Page 44 of The Best Book Boyfriend
Everyone claps and cheers and he just shakes his head and folds his arms a little tighter.
I linger while everyone says their goodbyes and leaves. Luke finds me, Hattie, and Megan pushing the tables and chairs back to normal once he’s finished in the kitchen.
“Thanks for that Kara, I love being the centre of attention.”
“You’re most welcome.” I throw him my smuggest grin.
“Do any of you fancy getting a drink?” Luke asks as we’re putting our coats back on.
“I would smash a bottle of wine right now but I’m doing a company wide presentation at 9am and I don’t hate myself that much,” says Hattie.
“And I can’t drink on a school night, I’m afraid,” says Megan. “The kids always know. And then they bully me about it.”
I want to keep hanging out with him, but I have this heavy ache between my legs. I need to get home and get off while his words about how much he enjoyed the sex scenes still echo in my ears. I’ve got to stop thinking about him like this. It’s overstepping our friendship.Just one more time, I keep saying to myself, but I’m like an addict. A drink with only me and him is a bad idea. I’ll only end up flirting and embarrassing myself.
“I’m kind of tired,” I lie. “Ready for my bed and my next Book Boyfriend, haha.”What a twat.
“What are you all up to this weekend?” Luke asks.
“Kara has her boring bookfest,” Hattie says.
“Your what?” he asks, his face catching mine.
“It’s not boring, you bitch,” I jab Hattie in the ribs with my elbow before she sees it coming. “Once every few months I take part in a readathon where I see how many books I can read in twenty-four hours. It’s one of my favourite things to do and I am very much looking forward to it.”
“For charity or something?” Luke asks.
“No, just for fun. There’s an entire community of people who do it all over the world.”
“She’s always trying to get us to do it with her, but we can’t sit still or shut up for long enough,” Megan says.
“It’s true, they’re terrible reading companions.”
“So, how does it work?” Luke cleans the counter around us. “You have to read for twenty-four hours straight?”
“No, you just try to read as much as you can. You’re allowed to sleep.”
“Tell him what time you get up, you freak,” Hattie nudges me with her shoulder.
“I set my alarm for five.”
“That is obscenely early, even for me,” he laughs.
“I don’t know why any of you find this so shocking. It’s not like my love of books is a secret. Honestly, Luke, it’s great. I get my favourite foods in, set up comfy reading spots around the house, and then choose a lovely stack of books to read. I take power naps, drink loads of smoothies. It’s basically a spa weekend with an orgy of Book Boyfriends. What could be better?”
“OK, I’m in,” he says.
“What?”
“You said loads of people do it. I’m off all weekend. Where do I sign up?”
I study his face to see if he’s taking the piss. From the corner of my eye, I see Megan staring wide-eyed at Hattie.
“Are you serious?” I ask him.
“Yeah, I’ve got nothing better to do. I’m gonna struggle with getting up at five though. Can I join you a bit later?”
“Um, sure. Come over whenever you like.”
