Page 27 of Extended Bridge

I nod. “I saw your cheek twitch, which is one of your tells that you’re hiding pain. I know this isn’t the best solution, but it should get your point across without involving any twisting motions below the waist.”

From his perch above us, Río addresses us. “What’s going on below the waist?”

“Nothing, asshole,” Bennett shakes his head, although his smile betrays him. For my ears only, he adds, “The night’s still young.”

Once Río resumes his conversation with the rest of the band,after dropping a “that’s what she said” on us, I mutter, “It was an idea I had. We can put more meat on the bones during your PT session tomorrow, if you’d like.”

“I appreciate the fact you were thinking about me while I was performing.”

“Correction. I was thinking about your rehab and ways not to set it back.” Not telling him I was enjoying his show.Professional.

“You say tomato, I say tomaaato. Yeah, let’s go over this in therapy tomorrow. Which won’t happen before noon.” He stares at me, his green eyes daring me to object.

I don’t. “Sounds good.”

Following honking, random switching of lanes, and innumerable stops and starts, we pull up in front of a club with a line around the block. “We’re here,” Río announces. “Let’s go par-tay!”

I don’t think I ever had his energy.

The vehicle’s doors open and we pour out. Bennett offers me his hand to exit, which I gladly take due to the spikey-heeled boots Nese gave me. As soon as I’m on the sidewalk, though, I pull my hand free. Gentleman that he is, Bennett helps the stylist out as well. I will my heart to stop thundering.

Luke leads us, plus the people from the other SUVs, toward the front doors of the club, much to the shouted delight of the people in line. After all, it’s not every day they get to see their favorite band up close and personal. Río and Coop assess the crowd with more than a little interest.

“Guys, c’mon,” Luke waves us on. “Let’s get you inside.”

Elias, head of security, ushers us past bouncers, who appear unfazed by UC coming into their space, despite the raucous cheers from those in line. We’re escorted up the stairs into what I believe to be the VIP area, given my past experiences with Darren. Sofas and club chairs are set up around the periphery, allowing for a dance floor in the middle. The room is already three-quarters full, which should give me the ability to slip out in short order.

“Drink?” Bennett mimes holding a glass.

Not one for drinking, I shake my head. At his insistence, I relent, “Pinot.”

He nods and disappears behind me, to the bar we passed near the front. Nese wraps her arm around my middle and pulls me over to the group I was introduced to earlier today. It’s so loud in here, we can’t hear ourselves talk, which suits me fine. I don’t have the energy to people right now.

An alcove area, filled with comfy chairs, beckons. “I’m going to grab a seat,” I tell Nese, motioning with my chin.

“I’ll join you once I get my drink.”

With strides as long as the boots will allow, I make my way over to a chair and sink into it. Now comes the fun part—observing people. Those on the VIP dance floor capture my attention first, grooving to the music played by the DJ. As usual, I don’t know the artist, but they have a good rhythm and the crowd here seems to like it.

My gaze scans the rest of the room, where some people are hooking up either right out in the open—like Río—while others are in more discreet corners. From my experience, UC has always enjoyed this type of scene. Get drunk, dance, hook up. Rinse and repeat.

Not me. Give me a nice, quiet club where you can carry on a conversation despite the music any day. The rare times Darren took me to a jazz or blues club were my favorites. I sigh. Better prepare myself for these types of places for the next three months. The idea of any of these people going to a blues club is farcical.Or I could choose to stay on the bus.Wiser option.

“There you are.” Bennett cuts a path toward me, a glass of pinot noir in one hand and a tumbler with something amber in the other. He passes me the wine.

“Thank you. I just needed to get out of the melee for a bit.” I get to my booted feet. “Ready to mix and mingle?” Tonight’s for him, and I know this is what he wants to do. Besides, I’m outta here in forty-five.

“No.Let’s sit.”

To my surprise, Bennett sinks into the chair I was occupying.

To my utter distaste, at least three women plop down on the sofa next to him.

Not wanting to fight off the women vying to warm his bed tonight, while he knows it’s against his doctor’s orders, I move to the side. Women fawn all over him.

Needing a break, I tell him, “I need to use the restroom.”

“Hurry back.”

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