Page 37 of Extended Bridge

My entire body sags in relief. His muscle isn’t ready for such a leap, even if he’s feeling no pain at the moment. Adrenaline and all.

I watch as the guys come together in the middle of the stage and bow. The audience is wild, screaming and clapping for their idols. I don’t blame them. The band was next level tonight.

Following more waves, they exit and return backstage. Once again, a wall of amped-up testosterone precedes their actual bodies. They’re laughing and fist-bumping. Río and Bennett seem to be in deep conversation, which I observe from afar. The way Río leans in toward Bennett, punches his shoulder, and throws his head back speaks louder than words. Without a doubt, Río believes they’re friends. If not good friends.

This interaction, plus my conversation with Luke earlier, leads me to believe Bennett’s absolutely wrong. The band is a tight-knit group of friends.

I’m drawn to watch Coop, Tristan, and Pierce. As with Río and Bennett, they also high-five. Tristan even puts Pierce in a headlock, which surprises me. If they can accept the quote-unquote new guy—especially Darren’s best friend—my belief in their friendship with Bennett is cemented.

I trail UC into The Closet, where Nese stands at the ready to hand out after-party attire. Eyes shining, Bennett approaches me. “Come out with us.”

“Not tonight. We have a big day tomorrow, between therapy and traveling to Philly. I need to get some rest.”

“Sleep is overrated.”

He strips off his second wet T-shirt. Trying to maintain some degree of propriety, I turn my head. Only to see Río across the room in only his underwear. Next to him, Coop’s stripping off his shirt while Tristan’s pulling a clean one over his head. Are all these men exhibitionists? I spin in Bennett’s direction. His hand is at the fly of his leather pants.

My eyes climb to the ceiling. “Geez. Are all of you not shy?”

Bennett laughs. “It’s usually only us guys getting changed, and we’ve seen it all.” His hands drop to his thighs. “With you and Nese around, though, perhaps we should be more careful.” He walks away from me. From the center of the room, he announces, “Guys. There are ladies in here. Maybe we shouldn’t strip?”

Río’s “Yeah, right!” comes hard on the heels of Luke’s, “Good luck with that.”

Bennett raises his hands. “Only a suggestion.”

Damn if the man doesn’t lower his zipper. My cheeks become hot, and I spin to offer him my back.

In my ear, a tenor whispers, “Nothing you haven’t seen before.”

“Mistake,” I strangle out. “Never again.” I manage to say this over my body’s begging to turn around and wrestle him to the floor. His deep chuckle flies through every bone in my body.

After a minute, Bennett announces, “You can turn around. I’m decent again.”

I suck in air and turn toward him. His long legs are now covered in a pair of dark jeans with holes strategically placed. This man could make a garbage bag look good.

“Do I meet with your approval?”

My eyelids close.

“You sure do meet mine. Did anyone tell you how sexy you look in that outfit?”

Hardly. I’m in a pair of black jeans and simple top. My hand skims my hips. With my gaze locked on the floor, I reply, “Ma gave me these for my birthday.”

Because I’m staring at the floor, I can see his boots take a step closer. “I like them. But I like you more.”

My chest rises and falls. “You can’t keep saying this stuff to me.” I count the scuffs on the tile floor.

“I’m only saying the truth.” When I don’t move, he shuffles closer. “Another truth is I’d prefer to see those jeans on my bedroom floor. And then I’d like to take off your panties with my teeth. Caress your?—”

I raise my hand. “Stop.” My head pops up, only to realize he’s less than a foot away. “You can’t do this. We can’t do this.”

“Maybe it’s exactly what we should do. No one has ever made me feel like you do, Jenna. You hear me, and not only the notes I sing in front of thousands. No one knows about my mother. How she treats me. No. One. Else. And you don’t judge me on it.”

This poor, beautiful man who’s only known hardness and abandonment is being vulnerable to me in a sea of humanity. He’s so loved, if only he could accept it. From Luke. Río. The other guys as well.

“I’m impressed by what you’ve overcome.”

Big green eyes blink, masking his embarrassment and pain.

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