Page 62 of Wylder & the Rising Rockstar
“When you went to Nashville to find him.”
“But we hadn’t even kissed yet.”
Killian shrugged. “Do you really think that matters?”
Wylder buried her face in her hands. “This sucks.”
“It’s not supposed to.”
She didn’t say anything for a long moment before lifting her tear-stained face to Killian. “Killian, he really hates me.”
“I very much doubt that.”
“I don’t think I know how to even have a relationship, let alone be in love. I’m not meant for this. Even if he ever did forgive me, I’d just screw it up again.”
“Wylds, you’re a really good friend, sort of the best. You don’t let just anyone in, but when you do, that person is lucky.Iam lucky to be your friend. It’s like your greatest skill. Isn’t this just an extension of that?”
Wylder had never considered herself good at anything other than drums, and playing the drums didn’t add much to the world, didn’t make a difference. She’d never imagined she affected anyone’s life, not really. “You really think I’m a good friend?”
“I don’t know anyone else who goes to the lengths you do just to make your friends happy. We make fun of you, but it’s only because we love you. Me, Diego, Nicky, even Devyn… there’s a reason none of us can seem to resist you. Your circle of friends includes the president’s son, country’s favorite boy toy, two NHL hopefuls, not to mention all three Cook brothers, even the one you punched in the face. There’s a reason we all gravitate toward you.”
“I just thought I was a gay magnet.” Other than the Cook boys and Devyn, all her friends were gay boys she’d used her matchmaking skills on.
A laugh burst out of Killian. “Well, that too.” He kissed the side of her head. “Trust me, Wylds, a relationship isn’t any harder than the best kind of friendship if it’s with the right person. You just make it work. If I, Killian Loner James, can do it, then you can. Honestly, Wylds, I doubt there’s anything you can’t do.”
“Except make Logan forgive me.” Her shoulders slumped. “In a few days, I’m supposed to get on stage with Luke, and I know our performance will kick butt. I know I’ll have fun, but it won’t be right. Singing with Logan in that school project, singing with him at the L.A. Daily show, I’ve never felt more like I was in the right place. Have you ever felt like that? It’s this contentment that you’ve finally found where you fit into this world.”
He smiled. “Every time I step onto the ice.”
“I always feel so out of place, like I don’t belong anywhere or with anyone.”
“Wylds—"
She held up a hand to stop him. “I don’t say that for your pity, just… I don’t want to lose it. How do I fix this, Killian?”
He squeezed her tighter to him. “I don’t think you can. It’s up to Logan. He has to come to you.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” The creak of a door had Wylder’s gaze jerking up to find Logan standing in the doorway of his room, his eyes boring into her.
She jumped to her feet, wanting to run, wanting to stay. How much of that had he heard?
She took in his messy hair, his rumpled shirt. There were bags under his eyes, but it was the way he looked at her that turned her insides to goo. There was a desperation in his gaze, like she both tore him apart and pieced him back together.
Her cheeks heated in embarrassment as her mind ran through everything he could have heard. Killian was right. It was up to Logan to come to her. Yet, he didn’t move, didn’t say a word.
Wylder’s heart thumped in her chest, threatening to jump out so Logan could stomp on it one final time.
Come near me,she silently begged.Tell me we’ll be okay.
Kiss me and make me believe it.
But he didn’t move. His feet stayed firmly in place.
Killian glanced from Wylder to Logan and back again, sympathy in his gaze.
So, Wylder did the only thing she could. She ran. Out the door, down the hall, not stopping until she reached the safety of her own room. But even after she slammed the door shut, she could still feel his eyes on her, the way his look made the hair on her arms stand on end.
Wylder never imagined falling in love with Logan Cook, and she’d never imagined the first time he’d hear her say it was because he was eavesdropping. But there it was. He knew.
