Page 13 of Opening Strain

“Yeah.” I don’t want to share who Luke’s calling right now.

Tris wades forward. “Who are you going to use?”

The weight of their stares breaks me. “Jenna, all right? Jenna is the only physical therapist we know, so of course Luke suggested her.” The server brings my burger, and I busy myself preparing it while avoiding the band. My own recriminations are enough.

After I take a big bite of the greasy goodness, I chance a glance at them. Tris leans against his chair. Coop and even Río study the table. My gaze alights on the one person who I wish I didn’t have to confront: 007, whose eyes bore a hole into my chest.

My hand flips palm side up, motioning for him to speak. He takes another moment, then says, “She is good at her job. If anyone can make this happen for you on our tight schedule, she can.” Relief floods my system. “Just don’t do it in front of me, okay?”

I shake my head. “I’m sure we’ll spend our time in the gym. Let me know your schedule, and we’ll work around it.”

“Thanks,” 007 blows out a breath. “I never thought I’d have to see her again, so keep her away from the band and we’ll be good. You need to get better.”

“Appreciate it. Besides, who knows if she’ll even take me as a client. She’s an administrator for her company, not a therapist anymore.” This is my last hook to hang my hope she’ll refuse the gig. She stirs too much inside me. Not to mention every time I look at her, I see Darren.

“Do you really think you’ll be up for touring? You only have two weeks.” Tris’s question brings me out of my head.

“I was the one who jumped like a crazy person, landing hard on my leg. I’ll make sure I’m ready to perform, even if it means I need to sit and rest when we’re offstage.”

Tris and Coop appear satisfied with my answer. 007’s lips form a straight line, while Río jokes, “You did leap like you were gonna set a new high jump record.” He laughs and looks around, holding up his glass. “What? Too soon? Bennett did bring this on himself. Gotta have faith he’ll recuperate in time.”

Sick and tired of this topic of conversation, I spout, “The afterparty last night was off the chain.”

Like with interviews, my diversion works. The band starts discussing all the people who attended, the positive buzz over the movie, and the hot chicks in attendance. Laughter rings instead of worried conversation about whether Jenna is going to be my physical therapist. Given the fact Luke has yet to reappear, I guess she turned him down. Good.

I remove the ice pack and toss it onto the table.Especiallygiven where the pull is located. Sex is going to have to be limited too.Guess I’ll have to get more creative.

The remnants of my cheeseburger remain on my plate, given my appetite has disappeared. Who the fuck jumps and lands in physical therapy? “I’m disgusted with you.” My mother’s voice echoes in my head.

Tossing back my Manhattan, I force her out of my mind. Among other things, I certainly don’t needherriding me.

I reach for the packet of information provided by the doctor and read through the exercises. Some require a partner, but most do not. I don’t need Jenna or anyone to work with me. I can do this alone. Like most things.

A pretty redheaded woman in a short skirt and tight top walks up to me. Perhaps she can help me work through my injury. “Hi,” I greet her.

“Hello. You’re Bennett Hardy, aren’t you?”

Her eyes undress me, indicating she knows the answer. “I am.” I lean forward and cup her cheek. “Who might you be?” Not that I care. Names don’t suck me off.

She replies, but I don’t pay attention. Her pink tongue licks her collagen-enhanced lips, stained red. I bet they’d look nice around my cock. This facet of being a rock star doesn’t get old. I catch the end of her sentence, but it doesn’t make too much sense. What does she need help with?

“Excuse me?”

She approaches my ear. “I said,” she whispers. “I’m feeling naughty right now. Can you help?”

Hell yes. “You have a room here?”

“Sure do.” A room key appears in her hand. “Ready to blow this stand?”

I certainly have a better idea of what she can blow. With a kiss to her cheek, I get to my feet and sling my arm around her. This chick will help clear my head. We take two steps and the pain radiating from my thigh makes me rethink her offer. Shit.

“Hey, darling, change of plans.” Knowing his preference, I stop in front of Tris. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I say, “I think you’ll have a better time with our keyboardist.”

The two look at each other. She turns and puts her hand on my chest. “Are you sure?”

Miss Naughty doesn’t care which rock star she’s with, which works for me. “Yeah.” I lean over to Tris and say, “You’re welcome.”

A grin spreads across his face. He bites his lower lip, a move that seems to work for him. It does this time as well. The two disappear from the bar.

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