Page 15 of Extended Bridge

“If that’s all I’m allowed.” His palm skims near my overheated cheek, not quite touching. “Then I’ll wait until we’re alone.” He steps away, and it takes all my concentration to remain upright.

I press into the corner, willing my boneless legs to support my body. When I’ve regained my equilibrium, I walk past Bennett as if I don’t have a care in the world. “Make sure you ice it.”

“What? Aren’t you going to help me with it?”

“I have faith in you.”

“Will you be at sound check? I don’t practice my moves then, but I am onstage and you never know what could happen.”

I stop. Is this a challenge? Should I be there, as his therapist? Isupposehe could get himself into some sort of mischief, especially if he’s looking for it. Twirling toward him, I ask, “What time?”

His gaze bounces between the clock and me. “Starts in an hour. I’d definitely like you to stay and meet everyone. Plus, Luke and I are interviewing guitar tech candidates and I seem to remember your wanting to see what our process is, to help yours.”

Dammit. How can he be so sweet when my mind is still in the fog he created? “Thank you.” In order to keep any semblance of an upper hand between us, I take even steps to leave the gym with my head held as high as possible.

Even if my entire body screams to rush back to him.

Chapter Five

Istand off to the side of the stage, watching UC do their sound check in the famed Madison Square Garden. None of them are wearing their rock star gear. Not a ring or guyliner or whiff of hairspray. (Be that as it may, Río’s still not sporting a shirt.) It’s just five guys on a massive stage, ensuring their music will reach all the ears at tonight’s concert.

Up there with their buds, rocking out.

Could be in a garage or on this stage—a group of talented men doing what they love. I can only imagine how their fans would react to such an intimate look at their heroes. My heart pings.

I push these sappy feelings to the side and examine Bennett’s movements at the microphone. He’s being careful not to exacerbate his injury, which is good. My vision slides over to the keyboard, where Tristan plays.

In my mind’s eye, Darren’s there. Laughing and hamming it up and hitting the keys. His beautiful smile gleams at his bandmates. His brothers.

Over the loudspeaker, a discombobulated voice says, “Think we almost got it, guys.”

Onstage, they stop playing. My eyelids blink in double time and I’m returned to the present where Río stands from behind the drum kit and lumbers to Coop, who punches Pierce on his shoulder. Tristan joins the group, and someone laughs. Probably Río. Bennett stands among the guys. Not friends, my ass.

“So, Jenna, right?” A male voice asks from my right side.

I turn and am greeted by a mountain of a man. As tall as he is wide, with tattoos on both sleeves. Hoping he’s on the side of good, I reply, “That’s me.” I extend my right hand and we shake.

“I’m part of the crew. Name’s Jeb.”

Good, then. “Nice to meet you, Jeb. What are you responsible for?”

He points to his chest. “I’m on staging. We do setup and breakdown for all the guys’ concerts.”

I examine the stage, with catwalks that extend above the audience. “What you’re saying is you really don’t have too much to do?”

He chuckles. “Oh, a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” He rubs his massive chest. “So, I heard you’re Bennett’s personal physical therapist.”

Supposedly confidential news travels fast. “I’ve been hired to help him rehab an injury.”

He places his palms on his back. Glancing around the venue, he lowers his voice, “Do you have any suggestions about how I could strengthen my back? I pulled it while we were setting up.”

My therapist antennae spring up. As I can tell Jeb’s embarrassed about his injury, I need to address his question with care. “Back injuries must happen often in your line of work.” His nod encourages me to continue. “I can give you some exercises to do before you report for a shift, which should help strengthen your back. I also can provide you with some things to do at the gym on the regular to address your back muscles.”

His eyes widen. “You could do that for me?”

“Of course.” I pull out my phone. “What’s your number? I’ll send you a suggested gym workout.” He gives me his digits and I text himmine. “Give me a couple of hours and I’ll text you some exercises. Feel free to reach out with any questions.”

“Appreciate it.” The teddy bear of a man envelops me in a big hug.

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