Page 71 of Introvert

"Sure," I said. "But first, I need to do something."

Felix gave me a questioning look. "What's up?"

Instead of using words, I decided to act. Before doubt could set in, I leaned up and pressed a soft, lingering kiss againsthischeek. The skin there was rough against my lipswith hisfive o'clock shadow. For some reason, the feel of it sent a shiverdown my spine. But not as much as the way his eyesfollowed me as I leaned back.

"Thank you," I said, "for helping me that night."

"The night my dog blinded you by kicking sand in your face?" His voice was rich with something, but it wasn't just amusement.

"I thought Onyx was Ryker's dog."

"She's our family dog, but everyone knows Onyx loves me best."

Farther down the table, Rykerlet out a loud, low scoff at that, but Felix didn't take his eyes off mine. Reaching down, he took my hand and lifted it to his mouth, laying the gentlest kiss against my knuckles.

"You're welcome, princess," he said.

The sound of a camera going off reached my ears. I thought the fan might've taken the picture, but she was standing there frozen, staring at the two of us. Looking past her, I noticed Izzy standing nearby in a long dark coat, baseball cap, and sunglasses.

Felix came closer and said quietly, "Izzy said she wanted a few more candid shots of us."

"Oh," I said.

"She wants to, and I quote, 'sell the fake relationship.'As if we weren't doing that already without even trying."

His lips tipped up, and I gave a small, forced smile back.

That must've been why he kissed me—well, my hand.

It was completely innocentand totally romantic. And I was trying not to show how disappointed, how absolutely gutted I was that it hadn't been real.

Come on, Aurora. Itonly lasted a few heartbeats.

But I could've sworn I felt the kiss all over.

It was fake.

Doesn't change how it felt.

"Hey," Felix said, trying to get my attention. "Where'd you go?"

"Nowhere," I said then nodded to Izzy. "Does she think the trench coat makes her blendin?"

"I'll ask her later."

Looking over tothe girl who was still staring at us, slack-jawed, I flushed. "Sorry about that," I said.

She waved that off with a grin. "No problem at all. Take your time. Your romance is literally giving me life right now."

"Okay.We should take that picture," I said to Felix, "so we're not holding up the line."

And so I wouldn't end up staring at him like a starstruck teenager.

"Sounds good, princess," he said.

The nickname made my heart flutter, and I realized I'd beenworried about the wrong thing. Starstruck, I was not andnever had been.By anyone.

But lovestruck?

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