Page 48 of Mic Drop (Passionate Beats #3)

“You’re not. Anymore,” I address my husband. Despite the appeal of his offer, one truth wins. “However, I don’t do therapy anymore.”

Bennett points to himself. “Excuse me. What am I, chopped liver?”

I shrug. “You were a one-off.”

“Did you hear that?” Bennett addresses Luke. “Sounded to me like I was her pity fuck. Did I hear her right?”

Luke bangs on his ear. “I swear I heard something like that, but I must be mistaken.”

Four eyes glare at me. My husband breaks the silence.

“You were a fantastic therapist to me. I know Jeb says the same thing. You even told me when we were working together how much you missed working with patients. This job could give you the best of both worlds. You’ll know your patients and see their healing progress, like you did with me. ”

My heart screams for me to take this position, yet my persistent brain tramples my hope. “I have two clinics back home and another two on the way. I can’t leave them.”

Luke replies this time. “If you were back in Aroostook, would you visit both clinics daily while overseeing the renovations of the third and preparing the fourth?”

“What? No way. I can’t do all that.”

“Exactly. You have contractors and employees to do all that for you, right?”

“Well, Court looks out for all my businesses while I’m away.”

“She does,” Bennett agrees. “She’s doing a great job. Seems to me that she handles the day-to-day while you do the bigger things, like dealing with the whole Black Widow bullshit.”

“Hayden helped me out.” UC’s PR team was invaluable. “And Court.”

“It takes a village,” the manager notes. “Like the band. I couldn’t do this without fantastic help.”

If I take this job, I can stay with Bennett on the road.

When he has a break from touring, we could go home, allowing me time to handle things in person.

Ma’s note flits through my mind, begging me to let go of some control in order to live my best life.

Is this what she meant? Would she support this change?

Bennett doesn’t let me stew for too long before sweetening the pot, so to speak. “Imagine it, Sweetheart. We can be together all the time. Visit new cities. Experience places like Graceland.” His eyebrows waggle. “Make love on balconies.”

I swat his broad chest. “Bennett!”

“What? I toned it down for our manager’s virgin ears.”

My forehead rests in my hand. Can I really do this? Leave my life behind and join a world-famous band—one that so happens to have my husband as its front man? Hell yes! Only if Court agrees, though. I stand. “I need to call Court. If she’s on board with your crazy idea, then I am too.”

Before I can take another step, Bennett leaps to his feet and kisses me as if we weren’t surrounded by people. Against my ear, he whispers, “You’ve made me so happy. I love you, Jenna Hardy.”

I kiss him once more. “Love you back.” I rush out of the café and into our room. This call needs my full attention, and whenever I’m around Bennett, that’s not possible.

I organize my scrambled thoughts, FaceTime Court, and explain the situation to her.

“I don’t know, Jenna.” Her head tilts. “I can’t figure out why on earth you want to spend all your time with the man of your dreams, traveling the world, and not be here in boring Aroostook fighting tooth and nail to build your physical therapy empire. What could be the draw?”

My smile widens. “Are you sure? Do you really want to become the general manager of all the clinics? Deal with those headaches?” I take a breath. “You’ll get a raise, you know.”

“Honey, I’ve been dealing with a lot of this ever since Bennett swept you off your feet.

If I’m honest, I truly enjoy handling the challenges with the clinics and therapists.

Besides, it’s not like you’re going to be off the grid, we’ll only have to deal with time zones.

Promise me you’ll check in once a week, and I say it’s a done deal. ”

I squeal. “Really? You’d be willing to do this for me? ”

“And for me. Not to mention I’m not one to deny true love.”

True love. This foreign concept does apply to me and Bennett. I know his flaws and he certainly knows mine, but together we click.

“Court, I owe you everything. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

She giggles. “How about the hunky contractor doing the renovations on the new clinic?”

My head bobs and I blink. “If I have anything to say about it, he’s yours.”

Court peers into the camera. “All I ever wanted is for you to be happy. I can see you’re radiating happiness.

Don’t worry about the business, we’ll figure it all out.

To be honest, I got a lead on a fifth clinic, if you’re interested.

I’ll send you the details later. But for now, go and become the best touring physical therapist ever. ”

I reach my arms forward. “This is me hugging you.” I blow her a kiss as I disconnect the call.

Wrapped in an exciting blanket of love and possibilities, I text Kara to tell her my news. Her response is filled with heart emojis.

How can this be my next chapter?!

I return to the café, where Bennett and Luke appear deep in conversation and not filled with upbeat optimism like me. “I’m back.” I smile to lighten the mood.

Four rather worried eyes are directed at me. Luke asks, “What’s the verdict?”

I look between the two men. One standing a stocky six feet with shoulder-length light brown hair, while the other is two inches taller, sporting a trendy hairstyle a couple of shades lighter, a man who woman everywhere worship.

Yet only I get to share his bed every night—along with a love for the ages.

I smile. “Yes. A thousand times yes!”

Bennett wraps me in his arms, swaying from side to side. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth, Sweetheart.” He sits and tugs me onto his lap, as if any distance between us is unacceptable.

“Her answer makes up for your missed call.” Luke’s eyes dart to the table, where Bennett’s cell rests .

At my perplexed look, my husband picks up his phone, which shows “Mom” as his last missed call. More like declined.

“Oh.” What more can I say?

Luke says, “I met her, Jenna. Believe me when I say however Bennett’s described her doesn’t do her justice. I’m grateful she gave birth to B, but she isn’t someone you want in your lives. Especially as you carve out your niche as a newly married couple.”

Not knowing what else to do, I give my husband a hug.

Someday, maybe, I’ll be able to bring them together, but if what Luke describes is accurate—and given what my own limited interaction with her tells me—perhaps not.

My Bennett’s had a rough start. At this moment, I again resolve to be the best wife and family to the amazing man in my arms. Who is surrounded by friends—a true found family—on and off the stage.

I rest my head against my husband’s shoulder.

Luke’s phone rings. “Geez,” he remarks. “Haven’t we had enough calls today? Excuse me.” Grinning, he answers the phone. “Hey, Hayden.”

I wave to UC’s PR guru, even though she can’t see me. She really helped me with At Your Service PT. She’s fantastic.

My husband kisses me and I forget all about the PR team. Until Luke raises his voice. “Wait, what?”

Bennett and I exchange glances.

“Río is where ?”

At the drummer’s name, Bennett’s smirks. “Leave it to Río to cause a ruckus.”

“I’ll be right there.” He drops the phone onto the table. In a dejected voice, Luke asks, “Are we all good here?”

Bennett squeezes me. “We’re more than good.”

“Great. Because now I have to bail Río out of jail.”

Want to experience Bennett and Jenna’s first meeting? Download this FREE Bonus Epilogue today ~ and enjoy!!

I bet you can guess which band member is up next in the Untamed Coaster series?! Keep your eyes peeled for Animal Beats , about the always “entertaining” drummer, Río!