Page 46 of Fangirl

But I also know he’ll run his fingers over the stitches when he thinks I’m not looking.

Despite everything, he’s going to love it.

And I think, maybe, that’s why I’m making it, even with the recent cramping in my fingers.

I feed Pea, take a quick shower, and change into my coziest PJs—grateful for the cool evening air that makes it feel almost like autumn. Then I reheat a frozen meal and settle at my tiny table, my heart already racing in anticipation.

Me: I’m ready when you are.

The call comes within seconds.

As usual, my stomach dips. My fingers tremble just a little when I press the green button.

“Fangirl.” His boyish smile fills the screen, making my heart ache in ways I don’t even want to analyze.

“Fanboy.” I smirk, trying to ignore the way his voice alone sends warmth curling in my chest. “I know your secret now.”

The image freezes for a second—damn spotty connection—but then he cocks his head, intrigued. “Yeah?”

“Uh-huh. You’re a Jake Hollander fanboy, aren’t you?”

He barks a laugh, and something deep in my stomach flips.God, that laugh.

“Ah, man. You got me.”

“I knew it!”

He sighs dramatically, leaning closer to the camera. “How are you, Fangirl? Really?”

I hesitate for a beat, then exhale. “A little tired.”

His brows furrow. “Do I keep you up too late on weekends?”

“No.” I shake my head, tucking my feet under me. “I like spending time with you.”

I pause. My brain catches up with my mouth. And then—oh god.

Penis, penis, penis.

I press my lips together, heat crawling up my neck. But then I sigh, deciding to own it. “I love it, actually.” Ah, fuck it.

His gaze softens, and the corner of his mouth lifts. “I love it too.”

A beat.

“That’s why I wake up at six most mornings.”

I frown. “Six?”

He nods. “So I can catch you on your lunch break.”

My breath catches.Be still, my heart.

I swallow past the tightness in my throat, forcing a small, shaky laugh. “That’s… really sweet.”

“Well, I amverycharming,” he teases, flashing me a grin that’s entirely too effective.

I roll my eyes. “Oh,painfullycharming.”