Page 52 of Extended Bridge

She points at the stage. “What do you see out there?”

My gaze snags on the lead singer, standing with his back to Coop, who’s making love to his guitar. “Well, Bennett’s wearing his signature black leather pants, with a T-shirt over top that has some sort of geometric print on it, with his bracelets, rings, and his ever-present UC pendant on a necklace. Coop has on a pair of ripped jeans and white T-shirt under an open button-down, boots, sunglasses, and his hoop earrings. I can see a flash of his UC necklace at the top of his chest.”

“Nice description of their outfits.” Nese leans closer to me. “Let me tell you what I see. I see the leader of the band, UC’s singer, capturing everyone’s attention because of the sexy leather cuddling his muscular legs. He’s highlighting the guitarist, whose ripped jeans catch the light ‘just so’ to expose his thigh to the audience, teasing them with the possibility of what could be.”

“Oh wow. You dress them to seduce the audience.”

“Damn straight. Haven’t you heard that sex sells?” Her big laugh punctuates her description.

I take in the rest of the band’s attire. Río plays drumssansshirt as usual—from this vantage point he could be naked, although I do remember gym shorts underneath. Pierce’s muscular arms bulge out of the tight shirt tucked into his jeans held up with Darren’s studded belt. Even Tristan’s boy-next-door vibe is amped up by the multiple necklaces around his neck.

“You’re a genius.”

Her white teeth beam at me. “Not a genius. Only accentuating what I have to work with and subliminally projecting it forward.”

We watch the show for a while. Nese tags my shoulder with hers. “So, anything more to share with your UC bestie about you and the sexy green-eyed beast onstage?”

My gaze travels to Bennett. The leather pants mold against his body, outlining every part of his musculature. Perhaps they’re not the best choice after all? Shaking my head, I notice he’s highlighting Pierce on bass. While I know he doesn’t like the spotlight, Bennett’s forcing him to interact, and I have to admit he’s doing a great job.

Nese nudges me again.

“Huh?” I turn my head. “Do you think the pants are too tight on him?”

She bursts out laughing. “I ask you how things are developing between you two and your response is to ask about hispants?”

Heat rises up my neck. My palm covers my wayward mouth. “I’m sorry. You were fishing for information about me and Bennett?”

“Not anymore, girlie. Your response said it all.”

Crap. “Please keep it between us.”

“Don’t worry. And, no. The leather encases his body to perfection but not in a lewd way. Your man is hot. With a capital H-O-T.”

Is he my man? “I’m not sure he’s mine though, Nese. Look at him out there. That’s a different man from the one I know doing physical therapy. He’s enticing everyone in the crowd to either be him or jump him.” My finger taps my lips. “I don’t know this man.”

Her pixie cut flows around her head. “He’sdonned his public mask. The one he wears whenever he’s onstage. I’m betting around you he drops it altogether. Then he’s only Bennett.”

I let her description sink in. Part of me is thrilled that she thinks he’s himself around me. Another part feels sad that he has to hide behind a mask at all. Although, I do remember watching him put his mask on before a gig. “Do you wear a mask in public?”

“No. Then again, I’m not hounded by the paparazzi and don’t have my every move scrutinized.” Her whole body turns to mine. “Tell me, are you the same woman in front of reporters as you are right now?”

I remember the hordes of photographers hounding me at my clinic or my house. “Well, no. Because they don’t deserve to know what’s going on in my life. You do.” I consider what I’ve said. “So, you’re basically saying Bennett’s had to learn how to protect himself and the way he does it is with this mask.”

“Precisely.”

If he weren’t performing in front of thousands at this very moment, I would give him the biggest hug. “That sounds terrible.”

“But necessary. He has to protect himself. They all do.”

“Makes me glad to be a physical therapist.”

“I hear you. I’ll style them all day long, but don’t put me out in front of the cameras. No thank you.” The music takes us away. When the song ends, she asks, “Are you going to come out with us tonight?”

“I’m not sure. It’s been a long day.” She’s given me so much to consider. “I’d like to get some quality sleep tonight.” So long as I stay on my bus and away from the man hamming it up in front of thousands of people.

“Well, think about it. I, for one, would love to party with you. You haven’t joined us in a while. Besides, I’m sure he would too.” Her chin juts toward Bennett. “Well, I’d better get their encore clothes ready for their change. See you in a bit.” She disappears behind black curtains that always are backstage.

My mind runs over what I’ve learned tonight. Bennett’s mask.Nese’s costumes. I’m finally freed from any bonds to Darren—am I ready to dive back into an even deeper pool?

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