Page 62 of Extended Bridge

I’m overwhelmed. He’s laying himself bare, saying the things I’ve only dreamed of hearing. Why can’t I tell him he’s everything—and more—I’ve ever wanted? Why can’t I trust my feelings? Or his?

I lick my lips. “Bennett,” I pause to study his earnest face. “You’re important to me, and not only as my patient. I’ve broken every single rule there is with you.” I glance down. “Even now, we’re having this discussion while I’m naked and you’re shirtless.”

His nose nudges mine.

“I’m scared,” I whisper.

“Me too,” he replies.

“I can’t go through what I went through with Darren ever again.”

“I don’t have any intention of dying anytime soon.”

“Good.” I rest my forehead against his shoulder. “The media is brutal. I’m not sure how to stay above the fray.”

“Which is why UC has a PR team.”

“Ma—” I don’t finish this sentence. I don’t want him to know her true opinion of him. For some reason, the need to protect him overrides everything else. No, not forsomereason. I’m unable to cut him to the quick with another mother’s less than glowing opinion of him.

“Don’t worry. UC’s marketing machine will be on it.”

He completed my reference to “Ma” with “marketing.” His world doesn’t include any hint of a mother figure, while mine is my closest confidant. This makes my heart reach out to him.

When I don’t reply, he continues, “I want to be the man you can rely on at all times. To help your dreams come true in any way I can, and to cheer your successes from the sidelines. You care about me not because I’m UC’s lead singer or another rock star notch in your bedpost. In fact, these are demerits for you. I’ve never had anyone wiggle into this space in my heart.” His palm covers his left pec. “What else could this feeling be but love?”

My response sticks in my throat. His heartfelt confession almost breaks me, but I can’t bring myself to say what he wants to hear,what’s weighing on my tongue. Instead, I entwine our fingers and squeeze. “I can’t say what you want to hear.”

“Yet.” He kisses the back of my palm. “I know you love me, and I’ll wait forever to hear you say the line.”

Bennett’s tender words about waiting for me reverberate through my mind as the day progresses. As if by tacit agreement, our interactions are more lighthearted, although we’ve yet to watch ourGodfathermarathon for me to be proven right about the better of the two movies.

As soon as we sit down in a Chinese restaurant, Río challenges Pierce to a wonton throwing contest. Luke rubs his hands on the tabletop. “Guys, really?”

Ignoring their manager, Río picks up a crispy noodle, takes aim at Pierce’s open mouth, and tosses. It bounces off Pierce’s chin and lands on an empty plate, resulting in Pierce’s laughter—a sound I haven’t heard in ages. He fishes into the bowl and picks up another noodle to throw at Río. For his part, Coop cheers for Pierce while Tristan joins in by encouraging Río. Luke’s red cheeks give the impression he wants to crawl under the table. I glance at Bennett, who remains away from the game while more noodles are lobbed across the table.

He needs to participate, be part of their antics. Not keep himself so apart. Surprising myself, I shout, “You got this, Río!” The drummer points a noodle and tosses it at me, but it falls short.

Bennett’s head swivels from me to the guys. Tristan and I clap as Río scores and Pierce chews. After a couple more unsuccessful rounds, Bennett leans on his sexy forearms. “C’mon 007, show ‘em what you’ve got!”

Happiness bursts through my veins as he joins the band’s harmless antics. For his part, Pierce does a double take at Bennett, sets his sights on the drummer, and gets the noodle directly into Río’s mouth.He, plus his UC supporters, cheer. Bennett actually lets go and laughs.

When the game finishes—Pierce beat Río by one point—Bennett punches the winner’s arm. “Well played, 007.”

“Helped having you in my corner.” The two smile at each other. Warmth spreads through my limbs.

The server arrives and all mischief ends as the serious business of refueling begins. Banter around the table is light and easy. Bennett joins more conversations tonight than I’ve ever witnessed. He’s receptive, and the guys seem excited for his participation.

When the last wonton is devoured, Luke clears his throat. “Guys, I wanted to talk with you aboutUntamed Coaster Unleashed.” The table goes silent. “The movie’s going to be number one in the world for the fourth straight week in a row.”

Everyone claps. Bennett kisses me, hard, on the lips.

“I’ve tasked the PR team to hype the movie, so don’t be too surprised if reporters want an interview or two.”

“That’s one interview I’ll be happy to sit for,” Bennett pronounces.

I consider his words—plus his desire to win a best original song award. Seems like the right time to poke the bear. “Hey Luke,” the weight of a dozen eyes land on me. “What do you think it would take for ‘Refocused Destiny’ to win an Oscar for best song?”

Bennett’s hand lands on top of my thigh. I don’t turn my head, simply lean forward to hear the manager’s answer. Luke says, “I’m sure it would take some campaigning, but if you’d all like, I can see what needs to be done.”

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