Page 33 of Extended Bridge (Passionate Beats #2)

“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. ”

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.

Pierce looks like he was forced to eat raw egg whites, his face having taken on a green pallor. While the guys continue to hash out the statement, he pushes away from the table. Without a word, he spins on his heel and stalks out of the room.

Around me, all talking and good humor plummets. If he isn’t on board, this won’t work. And I’ll be the person who broke up the band for real.

Bennett jumps to his feet. “I’ll go knock some sense into him,” he vows.

No, don’t do it. This has to be his decision, not one forced on him. I can’t be the one to voice these thoughts, however.

Tristan stops Bennett. “No. You’ll only exacerbate the situation. I’ll go.” He slams back whatever’s in his glass and follows Pierce out the door.

“He’ll come around,” Coop declares.

I don’t think so. He looked ready to explode and puke at the same time.

“He will,” Luke agrees. “In the meantime, let’s finish the statement.” He looks at me. “Don’t worry. This will work out, I promise. Now, B, what are you going to say about Lissa?”

Still standing, Bennett begins his story about his ex leaving him for his best friend Curtiss back in high school.

All the while, he walks behind his band members, touching their backs as if to thank them for being there with him.

For him—and me. This is the most touchy-feely I’ve ever seen him with his bandmates.

I need to make him see how they’re coalescing around him .

“She told me she was ‘saving it’”—he uses air quotes together with his tongue sticking out—“for marriage. I was a freaking horny teenager, and her declaration was like showing red to a bull, but I was a stupid fool and agreed to hold off. So, we didn’t have sex back then, and now she’s claiming I never got over her. ” His eyes roll.

“This Lissa is a bitch,” Río says when Bennett finishes sharing their sordid history. “I wonder what Curtiss”—he hisses the last syllable like a snake—“does now? He’s probably some balding dud who sells used cars.”

His description makes my cheeks half inflate. Having his support means a lot. Having all their support does, with the glaring exception of Pierce.

“So that’s Lissa,” Coop concludes. “We’ve also got Jenna figured out. The only missing link is UC apparently being broken up by this slip of a woman with truly amazing hands.” He manages to get it out before laughing, which sets off the rest of the table.

“Yeah,” Río holds his sides. “She’s like our blonde Yoko Ono. Who, by the way, got a bad rap.”

Luke agrees. “No argument here. But I don’t think you should share your opinion with the world. Why don’t you stick to the fact that you guys aren’t going anywhere?”

The two remaining band members agree.

While I appreciate all they’re doing, without Pierce, it’s going to be for naught. The only other cherry on the top that’s missing is Darren’s family. At least they’re “unavailable for comment.”

Yet another knock sounds on the front door. Assuming it’s Tristan, I rush to answer it only to see a server from the hotel wheeling in food. “Guys,” I announce, “your third dinner is here.”

“All right!” Río stalks toward the trolley as if he hasn’t eaten in years. Addressing the beautiful woman unloading the tray, he says, “Let me help you.”

I find Bennett and nod toward the gorgeous server. He shrugs, then blows me a kiss. After sampling the number of women he has, I need to trust he’s ready to settle down. With me. It’s the latter point that blows my mind.

Río escorts the server to the front door while I take in the buffet of amazing foods awaiting us. Coop and Luke don’t hesitate to pick up plates and start piling them high. I take another small sip of my wine and check the time. Four o’clock. In the morning. How is this my life?

Around the table, Darren’s overdose is discussed in brief terms. I’m dismissed as a possible accomplice without any thought. Then, conversation turns toward the upcoming leg of the US tour, ticket sales, possible new merch to add to the store, Darren’s scholarship program. Even new material.

The band operates differently from most others I’ve heard about, since they write their songs as a group. No one is the designated chief lyricist, nobody takes the lead on music. They bounce ideas off each other in between scrambled eggs, French toast, and paninis.

For the life of me, I can’t help but think of them as a family. Coming together to fight off a threat. Supporting each other...including me.

Except Pierce. He doesn’t want anything to do with the intruder—the black sheep of the family. If he can’t agree to make the statement, it’ll fall flat.

I’ll be back to square one.

I need to brace myself for this possibility. No matter how much I love Bennett and he loves me, without the approval from the entire band, it won’t work.

I’ll have to leave.

I pray it doesn’t end this way.