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
