Page 70 of Extended Bridge

“Don’t be ridiculous. I have eyes. I’ve seen the women who hang around the band. Heck, I remember the girls you used to leave with before.” I pause. “They were gorgeous.”

Bennett’s lips tighten. “Are you with me because of how I look?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Would it matter to you if I were fugly?”

“So long as I find you attractive, that’s all that matters.”

“When I tell you I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out, do you believe me?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m not. I’m not a double-D. My hair isn’t an arresting shade of blonde. My lips aren’t?—”

“Want to know what I see when I look at you?” He interrupts me. “I see a capable woman who knows how to heal people, with a body that was created to fit mine unlike any other.” With one step, he invades my personal space. “You’re all that and more to me, Jenna. You challenge me, make me laugh, make me cry with your exercises sometimes.” He grins. “How I see you is colored by who I know youare. Let others win Miss America titles, you’ve won the only title that matters—to my heart.”

I look into his eyes and see only sincerity reflected back. He means every single word. How can I flee when the leader of the band has placed me at the center of his world, where I dream to place him in mine? The possibility of not being around Bennett is like cutting off a limb, where no amount of therapy would bring my life back to normal. Sure, there would be workarounds, but I’d never function the same way I do when he’s with me.

He adds, “You have my heart, Sweetheart. Forever.”

The dam bursts, and I pull his head to mine. Our lips explode in another kiss, more intense than ever before. A draft hits my butt as he pulls his T-shirt up and off my body.

The front door slams shut, and male voices penetrate our heated interlude. “Fuck,” Bennett exclaims. “When will these people leave us alone?”

Despite the circumstances, I giggle. “We’ll figure it out.”

“Damn straight.” He steps back, his heated gaze raking over my body. “Let’s get you cleaned up so we can face this mess head-on. Then, I want you under me for hours.”

I don’t answer him, but my heart screams “Yes!” I allow him to bring me into the bathroom and turn on the water. In the meantime, he strips off his jeans.

“In you go.” He nudges me toward the spray, but not before I catch a glimpse of my blotchy face in the mirror. I never was a good crier, as Kara used to chide me.

Under the showerhead, we wash each other. He takes special care around my eyes, while I focus on his tattooed arms. If I were to dive any lower, I’m not sure we’d ever get out of here.

“Here you go,” he passes me an oversized white fluffy towel while tucking a similar one around his trim waist. “I’ll be waiting in the bedroom.”

For the first time, I’m happy not to have hair that requires any special work to make it presentable. I scrape my locks away from myface and put it into a ponytail before brushing on some blush and mascara. Satisfied, I join him in the bedroom where Bennett stands in a pair of workout shorts and a Cole Manchester tour tee. He looks good enough to eat.

“There she is. You’ve already got color back in your cheeks.”

“It’s called blush.”

“No. It’s called being a fighter. You’ve got this.”

He kisses me again and tugs my towel off my body. Standing naked in front of him while he’s fully dressed is an unexpected turn-on. What isn’t with this man? My hands slide down his arms as his tongue invades my mouth. His growl precedes him pulling away. “No more of that, missy. Not if we don’t want to keep the band waiting another hour. Or two. Make that five.” He chuckles.

I join him, the laughter cathartic after the earlier meeting. Not to mention what we’re about to face. I glance down, surprised to see my suitcase. “How did this get here?”

“One word: Jeb. I think he has a thing for you.”

I picture the huge roadie with the bad back. “I helped him, you know?” Bennett raises an eyebrow at me as he places my suitcase on the bed. “He complained about soreness in his back, and I gave him some exercises to help ease the strain from moving all the equipment.” I open the case.

Bennett’s gaze focuses on my clothing, and he picks out a matching panty and bra set. Green. “I bet he appreciated your attention.”

“Not in that way,” I protest, swiping the lingerie from his hands. While I put them on, he pulls out a black tunic and matching leggings.

I shake my head. “Nah. Not going to wear funeral colors to discuss this latest mess.” I swap the top for one with a floral pattern and slip into it. Barefoot, I pad to the mirror, happy with how I look even if it’s only for the band.

“Damn, you’re fucking hot. All the guys are going to want what I have.”

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