Page 186 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
As they move off the stage, Ryder says something to Chase that makes him laugh. Brooks smacks his drumsticks together over his head, cheering as he runs off stage.
Ryder comes through the stage door and finds me immediately. He crosses to me in four steps. His hands come up to my face, and I could almost keel over from the rush of it.
“You stayed the whole time.”
“I told you I would.”
He closes his eyes and sighs. “My muse.”
“You were incredible,” I whisper as his thumb brushes against my cheekbone.
“Hamilton.” Chase grips Ryder’s shoulder, splitting the moment open. “The suits are ready. This is the conversation we’ve been waiting for. Let’s go.”
Ryder’s hand drops from my face, and his focus goes over to the enthusiastic executives hovering in the backstage space.
This is it. This is bigger than him and me.
“Go,” I say softly. “It’s okay.”
Something moves through his expression. Then Chase says his name again, more agitated, and Ryder nods. I watch him go, absorbing into the fast-talking conversation that includes dramatic hand gestures.
Mr. Kensington tousles his son’s unkempt long hair. There’s more liveliness in Chase’s expression than I’ve ever seen before. More men than I can count shake Ryder’s hand, and I take it as my cue to leave. As I make my way to the backstage exit, the corridor is still busy and loud as people move urgently in all directions.
I keep my head down and follow the signs for the main hall.
I’m almost at the door when I hear him.
“Hey!”
Before I can turn around, both his arms are around me, scooping me off the ground. I gasp as he spins me around, stillcradled in his strong arms. Ryder has the same larger-than-life grin from the stage. Before I can speak, he kisses me. I pull my arms around him, anchoring myself as my feet are nowhere near the ground. My lips press firmly to his, wanting to savor the moment before he’s pulled away from me again.
Slowly, he lowers me back to the ground, hunching so his face stays near mine as we pull apart.
“Where are you going?” he whispers.
I blink. “I was… you have a meeting. I was going to let you…”
“Let me, what?”
“Ryder, there are executives waiting to talk to you.”
“I know.” He’s still smiling underneath every word. “We played the showcase, and they loved it. Nothing can erase that. They’re here to talk to my band, not anyone else’s.” His hand brushes back my hair. “I don’t have to rush into a room and have a meeting tonight. They want us. They can wait.”
I look at him. “Chase is going to lose his mind.”
“Probably,” Ryder agrees, unbothered.
“Miranda, too.”
“Miranda will understand.” His eyes don’t leave mine. “I’ve got this, Ally. But I want you more.”
I feel those words in the same place I felt the encore. In my ribs. Moving through me before I can stop them. He’s watching me like I’m the prize he won tonight.
And I’m going to let him.
“Okay,” I say.
He pulls me in for another hug, kissing the side of my head. He takes my hand, and we leave the noise behind us. Soon, his parents are quick to swoop in and hug and applaud him. They’re so proud it makes my heart ache.
