Page 24 of Extended Bridge

Bennett, now shirtless and dry, smiles at me. Guess he used his tank top as a towel. “Enjoying yourself?”

“I am. You guys are killing it.” He’s on a performance high, like all the band must be. Having thousands of people adoring you has to unleash rampant endorphins.

“High praise.” A crew member hands him a bottle of water, which he opens. His Adam’s apple bobs as he drinks the entire thing, some droplets landing on his chest. So much for the makeshift towel. I could offer my tongue as tribute.

“How long’s the encore?”

“We do another three songs, ending with ‘Crushing Blow.’”

Darren’s song. Which, ifUntamed Coaster Unleashedwas accurate, includes some new runs by Tristan. “Oh. Great.”

“It’s our most difficult song to play, but still so popular. We like to put it at the end to honor Darren.”

“I’m sure he’s playing along with you all up in heaven.”

“That’s what we think too.” Luke calls for him, and he gives a wave. “Gotta run.”

“Walk,” I chide.

His hand reaches toward me and I suck in my breath, awaiting our long-denied contact. I’m going to have to wait longer as he drops his arm to his side. “Not wasting my one and only hug when I don’t have time to savor it.” He stalks toward the band.

My heart hammers.

Working as aprofessionalphysical therapist to this man is going to be the biggest challenge of my life.

Chapter Seven

UC’s entrance backstage is announced by their fans’ screams bouncing off the walls. The band high fives each other. Río exclaims, “That was better than last night!”

“Friday nights always rock,” Bennett pronounces.

“They sure do,” Luke agrees. “You guys were amazing tonight.”

Coop says, “That’s because we got our opening night jitters out of the way. I, for one, am ready to party it out. Who’s with me?” All of them agree. “Alright, let’s get changed and meet back here in thirty. New York City isn’t going to know what hit it tonight!”

“Leave the leather pants in The Closet, Bennett,” Río admonishes. “We don’t want to cause another incident.”

“Hey,” Bennett fake scowls. “Not my fault.” The five of them erupt in laughter, including Bennett, holding his sides.

I’m wondering what that scenario was about when Bennett snaps his fingers in front of my face. “You’re joining us.” It’s a statement, not a question.

I don’t want to be in his orbit when the pheromones are flying this high. “I’m kinda tired.”

“Oh no, you don’t. You can’t make me do all those exercises at theass crack of dawn and refuse to join us for some fun now.” He crosses his arms, causing the muscles of his tattooed biceps to bulge over his still naked chest. Which leads downward to the aforementioned leather pants.

My tongue swishes in my mouth. “Noon is not the ‘ass crack’ of dawn.”

“Whatever. Come out with us.”

If he doesn’t lower his flexing arms soon, I might be forced to climb him like a tree.Professional. However, the opportunity to be around a group of people so high on life is appealing. Especially considering the most exciting thing to happen in Aroostook over the past years has been the opening of a new Sephora.

“I suppose one night won’t kill me.”

He raises his arms in the air, causing his lean torso to dance. “Now it’s a party. Stay here, I’m going to change.”

Too curious for my own good, I blurt, “What happened with your leather pants and an ‘incident’ before?”

His hands settle on his waistband. “You need to earn the rights to the story.” With a laugh, he disappears toward The Closet.

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