Page 34 of Shy Girls Can’t Date Celebrities (Shy Girls Sweet Romances #6)

One girl flings her phone at the security guard. “Take a photo of us, will you?”

The security guard presses his lips into a hard line, but obliges. The girls gather at Wyatt’s side, pressing their bodies against him as they squeal, “ Cheese ,” at the phone’s camera.

Wyatt’s grin grows, reveling in the adoration from the two girls.

The security guard gives the phone back. “Okay, ladies. Time to step back.”

“Thank you so much, Wyatt,” one girl gushes, as she and her friend step backwards.

The other girl sneakily lifts her phone and presses the side button. “Yeah.” She giggles. “This was awesome.”

As my stomach fights its way toward my esophagus, I pull the velvet curtain closed. With shaky hands, I force myself to try on the different outfits. I barely look at myself, emerging in my final look, the white knitted crop and purple tartan skirt.

Wyatt’s jaw drops. “Wow, Joze, you look adorable.”

I clasp my hands in front, hoping beyond hope I don’t appear as awkward as I feel.

He takes my hands and notices the clamminess. “Whoa. What’s up? Geez, you look so pale.”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

“Joze?”

“Really, I’m fine.”

“Not buying it.”

I sigh hard. “ Those girls,” I say, sliding helplessly into awkwardness. “Were you okay with them coming up to you?”

“You mean those two?” he says, looking at the door, signaling they’ve already left the store. “It was harmless.”

“It’s random people wanting a photo with you.”

“You’re the one who reminded me I’m famous.”

“Yeah, I know, but it was your first real interaction with fans. It had to feel intense.”

Wyatt smiles and shrugs. “I dunno. I kinda liked it.”

I brace myself. “You did?”

“Makes sense.” He shrugs again. “How else would I become famous if I didn’t like the attention? I always imagined interacting with people when I used to practice my songs. It’s wild that this is now for real.”

I squeeze his hand, clamminess be damned. “As long as you’re okay.”

He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Well, I’m okay, but clearly you’re not. I hate seeing you so shaken up.”

I sigh again. “I’ll be fine knowing you’re not freaking out.”

He grins. “I swear, I’m not freaking out in the slightest.”

One of the many knots in my stomach unravels.

“So, I hope you’re getting this outfit,” he says, swinging my hands out to the side, “because you look gorgeous.”

“Can I remove the tags?” Marsha asks, sidling up to us. “You can wear it out of the store.”

“That’d be great,” I reply. “And I’ll take the other two outfits too.”

“Excellent,” Marsha says. “I’ll wrap them up and have them delivered to the penthouse.”

“Thanks for your help,” Wyatt says to Marsha. “And nice to see you again, I guess.”

Marsha hums a laugh. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Hayes. ”

As Marsha collects the clothes I came into the store wearing, plus my new clothes, Wyatt and I get ready to leave.

“Sir,” the security guard says, raising a hand to stop Wyatt and I moving toward the door. “We have a situation.”

“A sit-situation?” Wyatt stammers.

“Seems word has gotten out that you’re on the strip,” the security guard says. “A crowd of fans are outside.”

Wyatt smirks. “A crowd of fans? Get outta here.”

I gulp. “A crowd?”

“My associate has kept them back to make a clear path for you,” security continues. “Or, if you like, I can ask the salesperson if there’s a back entrance we can take.”

Wyatt cranes his neck, checking out the people milling on the sidewalk. “Hmm, I dunno if I need to escape.”

Security motions to the front door. “I can escort you out if you want to do a meet and greet.”

Wyatt mumbles a laugh, shaking his head. “There’s really a crowd? For me?”

I grab onto his forearm. “You really love this?”

He turns to me. “Huh?”

“The fame. You’re into this?”

His eyes sparkle and his lips quirk into an electrified smile. “My dream really happened,” he whispers. “I used to play covers at the school talent show, and now there’s a crowd of people wanting to meet me. How is this real?”

My knees knock together. “You don’t have to go out there, if you don’t want to.”

“Are you kidding?” he beams. “Meeting those girls lit a spark in me. Imagine the boost I’ll get when I go out there.” He gasps and clutches my hand. “What if my memory comes back?”

I shiver at the thought .

His smile wains. “Why don’t you look happy?”

I squeeze his hand. “No, I am. Of course, I want your memory to come back. I’m just scared for you. It could be a shock or jarring for you.”

Wyatt leans in and pecks my cheek. “I’ll be okay, Josie. I promise.”

I swallow hard and nod. “Then don’t leave your fans waiting.”

He shakes out his arms and blows out a breath. “Wish me luck.”

I fake an elated smile. “You don’t need it, superstar.”

He clutches my hand. “You’re coming with me.”

I slip my hand out of his. “I’ll follow behind. They’re here for you, after all.”

He frowns. “You don’t want to come with me?”

I frown back at him. “You know I don’t like crowds.”

He fakes a smile, but not as well as me. “Yeah, of course. Sorry, Josie.”

The security pulls open the front door. “Ready, sir?”

Wyatt nods and moves toward the door. “Ready.”