Page 19 of Shy Girls Can’t Date Celebrities (Shy Girls Sweet Romances #6)

I left earlier last night than the night before.

Wyatt had so much paperwork to fill out for his upcoming release from the Clearview Clinic.

On this occasion, his team members were granted access to file into his room so they could assist with the release forms. The more they crowded, the less I could breathe.

Every single one of my heartstrings tugged when Wyatt asked me not to go.

But when he saw the anxiety crippling me, he asked for someone to arrange a car to take me to the hotel.

On my way out, I passed his parents entering the room.

I have to believe they were there with Wyatt’s best interest at heart.

After last night’s phone call with my parents, I need all the positive thoughts I can get.

They want me to come home.

Both Mom and Dad were on the line, repeating that today has to be my last day in Cherry Beach. They’re concerned about me missing school, being without them in a big city, and they still mistrust Wyatt’s team and their plans.

“We agreed to a maximum of three days because it was such a whirlwind,” Mom said, unable to contain her concern. “But these two days without you have been beyond a struggle.”

It didn’t matter how many times I said Wyatt needed me. Besides his parents, I’m the only person in the room he remembers, and it scares him.

“Josie, these people are using you to get Wyatt on the mend,” Dad told me. “I need them to arrange your flight home before they leave you behind, stranded and alone.”

It didn’t matter when I told them Wyatt would never let that happen to me.

My parents are terrified, and I can’t blame them.

The fact I was plucked from home and dropped in this situation is surreal.

Once the twins ambushed the phone call, any hope of convincing my parents to give me more time went out the window.

We said good night, ready to make further arrangements today.

But I’m determined to put that ticking clock out of my mind.

By 6:30 a.m. I’m in the lobby of the Clearview Clinic.

A receptionist tells me I’m too early for visiting hours.

I give her a polite smile and keep moving toward the café area.

I don’t think visiting hours really mean anything when I’m here for Wyatt.

I’ve stayed pretty late and no one has ever prompted me to leave.

The fact he has security in front of his room kinda says he has a different set of rules to other patients.

However, to look like I’m playing along, I order a hot chocolate as an early morning pick-me-up. Heck, I order two, just in case Wyatt’s awake when I get upstairs. Luckily, they make dairy-free alternatives.

With the two piping hot drinks nestled in a paper tray, I make my way to the elevator and reach the top floor for the last time. I jitter with excitement at the prospect of Wyatt being released from this place. He’s one more step on the journey to being whole again.

When I reach the end of the hallway, the man in all-black is sitting in a chair and checking his phone.

He glances up at me, gives a slight nod, and returns his attention to his phone.

Feeling mild approval, I sneak into Wyatt’s room.

I tip-toe in, not wanting to wake him, but notice half the lights are on, giving a lamp-like effect.

Wearing his glasses, Wyatt reclines on his bed, stretching an elastic band around the fingers of his right hand. By his bed sits the small table with a mess of playing cards scattered across the top.

“Morning,” I whisper giddily.

As if snapping out of deep thought, Wyatt looks my way. “Huh?” He sits up, grinning. “Hey, Joze. Wow, you’re here early.”

I lift the paper tray with the two to-go cups and place them on the table with the playing cards. “I wanted to be here when you woke up. I’m surprised you’re not asleep.”

He tosses his glasses onto the table and then opens his arms, welcoming me into a hug I gladly snuggle into. As he rubs a circle on my back, he says, “I was uncomfortable. Like, kinda cramped, but also thinking about what getting out of here means.”

I pull out of the hug and touch the side of his face with concern. “You’re happy to be leaving, right?”

He clutches my hand, sliding it from his cheek, and smiles. “Of course. I just... You know... I don’t know what my life is. ”

I nod, taking a seat near his bed. “I get that. We’ll find out together.”

“You haven’t seen the penthouse yet?”

Goosebumps sprout along my arms at the mention of it. “No way. Isn’t it crazy you’re renting out the entire top floor of a hotel?”

“And you wonder why I couldn’t sleep?” he half-jokes.

“It’ll be okay,” I say, reaching for the hot chocolates. “It’ll be overwhelming, but we’ll work it out.”

Wyatt sniffs the air as I pass him the paper cup. “Is that a hot chocolate?”

“Yes. It’s from downstairs, so hopefully it’ll be okay. I made sure it was vegan.”

“Well, it’s passed the smell test, so good start.”

We both take sips, and simultaneously purr with satisfaction.

“Oh, yep,” he says with a hopelessly adorable smile. “Definitely a winner.”

“Kylie works at a place back home that does pretty epic hot chocolates,” I tell him. “Maybe we’ll have to sneak you back to Victoria Falls to try one.”

His eyes light up. “I’d be down.”

I tap the sides of the cup, letting the inside cool down. “Do you know what time you’re leaving today?”

“Ten or eleven,” he replies, reaching to put the cup on the table. His hand shakes as he slides the cup against a pile of cards, and I’m quick to help him place the cup down. “Thanks. Anyway, I’m just gonna let the suits work it out. There was way too much talking yesterday, and I zoned out.”

I frown. “I’m so sorry that I left. This room got kinda suffocating.”

“I get it. I would’ve left too if I had the option.”

“Did you feel like I abandoned you?”

“No, I just hate when you’re not here. ”

I lift my cup. “I thought showing up early might make up for it.”

He grins. “It sure does.”

I motion at the playing cards. “Did you decide to practice while you couldn’t sleep?”

“Yeah. I feel a little more confident after doing those tests with Dr. Fincher yesterday.”

“That’s awesome.”

“Yeah. I, I had to remind myself, I can just take my time and ev-eventually I can remember what number comes next.”

“The brain fog must be so frustrating.”

“Yeah, but wanting not to look dumb in front of you has me working harder.”

“ Wyatt . You’re not dumb.”

“Before you came, I’d wallow in not, ah, not knowing the numbers.” He flexes his fingers. “Then there’s the whole problem of picking up the cards.”

“You found cards yesterday when Savanna and Dr. Fincher put you to the test. I’m sure it won’t even be a problem soon.”

Wyatt pushes his feet off the side of the bed, letting them dangle as he sits on the edge in front of me. “What if I pick up my guitar and I can’t play it? What if I don’t remember how?”

I sit forward. “Can you picture it in your head?”

He winces. “Not fully.”

“Maybe muscle memory will set in? You played it before you got famous.”

“So, it might come back, just like how my memories of you did?”

My heart swells. “Yeah, maybe.”

He blows out a breath, appearing lighter in thought. “That makes me feel better.”

Grinning, I rub the space on my chest over my thumping heart.

He tilts his head, smiling at me. “Geez, Josie, can you just stay with me forever?”

I lift off the chair, placing my cup on the cabinet by his bed, and toss my arms around him in a hug. “If I could, I would.”

His arms pull around my middle. “Really.”

“I love you, Wyatt.”

His shoulders lock in my arms. “You love me?”

My stomach cramps with dread. Crap . It just slipped out.

The tension in his arms changes as he holds me, making me cringe.

Oh my gosh, this is so awkward. I shouldn’t have said it. I didn’t mean to say it.

But... it’s true.

It’s always been true.

As he holds me, I swallow hard and whisper. “It just slipped out. I didn’t mean...”

I bite down hard as silence deafens the room.

His hands press against my lower back and he sighs into my curls. “You didn’t mean it?”

I cringe at the thought of him thinking I don’t love him.

Because I do.

I love Wyatt Hayes with every fiber of my being.

His breath patters against the nape of my neck as his head rests on my shoulder. I hug him tighter, easing into the comfort of our closeness.

“No, I meant it,” I whisper. “I just... Didn’t mean to say it.”

My stomach eases, knowing I’ll never regret saying those words to him.

His hands run against my waist as he pulls his head up. “You do love me?”

I swallow the tension and nod.

His voice is low as he says, “You know, I...”

“It’s okay,” I blurt. “I didn’t say it so you would.”

“It’s not that... ”

“I just want you to know I’m here for you.” I clutch his hand, holding it close to my heart. “Forever. Always.”

He blinks. “I... I, just...”

I lower his hand and gently shush him. “Don’t stress,” I whisper with a smile. “You don’t need to stutter your feelings. I know you want me here. Believe me, it’s more than enough for me.”

“But... But I...”

I shake my head, lowering to kiss his hand. “It’s okay.”

He sighs in defeat. “I’m sorry.”

I giggle and kiss his cheek. “Why would you apologize to me? You’re letting me in your presence. I am more than fulfilled.”

His hands brush into my curls. “Why are yuh-yuh-you cool with me acting pah-pah-pathetic?”

My nose bumps against his. “Pathetic is never a word I’d use to describe you.”

His eyes close, obviously still warring within his head. I pull away, making him grab for me as I reach for his hot chocolate.

“Why don’t you take another sip?” I say, giving him the cup. “Impossible to be in a low mood when drinking hot chocolate.”

He takes the cup but doesn’t sip. “I’m not in a low mood. How could I be when I’m looking into your big beautiful eyes?”

I shiver and clutch my elbows. “Aww.”

He smirks and rubs my arm with his free hand. “Cold?”

I blush. “Not exactly.”