Page 47 of Fangirl

He smirks, but then his head tilts slightly. “So, what’s got you tired?”

I sigh, leaning back into the couch. “I was supposed to go to my parents’ this weekend. My future sister-in-lawneeds help with bridesmaid stuff, and my mother will use it as an opportunity to grill me about my plus-one for the wedding.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “Who do I need to fight?”

A laugh escapes, surprising even myself. “No one, unless you want to take on my mother.”

“Is she formidable?”

“She’srelentless.” I groan, rubbing my temples. “And she really wants to know who I’m bringing.”

His lips twitch. “And?”

My stomach twists. I hesitate. “I… may have panicked.”

His amusement is instant. “And what did my dear Fangirl do?”

I chew on my lip, debating if I should admit it, but at this point, what’s the harm? “I… may have told her I already have a plus-one.”

“Oh?” His grin widens. “And who’s the lucky guy? I need a name and an address for the hitman.”

I clear my throat. “Anlon.”

Silence.

Then he blinks. “As inPrince Anlon?”

I nod, wincing.

A slow, teasing smirk spreads across his face. “So, what you’re telling me is… you told your mom you’re bringing a fictional character to your brother’s wedding?”

“When you say it like that, it sounds stupid.”

“Oh, it is,” he says, barely containing his laughter. “But it’s also incredibly on-brand for you.”

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “I was desperate. She put me on the spot.”

Hehums like he’s considering something, then leans in slightly. “You know… I could be your Anlon.”

My entire brain short-circuits. I swear, if there were a way to track my thought process, it would just be a flatline of static and then…

Penis.

Before I can overthink it, before I can talk myself out of it, the words just happen.

“Yes. Sure. Why not?”

His expression flickers… surprise and amusement just beneath the surface.

I wet my lips, hands curling into the sleeves of my sweater. “Eli… would you be my plus-one?”

His gaze softens, and when he smiles this time, it’s different. Softer, more real.

“I want nothing more.”

CHAPTER 9

ELI