gratitude for the musical talent he’d been blessed with. And if he could spread joy to the people around him on a daily basis, then even better.
“Knock, knock! Simon? Are you up?”
The house he was renting had a guest house where his assistant, Nikki, was staying with her partner and their son. Originally, he had planned to go away by himself and take the time to write and regroup, but when Nikki found the house for him, she had gushed about how she had always wanted to see the mountains. So naturally, he made that happen for her.
