40. Josie

40

JOSIE

I looked at my phone for the hundredth time but saw no notification from Wyatt. It'd been two days since I woke up alone in his bed. Two days of calling and texting him, asking what happened. I knew he was okay, because he was in Buffalo playing, although he'd played like crap and was benched the rest of the game.

At first, I understood that he had to leave to get to his game. He drove hours to be here when he could easily get in trouble for leaving before an away game. But when he wouldn't answer my texts or calls, I started to get pissed.

He told me he knew I wouldn't have cheated on him and that everything in that damn article was fake, so why did he leave without a word? Did he decide I wasn't worth the hassle now that people knew about us?

All different kinds of scenarios came to mind the last two days. Each one worse than the last. Now my head tried to convince me that Wyatt was done and now ghosting me. I knew he wouldn't do that…yet the thought lingered.

The morning after the paparazzi and the article, I allowed myself twenty minutes to feel upset about it—to hate that it happened and that my name was all over the internet. But not once did I ever think ‘I can't do this', that maybe I should leave because it was all too much.

Was it a lot knowing that someone could snap a picture of me without my permission, simply because I dated Wyatt? That random people knew who I was? Yes. It was way different than the life I'd led but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Not when I had Wyatt by my side.

I knew the moment I fell for Wyatt that things would change in my life. He was a famous athlete. His name was so well known in the sport for his talent and records he's broken, so it made sense why people were obsessed with him. I knew that, and yet I still fell for him.

So, despite everything that happened over the last few days, I had no plans to run. And I would tell Wyatt that, if he would answer his damn phone.

I knew he had hockey commitments and that the team couldn't come home until earlier today, but it didn't lessen the anger I felt over his silence.

My phone pinged, and for a moment, I'd hoped it was Wyatt, only to see a message in the girls group chat.

Let us know if you want us to come over.

Last night the three of them came over and listened to me rant about everything. Even going as far as to cuss out Wyatt which only made me laugh through my tears because I wished he was there too.

You can take tomorrow off if you need.

Lydia added. I'd worked a little today, but once 2 o'clock hit, I couldn't be there any longer, so she'd let me leave early.

With a soft sigh, sadness settled in my chest as I pushed open the door of my apartment building. The doorman greeted me with a friendly wave, which I returned half-heartedly. At least on the plus side, no paparazzi had shown up here in the last few days. The article disappearing offline probably helped.

I was certain it was Wyatt's doing, even if I couldn't get a hold of him.

Adjusting the strap of my purse and camera bag I stepped into the elevator, hitting the button for my floor. Just as the doors were set to close a hand slid between them, forcing them back open. My eyes moved up and met the face I'd come to know better than my own.

The sight of Wyatt stepping into the elevator with me made me want to jump into his arms and kiss him, and also hit him after two days of pure silence. Instead of doing either I kept my feet planted on the floor.

We stood there staring at one another as the elevator rode up a little bit before suddenly jerking to a stop. I stumbled into him, a sense of deja vu hitting me. His arms held my waist as I gained my footing.

"Don't worry, it's just Trevor and Bryton, they stopped it." Wyatt said, sensing my confusion.

"What are you doing here?" I stepped out of his hold and crossed my arms. No matter how much I wanted to wrap my arms around him I wouldn't. I was hurt that he'd left me. Hurt that he didn't even leave a note to tell me that everything would be okay. That we were okay. Hurt that he hadn't bothered to pick up his phone.

I watched him swallow before speaking. "Josie, I am so sorry."

"Wyatt—"

"Please let me say this." Wyatt pleaded to which I nodded. "I shouldn't have left in the middle of the night, you didn't deserve to wake up alone after everything that happened." His blue eyes glued to mine. "I left because I was scared. Scared of losing you. Scared of you deciding that I wasn't worth the hassle that comes with my name."

My heart ached at his words. The exact words I'd had myself.

"I thought if I left for good, then you wouldn't have to deal with all of this. Wouldn't have to see your name trending on social media. And it kills me that you've had to experience that, especially without me being here." His eyes had a light sheen across them as he took a tiny step forward. "But Josie, I don't want to leave. I don't want to know what it's like to wake up without you beside me. To not hear your laugh over a stupid commercial or see the way your eyes light up when you eat at Rick's."

With each word he uttered, I felt my heart flutter in my chest. The pressure behind my eyes growing.

"Josie, I love you. Pretty sure I fell in love with you right here in this elevator. I don't care what the media or people online say about us. I just want you by my side."

I completely lost the battle at keeping my tears at bay.

"Don't cry." Wyatt stepped forward, bringing a hand up to wipe at my face. I wrapped my hand around his wrist, keeping his palm cupped to my cheek. I peered up at him, feeling like my heart was about to explode.

"I love you, too."

"You do?" his voice trembled.

"I think I've loved you since you gave me that digesting nutrition bar." I laughed, tears still rolling down my cheeks. Wyatt's own laugh was watery before he bent his head and kissed me.

Every time I'd kissed Wyatt it was like fireworks go off, but this one…this one felt bigger and more meaningful. Like the cracks in my heart finally sealed over.

He pulled back, eyes tracing my face. "I truly am sorry."

"I know." I gave his wrist a squeeze. "But don't you ever try to make a big decision like that for me again or I will put pepper paste in your underwear and make everything burn." And I meant every single word.

"There's my feisty ‘lil rebel," Wyatt grinned, kissing me again. "I promise."

"Good." I peered up at him from under my lashes as I pressed my front against his. "How long do you think we have until Trevor and Bryton start the elevator back up?"

Wyatt's smile turned wicked and his eyes darkened.

"I think we have time."

"You have a lot of making up to do." I still planned on making him grovel a little.

"I will for the rest of my life, if I have too."

My only response was to kiss him again.