Page 74 of Introvert

"No problem."

"That's fine," Izzy put in, "I wanted to get more solo shots of HERS anyway."

A collective groan came from the sofa where the guys were sitting, but Izzy didn't let that phase her.

"Hey, none of that. This isthe price of fame, gentlemen." Sheclucked her tonguethen turned to the photographer. "Shamar, didyou get everything you needed from Aurora and Felix?"

He nodded while checking his camera display. "Ferora was fire."

"Good. Then Ryker, you're up first."

"Yes, yes," Shamar said, ignoring how Ryker dragged his feet and grumbled the whole way over. "The big, bad drummer. Now, if we can get a few photos of you not scowling, that would be good."

Ryker's frown only got deeper.

"Or…not."

Izzy released a long-suffering sigh, muttering something about moody musicians, and I chose that moment to disappear.

I tried to walk away quickly, tripped on nothing but powered right on through. That's the beauty of living a mostly awkward life, I thought. You're never surprised when embarrassing things happen. You expect it. You roll with it—and if you're like me, you overthink it hours later in private.

I kept going until I was out in the hall.

The temperature felt so much cooler here.Eventhough I knew it was the same air as in Shamar's studio, I was finally able totake a deep breath. Looking back through the open doorway, I noticed Felix standingoff to the side with his hands on his hips, staring at the floor with a frown.

I hoped he wasn't mad at me.

Not that I thought he was that kind of person.Quick to anger, I mean.

Honestly, helooked more confused than anything as he ran a hand along the back of his neck. I couldn't blame him. WhenShamar mentioned a kiss, I suddenly realized how hot I felt. Like ice cream melting in the sun hot. Something caused me to becomeinstantly overheated.

No, not something, my mind whispered.Someone.

But I ignored the unhelpful commentary.

Yes, I knew my hot flash was probably Felix-induced. That didn't make it better. In fact, it made it worse—and much more important that Igot out of there.

I watched as Felix laughedat something Izzy said. Did his face have to get even more attractive when he smiled?

"So unfair," I muttered.

"He's gorgeous," London said, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Don't you think?"

"Who's gorgeous? And when did you get here?"

"Ryker, obviously—though I see why you might've thought I meant the other Cordova."

The fact that she called Felix "the other" anything gaveme pause. To me, he was it, second tono one—which I guessed was her point.

"And I came in time to see you get flustered about kissing Fe."

I crossed my arms. "Iwasn't flustered."

"A little bit," she said.

Okay, she had a point. But… "Was it obvious?"

London shrugged. "I noticed. Butthat's because I'm observant, and I like to focus on other people's problems more than my own."

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