Page 69 of Extended Bridge

“No, of course not. I told him not to take another until the next night, at the earliest.”

“See?” Bennett jumps in. “That’s all the truth we need.”

I manage to staunch the flow of tears. “The truth doesn’t matter. Whatever sells.”

The room’s silent. I use this time to even out my breathing and slip off Bennett’s lap. My being a diversion has run its course. Thank God I kept my stupid feelings to myself.

Before I can repeat my decision to leave, Luke says, “You just gave me a great idea, Jenna. I need to get the band here for everyone’s input.” He picks up his phone and starts tapping. “They’ll be here soon.”

“It’s like three in the morning.” More proof this isn’t my reality.

Bennett laughs. “You’re with rock stars, Sweetheart. This is midday to us.”

“Unless you want to meet with the band in only a T-shirt.” Luke points to me. “Or half-dressed”—he points to Bennett—“you two should get cleaned up.”

Bennett stands and shakes his manager’s hand.

I must be in a delirium. A nightmare. I’ll wake up and none of this will have happened. It’s the only solution. I pinch the back of my palm. “Ouch.”

“You’re definitely in Kentucky.” Bennett bends down, puts his hands under my legs, and lifts me up. “We’ll be back soon.”

“I’ve got this,” Luke replies.

Bennett carries me into the bedroom. When my feet touch the carpet, I say, “I don’t understand.”

His green gaze spears me. “Here’s what it boils down to. I love you. You said you need more time to reach the same conclusion about me. Which you will.” He licks his lips. “We deserve space to figure out what this means for us and how we want to grow as a couple. All the rest is noise.”

“But...what Lissa told the reporters. About you. The photos. About me and what I’m doing to UC.”

“All lies. Well, except for the high school stuff. Listen, I’m used to this shit. The only difference here is that some of it is true. What it doesn’t talk about is how she left me for Curtiss. Can’t imagine why she didn’t tell the reporters about that.” His snaps his fingers. “Oh, let me guess. It’s because it paints her in a bad light.”

I meet his gaze. “But what about Darren and the...” I can’t bring myself to say the words Black Widow aloud one more time.

“Also fake. Our PR team handles shit like this all the time. The only reason it’s causing a bigger deal is because you’re involved.” He bends his knees to be level with my line of vision. “And because I hid the real reason why you’re here on tour with us, out of my own stupid pride. It’s not like I wanted to admit I don’t know how to jump.”

His wry tone brings a reluctant smile to my face. “That’s not what happened. You jumped just fine.”

“Alright. It’s worse if I can’t stick a landing.”

A giggle bubbles up, yet I ask a serious question. “How can you want me to stick around?”

“How could I not?” His retort is immediate. “Don’t let the media get inside your head. The only people on the planet who know what’s going on between us is us.” His hand bounces between our chests. “You and me.”

“I don’t want to come between the band.”

“Which is exactly why you won’t.” He places his hands onto my shoulders. “If you were like the press is portraying you, you’d berelishing all the hype. Wanting to keep the spotlight on you.” He pauses. “What are you doing right now?”

I swallow. Aiming at the hollow of his throat, I murmur, “Trying to figure out a way to disappear so you guys can go on without this awful glare.”

“See?” I stare at his delicious skin, and a tingle creeps up my body before I shut it down. Mostly. “Wrong answer. We need to face this head on. Show the world how strong UC is and, more importantly, how much you mean to me.”

I work through what he’s told me. I need his expertise more than ever. “I’m a physical therapist, Bennett. When I was with Darren, there was little media attention, so this is far outside my wheelhouse. Are you sure?”

“Yes. Want to know what else?” His hands go to the hem of his T-shirt hanging on my body.

“What?”

“You’re mine. All mine. I think the press is jealous of this fact.”

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