As the days passed, Riley's presence became increasingly rare at the Dare Devils' meetings and practices. She was fully immersed in the music video project with Max, dedicating long hours to perfecting her scenes. The team was supportive, understanding that this was a significant opportunity for Riley, but they missed her energy and involvement.
Riley had confided in Sam about the intimate scenes in the music video. "Sam, just so you know, Max and I are going to be kissing in the video," she had mentioned casually.
Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? You didn't tell us that. What about Alex? Isn't he going to be a little... upset?"
Riley shrugged. "I'm getting paid for this, and it's a professional opportunity. Alex and I aren't dating or anything, so it's not like I'm doing something wrong."
Sam nodded slowly, though she looked concerned. "Well, just be careful. I'm sure Alex will have feelings about it."
When the music video finally premiered, the anticipation was electric. Fans and followers eagerly awaited Riley's performance, particularly her scenes with Max. The video was a visual spectacle, and the kissing scene was a key highlight, capturing the chemistry between Riley and the influencer.
The Dare Devils gathered for a viewing party to watch the release. As the kissing scene approached, the group exchanged glances, each member bracing for Alex's reaction. The video played, and when the scene came on, Alex's face fell as he watched Riley and Max's intimate moment.
The mood shifted as Alex's discomfort became apparent. He watched intently, clearly struggling with his emotions. As the video ended, Alex's frustration boiled over. He abruptly stood up, his face flushed with a mix of anger and hurt.
Without a word, he walked over to Riley and grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the group. Riley glanced back at her friends, who looked on with concern, before following Alex to a quieter spot outside the building.
In the dimly lit alley, Alex turned to Riley, his eyes filled with intensity. "Why didn't you tell me about the kiss? Everyone else seemed to know, and you didn't mention it to me."
Riley looked taken aback. "I- I didn't think it was a big deal. It's just a part of the job. We're not dating, Alex."
Alex's expression softened, but his frustration remained. "It's not just about the kiss. It's about how you didn't tell me. I thought we were closer than that. I mean, what about me? Did you think I wouldn't care?"
Riley took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I didn't think it would affect you this way. I was just focused on doing a good job and didn't want to make a big deal out of it."
Alex shook his head. "It's not just about the kiss, Riley. It's about how you handled it. I care about you, and I thought you'd be more considerate of how this would affect me."
Riley's heart ached at his words. "I'm sorry, Alex. I didn't mean to hurt you. I should have been more upfront. But I need you to understand that this was a professional decision, and it doesn't change how I feel about our team."
Alex sighed, his anger giving way to a mixture of sadness and vulnerability. "I get that it's a professional thing, but it still stings. I just didn't expect to feel this way."
Riley reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand. I'll try to be more considerate in the future. Let's talk about this openly, okay? I don't want there to be any more misunderstandings."
Alex nodded, his expression softening. "Okay. Thanks for talking to me about this."
As they walked back inside, the tension between them remained, but there was a sense of relief in having addressed it. The Dare Devils continued their evening, but the dynamic had shifted. Riley and Alex would need to navigate their feelings and maintain their connection while keeping their focus on their shared goals.
The experience had highlighted the complexities of their relationship, and both were determined to find a way forward, balancing their professional lives with their personal connections.
