Page 43 of Introvert

"I mean, I think we should try what Izzy said. For the good of the band and your popularity—though you seem pretty popular already."

"I don't care about that," he said.

"I know," I said. "Butafter the talk on the bus, I really thought it over. At first, I was surprised. Then I got a little scared, but I'm over that.I love fake romance—in books anyway.It might be fun."

A beat passed.

"What do you think?" I asked.

Felix just stared at me.

Then stared some more.

I started to think he hadn't heard me, that maybe I'd have to repeat everything—embarrassing as that would be—but a second later, his lips twitched. It was barely there. Nothing more than a lift of his lips. But we were standing close enoughthat I saw it.

"Let me get this right," he said. "Are you asking me to be your fake boyfriend?"

I swallowed.

Was I?

"Well, technically," I said, "Izzy and Taylor are asking.For the good of the tour."

Felix leaned in closer. "But I already told you, princess. I don't do girlfriends."

"I know."

"I might make an exception though."

My heart was about to beat out of my chest.

"Just this once," he said softly.

"I know it wouldn't be real or anything," I said quickly. "Ijust want you to know that I completely understand that."

Felix tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You do, do you?"

Trying to fight back a shiver (and failing), I nodded.

"That's good," he murmured.

"I just thought maybe we could—"

"I'm in."

Those two words shocked me to the core.

And made the little butterflies in my chest take flight.

"You are?" I asked.

Felix nodded.

Releasing a breath, I started to smile. "Well, that's awesome! I've always wondered what it would be like to date someone."

I wanted to take the words back the second I said them.

"I mean fake date."

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