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My soul leapt.

A symphony played in my ears.

Sparks ignited in the center of my chest, warmth expanding outward until I felt the kiss in every cell. My lips were on fire. My breaths mingled with his. My entire body was fully al ive. Our mouths were the only place we touched, but it was enough to make me weak in the knees.

As if he could sense this, his hands settled on my waist, warm and sure, holding me up, keeping me steady.

I barely knew him.

Didn't even know his name.

And yet, I knew, without a shadow of doubt, that if my legs gave out, he'd catch my fall.

A sigh escaped my lips, and his fingers tightened in response.

The kiss deepened, and I felt completely consumed.

And warm.

And…safe and out of control at the same time.

Was kissing always like this?

It was my first kiss, so I didn't know. Maybe I could ask him later. I hadn't forgotten this was just pretend. But that didn't change how real it felt or how much I was feeling.

Kissing a stranger.

One who seemed to know my body better than I did. He played it so masterfully.

I wasn't sure how long the kiss lasted. Time seemed to slow down while his lips were on mine. But when we finally came up for air, my brain was mushy around the edges. As I stared up at him and he back at me, I didn't know what to say.

Looking away, I took note of the people-free bushes.

"I think they left," I murmured.

"Who?" he said.

"The reporters."

"Ah."

I looked back at him in surprise. Did he forget they were there? It kind of sounded like he had. The thought that I might not be the only one experiencing a kiss-induced haze made my heart flutter. A beat of silence passed then...

"You okay?" he asked, his voice deeper than before.

A flush suffused my cheeks as I nodded.

"That was some kiss."

"Guess I'm a fast learner," I joked, but he didn't laugh.

His mahogany brown eyes flashed. "Was that your first kiss?"

"Was it that obvious?"

"No. But I'm honored."

The words held no sarcasm, and for that, I was grateful. Maybe that was why I responded the way I did.

"I'm…thank you," I said.

He lifted a brow at that. "You were the one helping me . So, thank you."

"You're right. You're welcome."

He laughed quietly, and I tilted my head, enjoying the sound.

"Something funny?" I asked.

"No. Just wondering when you're going to let me go."

"Hmmm?"

His eyes dropped, and I followed his gaze to where my fingers were—embarrassingly—still clutching his t-shirt. Oh. When the heck did that happen?

"Sorry," I mumbled, releasing the material, taking a step back.

"Don't be," he said . "I'm used to it."

"Meaning?"

A shrug. "People try to rip my clothes off all the time."

"They do ? That sounds horrible."

"Depends on who's doing the ripping, I guess."

I swallowed, and he gave me a half-smile . B efore he could say more, the door to the bus opened.

"Hey Felix," a voice said, "you ever getting on?"

We both looked over to see a woman, standing just outside the bus with her arms crosse d. She was wearing a HERS t-shirt, jeans, and black boots . Her long white hair was tied in two braids that hung to her waist. As she stared at us, she tapped her watch.

"Cutting it close, kid."

Felix, the guy who'd just kissed me breathless, shrugged.

" Come on, Essie. You wouldn't leave without me," he said.

"I might."

"But I'm your favorite."

She made a noise then nodded to me. " You a fan of his?"

After that kiss? Absolutely.

Instead of saying that, I replied, "I'm supposed to be going on tour with the band actually. I play violin ."

"Oh well , watch out for this one," she said. "He's too smooth for his own good."

"Love you too, Essie," he mumbled.

Rolling her eyes, she added, "We're wheels up in five. Anyone not on the bus will be left behind. Favorite or not. "

With that, she disappeared.

"Don't mind her ," he said. " Essie talks tough, but she's a big softie."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said.

"So, you ready?"

Was I?

My phone buzzed with an incoming call, and I smiled in relief. "Hey, I've gotta take this. It's my cousin. You go ahead."

"See you in there," he said.

"Yep," I said.

As he walked away, I took a deep breath, unable to tear my eyes off him until he was out of sight . Lifting my phone, I shook myself and pressed accept.

"Hi, Frey," I said. "Where are you?"

"Hey," she said, sounding relieved, "I'm glad you picked up."

"Of course, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, fine." There was a pause. "Well, fine- ish," she amended.

"No idea what that means."

"I need to tell you something, Ror."

"Okay," I said . "I have something to tell you too. A big something." Remembering the kiss, my brain went fuzzy. I wanted to relive everything, examine every detail, but I forced myself to focus. "Are you almost here? The bus is leaving soon."

"That's why I'm calling," she said. " You go ahead and get on the bus. I'm on my way to—"

After a few seconds of silence, I looked down at my phone.

The screen was black.

I tapped it a few times.

Nothing.

Brow scrunched, I frowned . Of course, my phone died right when I needed it most. Of course.

But Freya was on her way.

She'd show up any second.

Squaring my shoulders, I closed the distance to the bus's open door. Three steps. They looked steep and daunting from here. But it was just three steps for goodness sakes.

Essie was staring at me from the driver's seat, watching as I hesitated at the threshold. Her tone was brisk, but her eyes were soft as she said, "You getting on?"

"Yes," I said.

I could do this. Pulling my suitcase up behind me, I took each step slowly—but surely.

Once I was at the top, I smiled.

There.

That wasn't so bad.

Music drifted on the air along with several voices. I looked to my left—and promptly froze. A small hallway led to a seating area near the front of the bus. It looked like most of the members of HERS were gathered t here. I'd memorized their pictures, so I'd feel more prepared. But I hated being late to class—or anything really—for this reason. Walking in front of people, feeling all those eyes on me, was so not my idea of a good time. Thankfully, no one had noticed me yet.

"Who are we waiting for again?" Hayden asked.

Dark wavy hair, gray eyes, way-too-pretty face. He was absently strumming an acoustic guitar.

"Don't know, but I hope they get here soon ," Santino said, throwing a ball into the air and catching it. Over and over again. "I'm bored."

A scoff. "Then do something productive."

"Like what?"

"Like anything . How about reading a book?"

A laugh rang out, then Santino paused . "Oh , were you serious?"

Ryker came out of a room near the back of the bus, walked forward and crossed his arms , holding his drumsticks in one hand. He was a big guy, but the pose made him look even bigger, more intimidating. So did the scowl on his face. "Okay, which one of you stole the last slice of my pizza?"

"How were we supposed to know it was yours?" Elliot asked.

"My name was written on it. In all caps. "

"Oh." The lead singer held his hands up. "Hey, it wasn't me."

"Me neither," Hayden said with a grimace. "I hate pineapple on pizza."

Santino nodded. "It should be a crime. Also, everyone knows how possessive you are about food. "

"I am not," Ryker said.

"Yeah, you are. And hangry too."

"Shut up."

Santino shot him a wink. "Thanks for proving my point."

Ryker's gaze shifted and stopped on someone I couldn't see. "Felix?"

"Yes?" a familiar voice said.

"Did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"You know what."

Felix sat forward, leaning into the aisle, sitting near the front of the bus.

"I'm not saying I ate it," he said, "but if I did, I probably didn't know it was yours."

"All. Caps," Ryker repeated.

" No comment. But…p ineapple on pizza is surprisingly good."

Several groans met that statement . Then Ryker suddenly said, "Oh, hey . Didn't see you there."

It took me longer than it should have to realize he was talking to me.

I'd gotten so caught up in their antics, enjoying the back and forth, content to sit back and people-watch, so it was a shock to suddenly have five pairs of eyes on me.

And they were all looking.

At me.

Jeez.

Lifting my hand in an awkward wave, I said, "Hey, everyone."

Santino looked me up and down . When his eyes came back to meet mine, his brow furrowed. " Someone hire a stripper?"

I nearly choked.

"Not that I'm judging," he added, "but you look too young for that life. Stay in school, kid."

"I'm not a stripper," I said finally finding my voice.

"Are you sure?" Santino gestured to my outfit. "Because with the clothes, you kind of look like one."

"I'm sure."

"That's—ow!"

Ryker had thrown one of his sticks at the other guy, landing it smack in the middle of his forehead . "S antino, shut up . She's not a freaking stripper."

"Yeah," Elliot said, staring at me from behind his glasses, "it's giving me flashbacks to private school."

"Me too," Hayen said. "Looks like the uniform they used to make us wear . Minus the skirt ."

Felix met my gaze, and his lips twitched . "Told you they'd like the costume," he said.

I shook my head.

"Also, just so you know, I wasn't thinking stripper when I said that."

"I'll keep it in mind as a backup in case the violinist thing doesn't work out."

Total lie.

I would never have the guts to take my clothes off in front of people.

My courage only went so far.

Plus, I had thick thighs and hips, semi-decent boobs, and a lack of coordination that showed up at the worst times.

So yeah, dancing in front of people—with or without clothes—was a no-go.

"How do you know my brother?" Ryker asked.

My eyes widened at that.

"Your brother?" I repeated.

"Yeah. Can't you see the resemblance?"

Now that he mentioned it, I could. Looking between Felix and Ryker, I was surprised I hadn't noticed before. They had the same bone structure with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. Ryker was a little more muscular where Felix was lean, but they were both tall with broad shoulders. Even their eyes were the same disarming shade of brown.

"You're younger?" I asked Felix.

"Yeah," he said, "and better looking, smarter, more talented."

Ryker threw his other stick, but anticipating this, Felix ducked out the way just in time.

"Better reflexes too."

"Funny," Ryker said. To me, he added, "Welcome to the HERS tour, Aurora. Glad you could make it."

"Me too," I said.

A woman boarded the bus and tapped me on the shoulder, "Hi, hello there! Can you move please, sweetheart? I just want to make sure we're all ready."

"Oh, of course," I said, trying to shift out of the way.

Unfortunately, I got two steps before I tripped on nothing.

My body pitched forward. I was prepared to catch myself, but before I could, someone stepped in front of me, wrapping a hand around my waist. We ended up chest-to-chest. My heart was beating fast. It felt like his was too. But Felix sounded perfectly calm when he spoke.

"You good?" he asked, his voice quiet and right next to my ear.

"Yeah," I said, "thanks."

"No problem."

As I regained my balance, and we stepped away from each other, I said, "You weren't kidding about the reflexes."

Felix just gave a half-shrug.

"Okay, guys," the woman behind me said . Now that I got a better look, I realized I knew who she was. Taylor T anaka, HERS's manager—who was currently waiting for me to move. "W e have a lot to go over before we leave. So could you all please take your seats?"

I nodded then spotted what looked like an outlet and walked straight for it. I ended up seated behind the guys—this was absolutely intentional. Santino turned toward me wearing an apologetic expression.

"Sorry about the stripper thing," Santino said then threw me a dazzling smile that I'm sure got him out of tons of trouble . Those pearly whites paired with his sky blue eyes, and was that…oh goodness, the guy had dimples. It was too much. He was too much . "I didn't mean anything by it. My favorite aunt was a stripper. I actually have a ton of respect for professional dancers, both exotic and not. The guys hired one before and—"

"It's okay," I said with a nod.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I get that all the time."

He laughed. "I think I'm going to like you. I'm Santino."

"I-I know," I said as he took my hand and kissed the back . I'd only ever seen that done in movies . "Aurora."

"Nice to meet you, Aurora."

My cheeks went up in flames, but luckily, he turned back to face the front as the woman began speaking. Something drew my attention, a feeling, an awareness, I couldn't quite pinpoint, and as I looked up, my gaze crashed into Felix's.

His face was blank.

But something simmered in his eyes as he stared between me and Santino.

Not knowing what it meant but needing a break from those intense eyes, I pulled out my charger and plugged in my phone.

"Good morning everyone," the woman said, placing a hand on her chest, "as most of you know, I'm Taylor, the manager for HERS . First, I wanted to welcome our newest addition , Aurora. She'll be playing violin for us for the duration of the tour. Everyone please make her feel welcome."

She clapped enthusiastically, and the guys did too—though they were obviously doing it to humor her. I smiled and ducked my head, noticing my phone was lit up. It had finally come back to life.

"I really feel like this tour is going to be amazing. We have a lineup of beautiful venues . It's a two-month commitment . Every stop, we'll be reconnecting with the fans , bringing joy to the people, and spreading the love of HERS music far and wide."

Taylor's smile brightened another notch.

"Although he's usually a solo artist, Felix has agreed to come on board and fill in as our bassist as Santino's wrist continues to heal."

"Good luck trying to fill my shoes, Cordova," Santino said.

"It'll be tough," Felix said. "But I think I can handle it, Alvarez."

"Hmph."

"Anyway"—Taylor cut in—" we're very glad to have you, Felix—as well as your loyal fanbase. Although, I spoke to our head of PR, and she says we need to find an angle to make you even more a part of the group, a way to increase not only HERS's popularity but yours as well."

Felix shrugged. "I'm popular enough."

"Hmmm."

The manager did not sound too pleased with that response, but as she consulted her notes, my phone pinged with a text. And then several more . They must've come in when my phone was dead. All of them were from Freya. My throat went dry, my chest tightening the more I read.

Sorry, we got cut off. Like I was saying, I have something I need to tell you, Ror.

I can't go on the tour.

I'm on my way to the emergency room now. I hit my head and think I have a concussion. Don't worry! I'll be fine! But…yeah, my parents said no playing until the doctor clears me.

Stupid basketball…

But you should still go! It's your dream!

Do it for both of us!

For all the Kent cousins!

Be brave, Ror!

Dazed, I looked up just as Taylor's speech was winding down.

"Well, I think that's about it. Let's have an awesome tour, you guys!" To me, she said, "Oh, and Aurora, I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. I hope she feels better soon . Again, we're so happy to have you!"

I made some noise.

It was part squeak, part groan, and all panic.

Freya…wasn't coming.

I was on my own.

I would be traveling on a bus full of guys for two months.

By myself.

No Freya. No crutch. Just me, my violin, and my awkwardness.

It hit me all at once, and I didn't know what to do, could barely think past the rush of everything. But I could do it… right? This didn't change anything. It was still my dream . And the tour was only for two months. I could do anything for two months. Right?

I looked up and noticed Felix staring at me.

He lifted a brow.

You okay?

It seemed to say.

No, I thought. I was scared as hell. But I was doing it anyway.

I had my first kiss today.

With a stranger. A rockstar whose name I hadn't even known.

An accidental fake kiss that stirred my soul.

If I could do that, I could do anything.

As the bus pulled onto the highway , I knew there'd be challenges ahead and adventure too. I was slightly terrified. I acknowledged that. But I was an introvert with a choice.

And I was following my yellow brick road.