Page 81 of Extended Bridge

Luke says, “Five minutes.”

Bennett’s entire being rises and falls. “Never enough time.” We remain locked together for a couple more minutes, until he steps back. “Make sure you’re backstage in my line of sight. I need your spirit with me. Oh, and 007 has agreed to join us on stage tonight when we talk with the audience.”

My body sags in relief. “I want to thank him.” Bennett bows his head, and I leave my man to approach the bassist. “Pierce.”

He turns to me, his light blue gaze a chilling winter blast. “Hey.”

I swallow. He’s not going to make this easy for me. “I, uh, wanted to thank you for agreeing to address the audience tonight. I’m not self-centered enough to think you’re doing it for me, but it means the world to Bennett that you’re standing up for him.”

“Yeah, well, no matter what, he’s my brother.”

I’m not going to push him anymore. I lean forward and give him in a hug—which he doesn’t reciprocate. I’m fine with that. “Thank you.”

Our awkward moment ends when the band’s called to huddle in The Closet. Without looking at me, Pierce joins the rest of them for their pre-show ritual, which ends with a collective whoop. Then they bound toward the stage.

I use this time to gather my scattered wits. I walk over to the curtained area to gather my discarded clothes. My cell shows one missed call from Ma. Not going to return it since I have a concert to attend, so I shoot her off a text that we’ll talk tomorrow. Leaving everything, including my phone together with all of the bands’ stuff in a pile on a chair, I enter backstage and am rewarded when UC plays their first song to the crowd.

I inhale the buzz. The speech tonight will clear the air, it has to. The press release will take care of Michelle at home. I should listen to Court and Nese and trust the system. Everything will be all right from this point forward.

It has to.

Chapter Twenty

The guys are more amped up for this concert than I’ve ever seen them. Bennett’s still careful with how he stalks on the stage—because there’s no other way to describe his sexy prowling movements—yet he continues to interact with his fans. The women in the front rows, in particular, seem to appreciate his spending a bit more time with them than in the past.

He turns around, giving the audience the delightful view of his leather-clad butt while beaming at me. In this moment, we’re connected. United. It’s us against the world...and I feel sorry for the world.

Nudging my chin toward the crowd behind him, I break our connection. He blows me a kiss and spins toward the front of the stage—with care, of course.

Jeb strolls up to my side, his tatted arms on full display given he’s wearing an Untamed Coaster tank top. “They’re looking great out there.”

I face the mountain of a man. “They are.”

One of his arms disappears behind his back. “I wanted to thankyou for your suggestions. My back isn’t hurting as much as it was. The other crewmembers also appreciate them.”

My heart warms. This is why I became a physical therapist from the beginning. To help people. “I’m glad.”

“Do you have any more suggestions? I know you’re not my doctor or anything, but your tips help so much.”

Remembering how embarrassed he was at our first meeting, his asking for more help seems to come easier. “I may have a couple of more exercises for you to try.” I touch the middle of his back. “Does it hurt here?”

“No, it’s lower. To the side.”

I touch where he indicates and nod. “I definitely can help you out.” My hand drops. “Remember, though, the exercises I’m giving you are only for you. If any of your friends need help, please ask them to see me. Especially if they’re not hurt exactly where you are.” I know I’m supposed to stay focused on my singular, sexy patient, but how can I not help someone in need?

After giving him a few more strengthening exercises, we watch as the band finishes up their set. At least working with Jeb helped pass the time so I didn’t obsess over what’s coming up next. Namely, me.

“Thanks so much, Jenna. I don’t care what those rags publish about you, you’re A-OK in my book.”

On impulse, I give him a hug, stretching to my tip toes.

“Uh, oh. Boss Man’s giving us all sorts of evil eye. Better skedaddle.”

Before I can protest, Jeb’s disappeared into the darkness. I cross my arms over my chest and glare at Bennett. For his part, he sets his jaw. He doesn’t get to dictate who I speak with—or even hug.

The rest of the band surrounds him and they wave to the crowd. Knowing what’s about to happen, I need to lighten the air between us, even if we’re the only two people aware of what went down. When our gazes meet again, I lift my miniskirt to show off the black panties Nese provided, rocking my hips back and forth. From the smile gracing his face, I’d say that did the trick.

Good thing because the guys stay on the stage rather than race back here to change for the encore. My brain stutters seeing all five men standing there.

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