(TEN YEARS AGO) RYDER’S JOURNAL
I started seeing Helena. She’s six years older. And, best of all, in no danger of falling for me. So I don’t have to worry about hurting her. She’s a supermodel. I should be obsessed with her. But I’m not. She doesn’t get excited over the smallest thing. She doesn’t laugh with her whole body. She’s not as raw, real, or joyful as…
But she’s everything a guy should want. So why isn’t that enough?
(NOW)
“You slept in your car? Really?”
I can feel heat suffuse my face. “Not the entire night. But I couldn’t take the chance that a jealous fan might hurt you. And what the hell are you wearing?” I ask, changing the subject.
She grins and stretches, so even more of her perfect legs show. “Shirtdress. I’ve had enough walks home from a night out. I’m very good at being inventive.”
My lips compress. I swear she loves baiting me.
“And you’re forgetting that your fandom doesn’t hate me. Shockingly. The world wants us together. So I don’t need your protection against angry fans.”
I shift uncomfortably. I push away the confusing rush of emotions at the thought of her video and everything she said.
“I spoke with my PR company regarding what to do about you.”
“Do about me? Did you not just hear what I said? There’s nothing to do. This will blow over.”
“Well, until it does, I’m hiring round-the-clock security. Rockhaven has always been a place I could visit, with no need for protection. The locals are used to famous people having summer homes here, and they’re too proud to make a big deal over anyone. But obviously, that’s changed. And I’m not leaving you alone. I’ve decided to stay in town until the viral videos die down.”
She leans forward. “There’s. No. Need.”
“There’s every need, according to Julia.”
“And who is Julia?”
“One of the best PR people in the business. Look. You were obviously…under the influence…and said things you didn’t mean. But the world thinks you love me.”
“Loved. Past tense.”
“Loved, love, whatever. And the world knows that I know. It’s not like you’re some random fan. You’re a friend, and the fans ID’d you as Chase James’s sister. The world is rooting for us to date right now. As you said, the coverage is positive at the moment. But Julia says if I ignore this situation, then fans willspeculate about why we’re not dating. They’ll speculate about what’s wrong—”
“What’s wrong with me,” she finishes my sentence.
I wince. “I know it’s bullshit, Daisy. But this story could go from cute to ugly in a heartbeat. Right now, the fans are building you up, but if we play it wrong, they’ll dissect everything we do and tear you down savagely. Julia says the only way to protect you is to keep the story romantic.”
I pause. Then just say it. “By dating.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Her eyes get even bigger.
“You heard me. We have to date. Fake-date.”
Daisy laughs. “Oh no. We absolutely do not.”
“I told you. My publicist says it’s the only way you won’t be....”
“The only way I won’t be more publicly humiliated than I already am?” she asks, her hands on her hips.
I shift. “I’m not sure if that’s the exact wording they used. But you said you loved me on video.”
She looks back up, her eyes flashing. “Yes, Ryder. I said it. That was then. Now, I’d just love to not want to kill you.”
“Hey, I’m trying to help.”
