Page 62 of Fangirl

I huff out a laugh, rolling my eyes.

Me: Then I wouldn’t be talking to you right now,obviously.

Silence. I frown.

Me: Wait… how come they’re inviting a special effects guy to a movie premiere?

Eli: Well, I’m Hollander, remember?

I snort, flopping back against the sofa with a huff.

I guess it makes sense. Jake Hollander’s films are at least 70 percent special effects, 25 percent muscle, 2 percent actual talent (for co-stars only), and 3 percent smolder.

Honestly? Eli might be the real star of the movie. The unsung hero.

Me: Well, okay, superstar. When are you coming? And for how long?

Eli: December 2nd. For how long? How long do you want me for?

Forever.

The thought comes so fast, so naturally, that it nearly knocks the breath out of me.

Penis.

I shake my head, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard before I settle on something safer.

Me: As long as you can stay.

I hit send, my heart still hammering from the emotional whiplash of the past five minutes.

Eli: That depends. I’m not expected back in LA before February.

I freeze. February? I sit up straighter, my mind already racing. That means…

Me: So you’re staying in London for two whole months?

Eli: Well, I’ll have some travel in between, but mostly? Yeah.

Holy. Shit.

Two months. Two months where he’ll be in the same country as me. The same city as me.

I could see him whenever I wanted.

A slow, giddy smile creeps across my face as I open my calendar app, fingers flying as I scroll through my remaining annual leave days. I could book time off work. Not just a day or two, but a full week. Maybe even longer!

Me: You know, I have some holiday time left to use before the end of the year…

Eli: Oh yeah?

Me: Yeah. Maybe I should take a couple of weeks off when you’re here. You know, be your personal London tour guide.

Eli: Fangirl… if you do that, you’ll never get rid of me.

I bite my lip, warmth curling through my chest.

Me: I’ll take my chances.