Page 31 of Mic Drop

“Hey. I was a seventeen-year-old with a bunch of chicks hanging off me because of the band. I also had been dumped by my high school girlfriend, lost my dad, and didn’t want anything to do with starting up something serious again. Groupies came in handy.”

“I bet.”

A wolfish grin takes over my face. “Will you be my groupie-wife?”

“A what? No!”

“Fine. Then how about simply my wife?” She hasn’t answered my very important question yet.

Her gray gaze roams over my face. “Yes.”

I capture her lips in a kiss, trying to take away some of the pain of her mother’s situation as well as celebrating our love. Talk about living in divergent universes. After too short of a time, I break away. I need to get to the airstrip soon, meaning there’s no time to get revved up.

Something she said before clicks. “Did you mention something about theRecord News?”

Her fingers spring over her swollen lips. “Huh? Oh, yes. Court texted that this reporter, Jeremy Davis, wants to meet with me about the whole Black Widow ridiculousness.”

“He’s a good guy. Are you going to do it?”

“I think I might.”

I kiss her once more. “At the risk of pushing my nose where it isn’t wanted, the UC PR team is at your disposal.” I hold my breath, hoping for a better reply than the last time I suggested this.

She plays with her hair again. “Aren’t they going to have their hands full with Lissa’s story?”

“They can multitask.”

“You won’t think any less of me if I take you up on your offer?”

Relieved she’s actually weighing my offer this time, I rush to reply, “No way. I’d think you’re even smarter by considering help. With your mother, you have a full plate.”

“Maybe I’ll reach out to them.”

I know how much this has to cost her. I’m kissing her as my phone alarm goes off. “Jenna, I would stay here if I could. Please know this. I have to get to the UC show in New Orleans, where I’ll ask the PR team to get in touch with you. Spend as much time with your mother as you can.” We kiss again. “And don’t forget to let me know what happens with Jeremy Davis.”

“Thank you, Bennett. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

“You will never have to.”

After I lock up, I walk her to her car and make sure she’s all right to drive. After one last lingering kiss, she leaves and I duck into the car service, which takes me to UC’s private jet. I’ve never been this grateful to have a jet at my disposal.

“Hello again, Mr. Hardy. We’ll get you to New Orleans in no time. Our pilot told me we shouldn’t have any turbulence, so sit down and enjoy the flight. What can I bring you to drink?”

I confirm my recollection of her name with her nametag. “Thanks, Ashley. Please call me Bennett. I’d love a Manhattan, if you can make one?”

“Of course. We’ll get underway shortly, and I’ll bring it right over.”

Following Ashley’s advice, I sit in the leather chair and buckle my seatbelt for takeoff. My mind bounces through all of the events of today. One thing is for sure—this was the most productive trip I’ve ever taken.

Once we’re airborne, Ashley brings my drink and I retreat into my thoughts. About Faith, and how she’s accepting her fate, however awful it is. About Jenna, and how she’s letting go of the things she can’t control. Plus, accepting the expertise of UC’s PR team.

I pull out the new cell and text Luke about having the PR team help Jenna. Gotta love traveling by private jet, where telephone restrictions don’t exist.

In the silence, it hits me full force. I’m going to be a husband. More to the point, Jenna’s husband. I somehow managed to get thisamazing woman to fall in love with me. By saying yes, she’s agreed to stay with me forever. Something no one else has ever done for me.

My phone pings with an incoming text.

JENNA

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