Page 79 of Extended Bridge

“Not hanging out, but I want to give it more airtime. Humor me.”

I do, then resist the urge to keep my hands in front of my chest.

“Perfect. Now, which shoes?” I don’t answer her, simply let her circle the options I left on the floor. “None of these will do. Wait here.” She scampers away.

I stand in front of the full-length mirror. The black bra, which was barely visible before all the unbuttoning, is now on full display. Not in a raunchy way. It actually makes me feel sort of hot. In a Jenna way, of course.

“Here. Try these on.”

A clunky pair of combat boots bang on the floor, and my gaze flies up to hers. “You do see what I’m wearing, right?”

“Oh yes. I do, and so will everyone else when I’m done with you. Now put them on.”

Putting on a pair of socklets, I walk over to a chair and slide my feet into the boots. Wiggling my ankles, I’m shocked at how comfortable they feel.

“Stand up. I need the full effect.”

I get to my feet, then do a slow twirl at her direction. Nese claps. “Girl, no one’s going to call you anything other than motherfucking hot when they see you tonight.”

My cheeks flush. Guess you don’t get to be the stylist for a group of guys without having their foul expressions rub off on you.

I glance down. “Are you sure this all works together?”

“Only two things are out of place now—your hair and makeup.Lucky for you, we’ve got that covered too, and they’ll be excited to have a new head to work on. Go see the artists in the back and come back when you’re done. I think you’re my favorite masterpiece.” I turn to head out when she stops me. “I need a photo!” She takes like a million pictures of me and us. “Now go. I can’t wait to see the band’s reaction when you’re done. Make sure you let me introduce you to them, got it?”

“You deserve one hundred percent of the credit for this outfit.” When I realize I haven’t given one thought to Michelle or Lissa or the speech that may or may not happen tonight, I give her a fierce hug. “Thank you for this, Nese. It means the world to me.”

“You’re amazing. Don’t let anyone try to make you feel otherwise.” She sends me to hair and makeup.

After I’ve been powdered and eyelined and curled and primped and prodded more than I thought imaginable, I’m ready to go back to The Closet and present myself to Nese. All the women back here have complimented my outfit, yet I still can’t help but feel out of my element.

I stand in the hallway, out of sight of the crew and roadies hustling to prepare for tonight’s concert. From inside The Closet, I hear the band laughing. Even Pierce. It has to be a good sign, right?

On this hopeful thought, I text Nese that I’m ready and waiting. A couple of minutes later, she bursts through the door, stopping on a dime. “Holy. Shit.”

My cheeks half inflate. “Is that a good holy shit or a bad one?”

“A fucking great one. Turn around.” I comply. “You’re perfection. I can’t wait until Bennett gets his eyes on you. All of UC, for that matter.” She tugs on my arm. “Walk behind me. I get to do the grand reveal.”

I’m swept up in her element. Inside The Closet, I remain behind her, holding her hand. All around us, the guys keep going about their business. “Hey guys,” Nese says.

They keep talking.

She clears her throat and tries again, to no avail. I squeeze herhand, but she shakes her head. A second later, she brings her right hand to her mouth and whistles loud enough to alert the concertgoers on the other side of the stadium.

At least she gets her wish. All eyes are on her.

“That’s better. I want to show off my latest work of genius.”

She moves to the side, leaving me alone in front of the band. I force my hands to remain at my sides and not to shift my weight between my feet. It’s not easy.

“Take me to school with you, Jenna!” Río’s the first out of the gate.

Coop quips, “I can be your teacher.”

“Looking fine, Miss Westfield,” Tristan adds, ever the gentleman.

Bennett steps forward, cutting off the peanut gallery’s comments. He doesn’t say a word, merely advances toward me in his body-hugging leather pants. I need to thank Nese for this gift—as does all womankind.

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