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First day of senior year.

Last first day of high school.

Despite my worries, the first day had gone well. I t was just as awesome as I'd always hoped it would be. Awesome because I got the electives I'd wanted—including an hour of private study which I'd use to practice my violin—as well as a letter attached to my schedule informing me that I'd been accepted into AP World Lit. Every other year the class took a trip overseas . This year was Ireland , and I'd always wanted to go. With the money I'd earned on tour and if I was careful with my spending, I knew I'd have enough. I couldn't wait.

The HERS tour ended several weeks ago. I slipped easily back into my pre-tour life. My brush with fame had been brief. But I wasn't mad about it. I missed the people but not the spotlight.

Still, Mom and Dad loved hearing about my adventures with the band. I told them almost everything—minus the part about sleeping with Felix. They were happy I'd spread my wings, even happier to have me back home, but I didn't think they were ready to hear about me sharing a bed with a boy they hadn't even properly met yet.

Mom kept talking about having Felix over for family dinner.

Dad was all for that—so long as he could invite his brothers . He wanted to, and I quote, "give Felix the Kent family welcome."

I didn't know exactly what that meant.

Wasn't sure I wanted to.

I hadn't asked Felix yet, mostly because I didn't want him to be scared off (though I didn't think he would be) and I wanted to let him focus on his upcoming trip to Europe (which I knew he was). We texted and talked every day. Strangely, he was the one who made me promise to keep the ritual going while he was out of the country.

He said he'd pay for any international fees, but he needed to hear my voice . To know I was out there thinking about him as much as he'd be thinking about me.

It was one of the most romantic things I'd ever heard.

I still couldn't believe he said it to me.

As I was leaving school, my phone pinged with a new text.

Felix: How'd your first day go?

I smiled then typed my reply.

Me: Good :). What are you doing?

Felix: Thinking of you. Obviously.

A shiver raced through me, which was crazy because he wasn't even here. All it took was one text, and I turned to mush.

Me: I hope you won't flirt with people in Europe like that. They'll never let you leave.

Felix: Doubting me already, princess?

Me: Never.

And I meant it. I wasn't worried about Felix cheating or forgetting about me while he was away. I knew my thoughts would be with him the whole time.

Felix: I'll save all my flirting for you.

Me: Me too—though I'm awkward and not that good at it.

Felix: Seriously? You smile and I feel flirted with.

I shook my head, feeling my lips turn up.

Felix: Any after school plans?

Me: Go home, change into pjs, curl up under a blanket, read a book. Sleep.

Felix: Sounds fun.

I could practically hear him saying the words.

Me: Being alone is my idea of a good time, Felix.

Felix: Bet I could change your mind.

Me: Doubtful. But I'm listening.

I waited, wondering what he would say next, looking down at my phone . My smile widened as I saw those three dots appear, indicating that he was typing . When the message finally came through, I tilted my head.

Felix: There's that smile I love.

I blinked.

Felix: Look up, princess.

My head lifted, and my day got even better.

Felix was standing in the senior parking lot with his back propped against a black car. The sunlight glinted off his hair which I wanted to run my fingers through. His t-shirt fit him to perfection. The darkwash jeans did amazing things for his long legs. His arms were crossed, and he was wearing dark sunglasses that hid his eyes. But I knew they must've been smiling because as I got closer the corners of his lips rose as well.

I stopped about a foot away, trying not to smile like a fool and failing.

"Hey," I said. " What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," he said.

"At my school?"

"Thought I'd surprise you."

My eyes softened as I looked at him. "Well, you definitely did that."

I drank him in for a moment then shook my head.

"I thought you had to finish packing for your trip."

"Yeah, but I'll do it later. This is more important."

"What is?" I said.

"I need to ask you something," he said.

"Alright."

"Will you go on a date with me?"

I processed the words and studied Felix to see if he was joking. But I couldn't see past the shades. Reaching forward, I gently removed them, giving a mental sigh when I finally saw his eyes. They were warm and smiling just like I imagined they would be.

"Princess?"

"I wanted to see your eyes," I said, "make sure you were serious."

"Oh, I am," he said then lifted his chin, "but could you answer . My ego's on the line, and we have an audience."

Glancing around, I saw that he was right. Several people from my school had stopped to watch . A few had their phones out . I felt like it was mostly because Felix was just that stunning.

"Of course," I said.

He grinned. "Cool. Then I'll get to take you on our first date."

"But you already did. The sushi, remember?"

"That doesn't count. It was with other people. This will be just us."

His hands went to my waist, and I stepped closer to him willingly, not stopping until we were only a breath apart.

"Just us sounds good," I murmured.

"It does ," he said. "You ready?"

"Almost."

I leaned up to whisper in his ear.

"I need a favor first."

Felix shivered. "What's that?"

"Pretend with me for 10 seconds?" I asked.

It was the same question he'd posed to me what seemed like ages ago, but Felix shook his head.

"I'm not pretending with you, princess. I never was."

Felix brought his forehead to rest against mine.

"I love you for real," he said against my lips.

"I love you for real too," I said back.

And we kissed.

And there was absolutely nothing fake about it.

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