Page 71 of Extended Bridge

I keep my opinion of his ridiculous statement to myself. Instead, I quip, “Yet you’re the one who can’t seem to close the deal.”

His hands land on my butt. “Believe me when I tell you that you’re not going to be able to walk for a week when I do.” He kisses me, hard, leaving me breathless.

Stopping with his hand on the doorknob, he says, “Ready to hear Luke’s idea?”

Just like that, all the positivity taking up space in my body ebbs. My shoulders sag and my chin tilts toward the same beige carpet that’s been underfoot since our return from the meteor shower. I can’t believe an evening that started on hopes and dreams has devolved into one fueled by turmoil and insults.

“Hey,” Bennett strides over to me. “This is going to work out, I promise. You’re way too important to me for it not to. I’ve got you.”

“And the rest of the band has you,” I remind him.

“Hmmm.” He pecks my cheek. “Let’s go.”

This time, Bennett doesn’t allow for any wiggle room, as his arm goes around my shoulders and, together, we enter the living room area. Luke, Coop, Río, Pierce, and Tristan sit around the dining room table, drinks in front of them.

“Glad to see you’ve helped yourselves to the bar,” Bennett notes.

“You snooze, you lose,” Coop retorts.

“Besides,” Río adds, “Food hasn’t arrived yet.” He dons an evil grin, causing me to giggle.

Bennett’s head jerks toward me, and his body relaxes. He kisses my temple and whispers, “I’d do anything for endless giggles from you tonight.” We walk over to the bar area, where he points to a bottle of red wine and I shrug. He pours me a glass, gets himself a bourbon, and we take empty seats next to the band’s manager.

“I’m going to dive right in, since we all know about the latest article about B and this Lissa Baker chick. I think it would be best if you guys address it head on during your next concert tomorrow, er tonight. B, you can point out the only truth in it about you two dating in high school. Then share how it ended and how the rest is lies.”

Next to me, Bennett nods. “I can do that.”

Luke continues, “Then, I think it’s time you all address the stupid Black Widow rumors.”

I flinch, and Bennett puts his arm around me. Claiming me in front of his bandmates who are, without a doubt, his best friends.

Río says, “We got you, Jenna. You’re no more a killer arachnid than Coop’s a smiley elephant.” He punches the guitarist on the shoulder.

Giving his shoulder a rub, Coop says, “We can talk up how you’re here giving therapy so Bennett’s injury can heal faster.”

“No.” My voice is much steadier than I could’ve hoped. “Bennett hasn’t addressed his injury publicly, so I don’t want to out him now to save my hide.”

Pierce’s head pops up, and he stares at me. Clearly, he’s not a fan. He tolerates my being on tour because he doesn’t have any other choice. His eyebrows raise, but he remains silent.

Tristan is the one to break the quiet. “I get it. How about we say Jenna’s here because we needed to add a physical therapist to the crew due to some recent injuries. Keep it broad.”

I lean in toward the table. “That’s not a lie, either. Jeb needed some pointers about how to strengthen his back muscles and I helped him out.”

In my ear, Bennett whispers, “I’m sure he’d prefer a rub down.” I smack his stomach, causing him to grunt.

Unaware—or more likely ignoring our antics—Luke says, “Great idea. We decided to add a physical therapist to the tour and chose Jenna due to her previous connection with the band. Keep it as close to the truth as possible.”

Río adds, “We can say we chose her because of the movie. Reminded us how great a girl she is to have around.” He grins at me.

Seems like most of the band agrees with his assessment. I chance a glance at Pierce and can see he’s not on board. At. All. The entire band has to make this announcement from the stage, though, or it won’t work.

Luke barrels forward. “This is great, guys. We should write this down so you can all talk onstage.”

“Awesome! You guys never let me talk when we’re performing,” Río exclaims.

“That’s because we never know what shit will come out of your mouth,” Bennett replies.

Coop notes, “It’ll be more powerful because Bennett’s the one who always talks for the band.” Tristan agrees.

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