Page 37 of Extended Bridge (Passionate Beats #2)

Chapter Twenty

T he guys are more amped up for this concert than I’ve ever seen them.

Bennett’s still careful with how he stalks on the stage—because there’s no other way to describe his sexy prowling movements—yet he continues to interact with his fans.

The women in the front rows, in particular, seem to appreciate his spending a bit more time with them than in the past.

He turns around, giving the audience the delightful view of his leather-clad butt while beaming at me. In this moment, we’re connected. United. It’s us against the world...and I feel sorry for the world.

Nudging my chin toward the crowd behind him, I break our connection. He blows me a kiss and spins toward the front of the stage—with care, of course.

Jeb strolls up to my side, his tatted arms on full display given he’s wearing an Untamed Coaster tank top. “They’re looking great out there.”

I face the mountain of a man. “They are.”

One of his arms disappears behind his back. “I wanted to thank you for your suggestions. My back isn’t hurting as much as it was. The other crewmembers also appreciate them.”

My heart warms. This is why I became a physical therapist from the beginning. To help people. “I’m glad.”

“Do you have any more suggestions? I know you’re not my doctor or anything, but your tips help so much.”

Remembering how embarrassed he was at our first meeting, his asking for more help seems to come easier. “I may have a couple of more exercises for you to try.” I touch the middle of his back. “Does it hurt here?”

“No, it’s lower. To the side.”

I touch where he indicates and nod. “I definitely can help you out.” My hand drops.

“Remember, though, the exercises I’m giving you are only for you.

If any of your friends need help, please ask them to see me.

Especially if they’re not hurt exactly where you are.

” I know I’m supposed to stay focused on my singular, sexy patient, but how can I not help someone in need?

After giving him a few more strengthening exercises, we watch as the band finishes up their set. At least working with Jeb helped pass the time so I didn’t obsess over what’s coming up next. Namely, me.

“Thanks so much, Jenna. I don’t care what those rags publish about you, you’re A-OK in my book.”

On impulse, I give him a hug, stretching to my tip toes.

“Uh, oh. Boss Man’s giving us all sorts of evil eye. Better skedaddle.”

Before I can protest, Jeb’s disappeared into the darkness. I cross my arms over my chest and glare at Bennett. For his part, he sets his jaw. He doesn’t get to dictate who I speak with—or even hug.

The rest of the band surrounds him and they wave to the crowd.

Knowing what’s about to happen, I need to lighten the air between us, even if we’re the only two people aware of what went down.

When our gazes meet again, I lift my miniskirt to show off the black panties Nese provided, rocking my hips back and forth.

From the smile gracing his face, I’d say that did the trick .

Good thing because the guys stay on the stage rather than race back here to change for the encore. My brain stutters seeing all five men standing there.

Bennett wipes his face with this forearm. “How are you doing, Louisville?”

Screams echo throughout the stadium.

He jokes, “That good, huh?”

More clapping ensues.

“Well, the whole band is up here not because we want to sing for you, but because we have something we want to discuss, if that’s all right?” Bennett’s statement is met with more positive energy.

Río leaps in front of Bennett. “We don’t know how many of you read gossip sites, but there’s a new article about our boy Bennett that we simply can’t let slide.” He places his hand on the lead singer’s shoulder. “Asshole journalists got it all wrong.”

“Maybe not all wrong,” Bennett says. “Just like ninety-nine percent. I did date a girl named Lissa Baker in high school.” He shakes his head. “No accounting for teenage taste.”

Coop walks to the front. “Want to share with the class what happened back then?”

“Not really,” Bennett replies. “But I guess I have to.” He smirks, and several people—women—whistle. “The short story is she dumped me to go to the senior prom—mind you, I was only a junior at the time—with my best friend.”

The crowd boos.

“That’s rough,” Pierce pipes up. I appreciate his participation.

“Yeah, well I got over her when you brought me onboard Untamed Coaster!”

As if on cue, the audience yells their approval.

Bennett continues, “I hadn’t seen this girl since high school, until a few weeks ago when she showed up at a restaurant where I was eating dinner in the Hamptons, New York. We talked, briefly, and she slithered away. Where she belongs.”

Hisses emanate from the crowd.

“And then she sold a fake story to the tabloids that you two hooked up,” Pierce finishes. “She sucks.”

Coop repeats, “They’re all lies!”

Yells rise up from the masses before them.

“Let that be a lesson to you all,” Río proclaims. “Lying to reporters is a dangerous business.”

The audience screams.

Man, they have these people eating out of the palms of their hands. Amazing. If only they didn’t need to go on to the next part. When Tristan takes the mic, my stomach clenches.

“But that’s not where the story ends, folks.

Our guy here,” he places his hand on Bennett’s shoulder.

“Has been seen out with Jenna Westfield, Darren’s girlfriend at the time of his death.

The media has unfairly dubbed her a Black Widow, insinuating all kinds of crazy shit against her and UC. They’re wrong.”

My weight shifts from foot to foot. At my side, Nese tugs on my elbow. “They’re doing great,” she whispers.

I can’t move my head from the stage. “I hope so.”

“Tell us, ladies and gentlemen,” Río asks the crowd. “Does it look like we’re going anywhere?”

A roaring, “NO!” resounds throughout the stadium. Río flicks his arms up in the air to egg them on, and they amp up their denials.

“Anyone who’s met Jenna knows she wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Coop’s support buoys me.

Pierce stands at the forefront, causing me to hold my breath. He lifts his mic. “She wasn’t responsible for Darren’s overdose, no matter how the media spins it.”

All the air whooshes out of my body and I collapse forward. Nese strokes my back as tears freefall down my cheeks. Pierce stood up for me. In front of thousands of people, many of whom probably are recording the band’s performance.

I’m still bent over when Coop adds, “We don’t normally address stupid stories like this one, but we felt it was important to put an end to it tonight. ”

From my position near the floor, more clapping reverberates through my body.

Tristan joins in, “The moral of the story is this—old girlfriend bad, Jenna good, story over.”

“This is why we’re Untamed Coaster,” Bennett’s tenor rings throughout the venue. “‘Cause we’re wild and free, but always look out for our own!”

I glance up to see all five guys with their fists in the air, like they do before they take the stage. A story everyone knows is rooted in their beginnings at the amusement park, thanks to the movie.

The crowd raises their fists into the air, reflecting love back at them.

“I need to get their change of clothes ready. Can you stand?”

Nese’s kind words force me to take stock of my body. I nod and she helps me return upright, steadying me. She hands me something, then leaves to help the band change for the encore.

I only have a few seconds to register I’m holding a new shirt for Bennett before the band enters backstage. In a daze, I roll over the features of the man I love as he approaches me. “How’d we do?”

“Great.”

He grins, opening his arms wide. “In that case, give me some sugar!”

I don’t hesitate. I leap up, wrapping my legs around his trim waist clad in leather. My arms go around his neck. “You all were amazing out there. How did you get Pierce to say what he did?”

“My hands are on your ass and you’re asking me about another guy? First Jeb and now 007—a man could get a complex.”

“As if.”

He studies my face. “You were crying.”

“Happy tears.”

“Those are the only sort allowed from now on.” He gives me a quick kiss. “Seems like I have a gorgeous woman in my arms and thousands of people out there waiting for an encore. Whatever shall I do? ”

I giggle as I kiss him. “Give them what they want before giving us what we need.”

“Hell yes.”

He’s kissing me again as Luke yells, “Two minutes!”

“Put me down. I have a new shirt for you.”

“Only for now. I’m not letting you go afterwards.” He lowers me to the floor and strips. I check out his ripped torso, my tongue licking my lower lip. “Stop it now. My leather pants don’t have that much room.”

I step back and hand him the shirt and steal one of his lines. “See you on the flip side.”

I’m rewarded with another quick kiss before he bounds over to meet up with the band, ignoring my yelling at him to walk.

Nese nudges me in the ribs. “Guess things went well?”

“You could say that.” I turn to her. “Thank you for being with me earlier. It meant more than you know.”

“Us girls have to stick together.”

I hug her and whisper, “We sure do!”

After the encore ends, the band returns backstage and is ushered into The Closet to change into street clothes since we’re traveling tonight. I follow them, sad I’m going to have to put my leggings back on.

“Keep the outfit,” Nese tells me. “It looks hot on you. All the band would agree.”

“Are you sure? Doesn’t it belong to the band?”

“Girl, if any guy here wants to wear this outfit, I’d pay them money!” She laughs.

“Guess you have a point.”

I leave to retrieve my clothes when Luke approaches me. His coffee-colored eyes skewer me. “I think they did great out there. Got our side out better than any PR article could.”

He sounds so confident. “I hope you’re right.”

He taps my back. “There always will be detractors, but I believe we put Lissa and the Black Widow to rest. ”

“Hey, you’ve had your time.” Río bullies his way over. Damn. Shirtless, the man’s as ripped as Bennett, if not more so. “We always have Bennett’s back. Tonight, we were happy to have yours as well.”

“Thank you so much.” I give him a hug before I’m spun around to Coop. “We’ve got you, girl.”

Not to be outdone, Tristan comes over to us. “I bet after tonight, the media will think twice about attacking you.” Because he didn’t make a move to me, I wrap my arms around the new keyboardist.

I step back and thank the men who stood up for me onstage. Everyone’s here except Bennett and Pierce. The former I’m sure I’ll see soon, not so sure about the latter. “What you said about me out there means so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

I’m shocked to see the missing bassist approaching the outskirts of our little group, but he steers clear. I can’t expect any more out of Pierce than what he offered from the stage. Which meant so much.

Bennett joins us, wearing a darker pair of ripped jeans and a Backdoor Clouds T-shirt. “Have you been keeping my girl occupied while I was changing?”

“Don’t you know it?” Río laughs. “Remember, Jenna, when you get tired of this one, I’ll be ready for you.”

“Don’t plan on that anytime soon,” Bennett growls at his drummer, who only laughs harder.

“Come on,” Coop taps Río. “Let’s stop giving them a hard time.”

Tristan joins the duo. “Yeah, I’m ready to hit the bus and rest up for the next show.” The three of them, plus Pierce, join Luke and leave The Closet.

“Looks like we’re the only two left. Well, except for Nese and her team, who clearly want us to disappear so they can break this place down.”

Bennett puts his arm around my shoulders. “By all means. Let’s go to the bus.” We take a few steps. “My bus,” he clarifies.

“I think that’s a foregone conclusion.”

“Better be.” He kisses my cheek. “I have big plans for this ride.”

“Me too, Rock Star. Me too.”