Page 80 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
I hate that it feels like another childish gold star moment. But I cycle through the breathing technique one more time as strangers press in around us and the cold wind cuts sideways under the awning.
I wish I didn’t need him here. I wish I could stand on my own two feet. I wish I could watch the rainstorm and feel nothing but wet.
But I have him. I need him so badly it aches.
He swipes a piece of wet hair off my forehead. “Hey, you good?”
I look up at him. “Yeah. I’m standing.”
He smiles. “Good. Just checking.”
“Sorry if I scared you.”
“It’s okay. You’re getting through it.”
I take another deep breath and then exhale. “I think so.”
He rubs a comforting circle on my back. “You’re shivering so badly.”
“The wind is so icy.”
He drops his guitar case with a thud and retrieves his phone from his pocket. “I’ll text the driver to pick us up. When there’s a break in the storm, we’ll make a run for it.”
“Run for it? In this weather?”
“Want me to carry you?”
Suddenly there’s warmth in my facial features. “Umm, no.”
He smirks as he types. “I give a mean piggyback ride. Don’t you wanna see the world from this height?”
I can’t help laughing. “Oh my gosh, Ryder. Do not carry me.”
He smiles as if he’s proud of himself, and then pockets his phone. “Car will be here soon.”
I nod, watching the rain change direction with the wind. I jolt as lightning illuminates a distant hill.
“It’s so far away,” Ryder says. “It can’t get us.”
I swallow the sickness leaping up my throat and cuddle into him. My knees can’t take much more of this.
“The rain is easing up. Do you think you can make it?”
I shake my head against his solid chest.
He gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay. We’ll wait.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I got you.”
Other diners are leaving the space under the awning. Breathing gets easier without the crowdedness, and I notice the steaminess from the rain is disappearing. It’s still sprinkling droplets onto the decking, but I can acknowledge the storm is nowhere near as bad.
With a tremor, I lift my hand and let the raindrops splash onto my palm.
Ryder holds me as if I’m playing with fire. “Are you sure you’re okay doing that?”
I shiver again, leaning into him. “Not at all.”
