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I sit taller in my seat, folding my arms across my chest, waiting for her to explain.
“Has Stone called you? Or anyone else?”
I stare at her in confusion. Stone and I spoke between changes, but nothing was reported. I set my phone up to receive calls only from certain people when I’m working and I took out the earpiece. She hesitates, chewing the inside of her cheek and she passes me her phone. Glancing down at the bright screen, a picture of me flashes. I scroll through the Twitter feed, reading comment after comment until I’ve seen enough.
Fuck me.
My head drops and I’m shaking it when Sydney says, “At least they gave you a good hashtag.”
“You think hashtag AMAs most wanted is good?”
Her head does a quick bobble. “It could be worse.”
I hand her phone back, thankful I don’t have social media accounts. I make a mental note to do something cruel to Stone for not warning me. One of the world’s best hackers can’t claim he didn’t know. He fucking knew. I wouldn’t have put it past him to give me the name.
“Do you hate me?” Sydney’s voice cracks.
“Why would I hate you? I knew I’d be in the public eye escorting you.” The tension in her shoulders release and a relieved expression washes over her face. “Tink, it’s okay. It’s not like I wasn’t already known.”
She’s barely able to keep the laughter out of her voice when she says, “Oh, I forgot who I was with—the infamous Max Shaw. Although, the basic person doesn’t know who you are.” She shakes her hand, holding the phone in the air. “Well, at least not yet.”
I open my mouth to ask her if she really knows me. But snap it shut. Why should I care? The limo stops at a light and a car full of teenagers hang out the window, yelling and trying to figure out who we are. Sydney gets excited and scoots to the window.
“Don’t—”
She rolls down the window
“Open the window,” I say in defeat, too late.
I scoot next to her as she reaches out the window, shaking hands with the excited kids. A blonde spies me and points. “Is that AMA’s most wanted? You’re so hot, what’s your name?”
Thank fucking god the light turns green. I pull Sydney in and roll up the window as the limo rolls forward. She lands on my lap, laughing so hard, she’s blotting tears from her eyes. I drop her next to me and glare at her.
“What?” she says, fanning her face. “It’s funny. Never thought you’d be on a most-wanted list, huh?”
As much as I hate the direction this instant fame is going, her laugh reminds me of the old Sydney who was carefree and loved life. Her barriers are crumbling, but she’s still holding steady a few parts of it. I’m sure having a stalker isn’t helping.
The vibe is different walking into the after-party. There are still a million people taking pictures outside the venue, but they’re now yelling questions at me as well. They’re like turkey vultures and I’m the roadkill dinner tonight.
Unlike Sydney, who is searching for other artists to talk to, I’m searching for exits and security. Once I’ve surveyed the entire place, I relax a little.
I jerk my head down when a squeal comes out of her mouth, wondering where she’s hurt. She leans into me close and I catch a whiff of her perfume. I pull in a deep inhale, her smell triggering memories of her in my arms. Of the night we fucked. Ice-blue eyes pierce me through the darkness, her perfect body molding to mine. My soul devouring every piece of her.
“Max.” Sydney’s voice pulls me back. Where we’re just friends. I sigh at the thought before looking at her. Her brows furrow. “Did you hear anything I just said?”
“Sorry.” I shake my head, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “I was just remembering something I have to take care of tomorrow. What’s up?”
“I said that I really want to meet Savanah Morris.” She tilts her head in the woman’s direction. “Someone told me backstage that she was a fan of mine. I about died. Savanah, a fan of mine?”
“Stop selling yourself short.” I wish she could see how amazing she is like everyone else does.
She rolls her eyes at me. “You’re just saying that cause you’re a friend.” I’m starting to hate that word. “But let’s go over because she’s with Preston.”
She wraps her arm in mine and leads me to the group of people standing to the side of the stage. Savanah glances our way as we approach, and her smile widens.
As soon as Preston sees us he gives Sydney a hug and shakes my hand. He introduces us to the six people, including Savanah. Although, we’ve already met.
“Max.” Her eyes bounce from me to Sydney, with questions in them before she walks over and gives me a hug. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
