Page 44 of Extended Bridge

Unfortunately, Bennett has other ideas. I’m not ten feet away before he yells, “Jenna. Hold up.”

Am I ready to face him and hear what Darren’s mother said? Fight off my attraction to the too-sexy man whose kisses—and more—bounce in my mind? With Darren’s consent, can I do this? My feet stall and I spin to see Bennett walking toward me at an even gait.

“Hey there. Have a nice afternoon with Tris?”

Not the opening line I expected, but I go with it. “I did, actually. He’s a really nice guy. I’m happy you all chose him to replace Darren. He has mad skills, true, but he also brings an even pace to the band. I like him.”

“He’s good people. I feel like what you see is what you get with him. I appreciate his honesty.”

When he doesn’t say anything more, I decide to jump right into the deep end. “How was your visit?”

“It was good. Sad. She’s still mourning her son’s loss, as I expect she’ll do for the rest of her life. His sister was there too and they’re picking up the pieces and moving on. His mother wants to start a music scholarship in Darren’s name.”

My eyebrows go up. “This is a great idea. I’m sure Darren would’ve loved it.”

“Yeah. Me too. Luke’s going to take care of it from our end. We hope to have it ready to go by the end of the tour.”

In about a year. “Sounds good.”

Under his breath, he mumbles, “Still not hugging you,” right before he grabs my hand. “Momma Hilliard also gave me stern advice to stay away from you. Said you’ll only bring discord to the band.”

Because my breath is shallow, I whisper, “What did you say?”

Bennett takes my other hand. “I told her that you’re my physical therapist. Reminded her of the fantastic job you did with Darren, rehabbing his wrist, and that you’re helping me heal.” He squeezes and a shock only he can give me races through my arms. “I also told her to ignore the magazines. You’re no more of a black widow than any of us for not noticing Darren’s addiction.”

My breathing accelerates with his every confession. Not tomention his acceptance of his non-role in Darren’s overdose. “How did she take it?”

“Marni, his sister,” at my nod he continues, “Scolded their mother, saying she was being unfair.”

The fact his sister defended me fills me with warmth. I nod, my gaze glued to our joined hands. “Still. His mother wants me gone.”

“No.”

My head bounces upward.

“Luke explained your role, while Coop said you’re a steadying influence on me.” He smirks. “Río added that you elevate the whole crew, and he’s happy you’re back with the band.”

“I can’t believe it.” I take his words in. “What did Pierce say?”

He squeezes my hands again. “Even 007 refused to badmouth you the way Darren’s mother wanted. Not going to lie, our bassist isn’t your biggest fan, but he did say you know physical therapy.”

Much more than I could have hoped for, especially after our interaction at breakfast. “Wow.”

“So you see, we’re all happy you’re here. With us. On tour. No matter what our former bandmate’s mother says. I also think her days of talking with the press are over.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you said to her. I’ve never been her favorite person.”

“She had some choice words for me about you.” Still holding both my hands, his knees bend so we’re eye-to-eye. “I’m not letting her get between us, Jenna. What we have needs to be explored.”

His declaration worms into my heart. The way he defended me to Darren’s mother proves he has so much love to give. After everything that happened onstage with Darren, I realize I need to be the one to unleash it.

He waits for me to process everything. I offer his hands a tentative squeeze. “I agree.”

Green eyes become wider. “Let’s go inside my bus. What I want to do to you isn’t fit for public consumption.”

I trail him up the stairs. I’m tired offighting him.

Others.

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