Page 29 of Extended Bridge (Passionate Beats #2)

Chapter Fifteen

H e settles himself over me. “I do love you, Jenna Westfield. I’ve told you before at Secluded Rest, and I’m repeating it now. You make me feel things no one else has ever made me feel. You’re here not because I’m the lead singer of UC, but because of your desire to help me.”

“Anyone could’ve gotten you to this point.” Even as I say this, I know it’s not true. So many others would’ve joined the tour for the excitement and access to either the band or fans, none of which hold any allure for me.

Still in his jeans, he leans against the headboard, pulling me like a naked ragdoll next to him. “Tell me, what if one of Michelle’s referrals had gotten their hands on me?”

I flinch at her name. “She refers patients to my crosstown rival who has multiple therapists working for him in six locations.”

“All right. Do you think he would’ve agreed to take me on as his patient?”

“In a heartbeat. He does anything for publicity.”

“Tell me, how have you capitalized on my status to improve your business? ”

His question stumps me. “I haven’t.”

“Exactly. How have you leveraged our relationship”—his fingertips cover my now open lips—“however you define what’s going on between us, for your own gain?”

“I’d never do that.”

“See? This is how you stole my heart. What else could it be? All you do is make me want to be better, do better.”

“We haven’t even had sex yet.”

He chuckles. “You think sex is my deciding factor?”

I tuck the blankets around my naked chest. “It always has been for me.”

His finger taps my chin. “Are you saying you won’t know if you reciprocate my feelings until we do the deed?”

My heart screams to admit how it’s feeling.

That sex plays no role in defining how deeply he’s crawled under my skin.

How I consider him before questioning my own feelings.

Yet, my brain overshadows. While he’s not as over-the-top as Darren was, he’s the definition of chaos.

I need time to sort through it all. Don’t I?

“Sex surely will play into my equation.”

“This orgasm didn’t sway you?” His finger runs down my cheek. “Or the others I’ve given you?”

I know I’m being ridiculous, but I can’t form the words to tell him how I feel.

Darren and his death almost destroyed me—how can I allow myself to get into this same position again?

“Bennett, you mean a lot to me, to everyone. You are so worthy of love despite the fact your father passed away, leaving you with a mother who isn’t capable of showing her heart. ”

“This right here is how I know you’re the woman for me.

” He hugs me against his body, his heart beating like one of Río’s drum solos.

“I can wait for you, Jenna. For the next couple of days until we meet the doctor’s random threshold to have sex.

For weeks afterward, if that’s what you need.

I want you to know I’ll always be here for you.

Protecting you from the media, smoothing things over with UC, and allowing your dreams of owning multiple physical therapy clinics to soar. ”

I’m overwhelmed. He’s laying himself bare, saying the things I’ve only dreamed of hearing. Why can’t I tell him he’s everything—and more—I’ve ever wanted? Why can’t I trust my feelings? Or his?

I lick my lips. “Bennett,” I pause to study his earnest face. “You’re important to me, and not only as my patient. I’ve broken every single rule there is with you.” I glance down. “Even now, we’re having this discussion while I’m naked and you’re shirtless.”

His nose nudges mine.

“I’m scared,” I whisper.

“Me too,” he replies.

“I can’t go through what I went through with Darren ever again.”

“I don’t have any intention of dying anytime soon.”

“Good.” I rest my forehead against his shoulder. “The media is brutal. I’m not sure how to stay above the fray.”

“Which is why UC has a PR team.”

“Ma—” I don’t finish this sentence. I don’t want him to know her true opinion of him. For some reason, the need to protect him overrides everything else. No, not for some reason. I’m unable to cut him to the quick with another mother’s less than glowing opinion of him.

“Don’t worry. UC’s marketing machine will be on it.”

He completed my reference to “Ma” with “marketing.” His world doesn’t include any hint of a mother figure, while mine is my closest confidant. This makes my heart reach out to him.

When I don’t reply, he continues, “I want to be the man you can rely on at all times. To help your dreams come true in any way I can, and to cheer your successes from the sidelines. You care about me not because I’m UC’s lead singer or another rock star notch in your bedpost. In fact, these are demerits for you.

I’ve never had anyone wiggle into this space in my heart.

” His palm covers his left pec. “What else could this feeling be but love?”

My response sticks in my throat. His heartfelt confession almost breaks me, but I can’t bring myself to say what he wants to hear, what’s weighing on my tongue. Instead, I entwine our fingers and squeeze. “I can’t say what you want to hear.”

“Yet.” He kisses the back of my palm. “I know you love me, and I’ll wait forever to hear you say the line.”

Bennett’s tender words about waiting for me reverberate through my mind as the day progresses. As if by tacit agreement, our interactions are more lighthearted, although we’ve yet to watch our Godfather marathon for me to be proven right about the better of the two movies.

As soon as we sit down in a Chinese restaurant, Río challenges Pierce to a wonton throwing contest. Luke rubs his hands on the tabletop. “Guys, really?”

Ignoring their manager, Río picks up a crispy noodle, takes aim at Pierce’s open mouth, and tosses.

It bounces off Pierce’s chin and lands on an empty plate, resulting in Pierce’s laughter—a sound I haven’t heard in ages.

He fishes into the bowl and picks up another noodle to throw at Río.

For his part, Coop cheers for Pierce while Tristan joins in by encouraging Río.

Luke’s red cheeks give the impression he wants to crawl under the table.

I glance at Bennett, who remains away from the game while more noodles are lobbed across the table.

He needs to participate, be part of their antics. Not keep himself so apart. Surprising myself, I shout, “You got this, Río!” The drummer points a noodle and tosses it at me, but it falls short.

Bennett’s head swivels from me to the guys. Tristan and I clap as Río scores and Pierce chews. After a couple more unsuccessful rounds, Bennett leans on his sexy forearms. “C’mon 007, show ‘em what you’ve got!”

Happiness bursts through my veins as he joins the band’s harmless antics. For his part, Pierce does a double take at Bennett, sets his sights on the drummer, and gets the noodle directly into Río’s mouth. He, plus his UC supporters, cheer. Bennett actually lets go and laughs.

When the game finishes—Pierce beat Río by one point—Bennett punches the winner’s arm. “Well played, 007.”

“Helped having you in my corner.” The two smile at each other. Warmth spreads through my limbs.

The server arrives and all mischief ends as the serious business of refueling begins. Banter around the table is light and easy. Bennett joins more conversations tonight than I’ve ever witnessed. He’s receptive, and the guys seem excited for his participation.

When the last wonton is devoured, Luke clears his throat. “Guys, I wanted to talk with you about Untamed Coaster Unleashed .” The table goes silent. “The movie’s going to be number one in the world for the fourth straight week in a row.”

Everyone claps. Bennett kisses me, hard, on the lips.

“I’ve tasked the PR team to hype the movie, so don’t be too surprised if reporters want an interview or two.”

“That’s one interview I’ll be happy to sit for,” Bennett pronounces.

I consider his words—plus his desire to win a best original song award. Seems like the right time to poke the bear. “Hey Luke,” the weight of a dozen eyes land on me. “What do you think it would take for ‘Refocused Destiny’ to win an Oscar for best song?”

Bennett’s hand lands on top of my thigh. I don’t turn my head, simply lean forward to hear the manager’s answer. Luke says, “I’m sure it would take some campaigning, but if you’d all like, I can see what needs to be done.”

Río leaps to his feet, his hips wiggling from side to side. “Hell, yes, I’m in!” Next to him, Coop joins in on his antics. Bennett’s next to stand, followed by Tristan and Pierce. The room buzzes with their new, united goal.

The rest of the evening rushes by. Once we finish desserts and coffees—teas for Bennett and me—we’re whisked to the stadium where the band shares an even more fantastic concert experience with their fans.

After the meet and greet, Bennett tucks my hand in the crook of his elbow. “You’re coming with me.”

He doesn’t allow me to ask any questions, simply keeps me pressed against his side as we travel through the bowels of the stadium. He opens a door and we’re outside, an unseasonably warm breeze brushing my cheeks.

“Can I ask you now where we’re going?”

“Nope.” A black sports car pulls up in front of us and Jeb pops out. With a salute to Bennett, the roadie tosses a key fob to the mysterious man at my side, and disappears into the stadium.

Alone, Bennett leads me around the front of the car and opens the passenger door. He motions for me to enter. “After you.” I slip into the car, marveling at the supple black leather seats and dashboard that looks like it belongs in an airplane.

A second later, Bennett slams the driver’s door. “Are you ready for this?”

Excited yet confused, I ask, “What’s this?”

“A good fucking time.”