Page 7

"I can't believe I'm doing this," I murmured.

But I was.

My feet picked up speed the closer I got to the venue. There were two reasons for that. First, we had practice before the concert, and I didn't want to be late. Second, I was on a mission.

Find Felix.

Tell him I was good-to-go on the fake dating.

Wait for his response.

Now that I'd made the decision, it was like I couldn't get back fast enough. I knew Taylor and Izzy would be ecstatic. But how would Felix react? Did he actually want to do this? He'd seemed keen enough on the bus. That was only a little over an hour ago. Still…maybe he changed his mind.

My steps stuttered as I passed the gates at the entrance to the stadium.

It would be pretty embarrassing, approaching him only to be rejected.

Shaking my head, I pushed forward.

This was fake, I reminded myself.

There was no real risk. That was the beauty of it.

If we did this, I'd be helping both HERS and Felix, and I'd gain romantic experience. If we didn't, no big deal. Nothing would have to change. Plus, it wasn't like this was my idea or anything. Desperate for a boyfriend—real or fake—I was not. I was just…curious.

Far too curious.

And excited to try something new.

Memories of my first and only kiss had nothing to do with it.

Nope.

My cheeks heated.

Would we kiss again? Could it possibly be as good as the first time? What if it wasn't? That would be both good and bad, I guess. Another thought struck me, and my steps slowed. What if it was better?

Oh goodness.

A sound drew my attention, and I turned. What I saw made my eyes widen.

A group of people—girls mostly—were rushing past the gates. And they weren't slowing down. The sound I'd heard was their feet hitting the ground. The girls in front were running , yelling, smiling —and they were coming right at me. The tunnel was long. I was about halfway down. My mind told me to move. Get out of the way. Now! But my body was rooted to the spot, my feet heavy like lead melded to the floor.

They kept coming.

I stayed frozen.

I knew I was done for. They'd mow me down, and someone , wasn't sure who, would have to explain everything to my parents. Dead by stampeding fangirls. I didn't even know that was a thing.

Suddenly, a hand reached out of the shadows to my right. It latched onto my arm and pulled. I was spun around, pressed back against the wall, and ended up caged between a pair of strong arms. Felix breathed steadily, but his stare was piercing. I went to open my mouth, but before I could say a word, he shook his head slightly.

That was when I heard the girls just outside our hiding place.

"I swear I saw him go this way."

I couldn't see the speaker. Felix's body hid mine completely. Pretty sure those girls hadn't noticed us either. But I heard every word.

"He was wearing all black with a baseball cap."

A second voice spoke up saying, "That is so Felix."

"He's so hot," a third voice said.

"I know, I want to have his babies."

A sigh followed, and I lifted a brow as Felix, seemingly imperturbable Felix Cordova , blushed. He actually blushed!

"He's gotta be here somewhere," the first voice said. "HERS too. I just want to see Santino. "

There was a general murmur of agreement.

"Let's keep going until security throws us out."

They whooped, and a second later, all I could hear was the sound of my heart . Felix looked back into the tunnel, and his shoulders visibly relaxed. When his gaze met mine again, he didn't look tense at all. I, on the other hand, was way too aware of our close proximity. We were standing in a little alcove. It seemed barely big enough for one person let alone two. And we were So. Close. I hadn't even noticed before, too caught up in my thoughts. But I was definitely noticing now. The shadows wrapped around us, hiding us completely. Felix was less than a breath away, near enough that I could feel his warmth. His hands were still pressed against the wall as he stared down at me.

"You froze," he said.

It didn't sound accusing, just a statement.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"That happen often?"

"Scary fans charging me to get to you? Nope. That's a first."

"I'm serious."

"Me too. They were terrifying."

Felix scoffed. "Nah, they're harmless."

I laughed quietly.

"What?" he asked.

"You have to say that," I said with a shrug. "One of them wants to have your babies."

I watched in awe as Felix's cheeks went pink again.

Who knew bad boys could blush like that?

He frowned. "Excuse me?"

My mouth opened but nothing came out.

"I do not blush."

I bit back a smile, mortified that I said it out loud yet amused at his response . "Of course not," I said.

"You're obviously still in shock," he added.

"From what?"

"The near-death experience I just saved you from."

"Oh yeah, that must be it."

Felix rolled his eyes, hearing the laughter I didn't even try to contain.

"What would you have done if I wasn't here?" he asked.

"Not sure," I said honestly. "But you were here."

A thought struck me then.

"Why were you?"

"Well…"

"And where was security? The gate was wide open. "

" It's lunchtime. The show's not until tonight. They probably just forgot to lock up."

"Someone's going to be in trouble," I mumbled.

"Yeah," he said.

Felix shifted slightly, and I drew in a breath. That was a mistake because he smelled good. Really good. Like leather, mint, and something uniquely him. I inhaled again, trying to be discreet about it, unable to stop myself.

"I was waiting for you," he admitted.

My eyes shot to his, realizing he was answering my question from before . "You were?"

He nodded.

"Why?"

Felix shrugged. " New city. Wanted to make sure you got back okay."

My heart fluttered like a wild thing behind my ribs.

"And that there's no weirdness, about the talk on the bus."

Remembering my purpose for rushing here, I shook my head. "I don't feel weird. Actually, I wanted to talk to you."

"Okay."

"Would you…"

Felix tilted his head as I trailed off.

"I mean, how do you feel about…"

"Yeah?"

"Maybe we could…"

He waited while I tried to find the right words.

Feeling like that might never happen, I braced myself, pulled on my big girl panties and just put it out there.

"I think we should do it," I blurted.

"Do what?" he asked.

My cheeks flushed.

"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. "But after 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 enough that 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. "I just 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."

"Hmmm."

"So," I said again, looking into his eyes, "we're really doing this?"

"I'll be yours if you'll be mine," Felix said back.

My eyes widened at his words while his face was filled with amusement.

"For the good of the tour."

Ah yes, of course. I should've known that was what he meant. Come on, Aurora. Get it together , girl. You're about to start a fake relationship, for goodness sakes . You know the rules.

Speaking of which…

"Did you want to come up with any ground rules?" I asked.

Felix tilted his head, studying my face. "For?"

"For our fake romance."

He shook his head slowly. "Never been too good with rules."

"Me neither," I said with a sigh.

Felix laughed.

He actually full-on laughed at me.

"What's so funny?"

"No offense, Aurora, but look at you." He gave me a once-over then grinned . "You do not look like someone who breaks the rules."

I sniffed, offended for some reason. "Looks can be deceiving," I said.

"Yeah, right."

"I've broken several rules before."

"I bet."

He sounded so patronizing I wanted to shock him.

"I've killed before ," I said. Felix's jaw dropped, and I nodded. "Ye ah , you heard right. You are looking at a murderess, Cordova . It would be in your best interest to stay on my good side."

"I'm gonna need you to explain that," he said.

"Well, it happened in first grade."

"What?"

I nodded. "I was the class leader and tasked with watering the plants. Every Tuesday and Thursday, only on those days. But I went off script. The flowers looked so thirsty. They really did. So, I decided to sneak in and give them water every day , several times a day, rather than when the teacher told me to. I mean, what harm could it do, right?"

I shrugged.

"A lot it turned out. Because of me every succulent and peace lily died. M iss Yardly couldn't understand what happened —but it was me. Even though it wasn't on purpose and even though I cried and admitted everything afterward, it doesn't change the facts. I killed them. All of them. "

Lifting my head, I saw him staring at me.

"Is that the worst thing you've ever done?" he said.

I gave a tight nod. "That, and I pulled the fire alarm once in middle school when my cousin got her period and didn't want anyone to see. That's a federal offense. So, now you know. Like you, I break rules sometimes."

Felix was biting his lip, but his eyes were bright.

"I've done some bad things, Felix."

"Good to know," he said.

"I could do more."

"Such a rulebreaker."

I nodded.

"So, I guess there's no point in us setting any rules for this then."

"We need at least a few," I argued.

"What for?" Felix lifted a brow. "If neither of us is going to follow them, it seems like a waste of time."

He had a point, and I instantly regretted confessing my rule-breaking ways.

"We should practice though."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Before we go to Izzy, make sure the connection's still there."

That sounded like a smart idea.

"Okay…but how do we practice?"

"Well," he said, "you could touch me."

"Where?"

"Anywhere."

His voice was deeper, rougher for some reason. I literally had no idea what to do. I wanted to touch him. Something inside me felt like I would die if I didn't close the distance between us soon. Feeling shy yet bold at the same time, I reached out and placed my hands against his chest.

"Like this?" I asked.

He nodded. "That's a solid start."

I cleared my throat. " And I assume this is to practice PDA, right? Before we go public? "

"Sure."

"Good thinking."

His hands gripped my waist, and my breath hitched. "Hmmm, possibly one of my best ideas."

Mentally, I agreed. Physically, I was too distracted by the way his thumbs caressed my sides to think of much else. His touch was intoxicating.

"Kissing's probably a good idea too."

My eyes met his.

"But only if you want to."

I suddenly realized I wanted that more than I wanted my next breath.

"Okay," I whispered.

Felix's eyes flared as I licked my lips.

"Practice makes perfect. Or so I've heard."

He leaned down, and I lifted onto my toes to meet him. We kissed, our mouths melting together, moving like we'd been doing this all our lives. Felix's lips were so soft. His hands on my waist tightened when I sighed. My hands gripped his shirt, pulling him closer, and a groan left his lips as our bodies collided . There was no space between us now. And I still wanted him closer. The kiss deepened . Heat shot through my veins, sparks igniting as he held me. I nipped his bottom lip, and suddenly, Felix lifted me off the ground. My legs wrapped around his waist. His hands held my thighs. And my heart felt like it would fly up, up, and up until it hit the stars.

Had there ever been a more perfect kiss?

Had there ever been a more perfect person to have it with?

My heart knew the answer and kept trying to soar for the rafters.

When we were about to pass out, Felix pulled back slowly, both of us breathing hard.

"Definitely my best idea," he rasped.

I nodded, still dazed.

" We should go. Otherwise, they'll send someone to find us."

Another nod.

Felix stared at me a moment longer.

I tried to get my throat to work. "Are you going to put me down?"

"At some point," he said.

My legs tightened on his hips, and his eyes flashed.

"Might take longer if you keep doing that."

I didn't know why, but that made me smile.

Yes, this was just practice for our fake relationship. But it didn't feel that way—and it was nice to know I could have an effect on Felix who always seemed so composed. It made me feel giddy.

I wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

But the organ in my chest was still trying to fly.

I just hoped it didn't crash and burn before this was all over.