Page 50 of The Fangirl and the Playboy

“Yes,” she squeals, clapping her hands together like a toddler while she squirms in her seat. Then she calms, shooting me a concerned look. “But why do you not seem so happy about it?”

“I don’t know, Keegs,” I say on a sigh. “If the sex was bad, or even mediocre, maybe I wouldn’t be having such a hard time coming to grips with the fact that eventually, he’s going to leave. I could compartmentalize it, convincing myself we’re better as friends, and people don’t have to live in the same town to remain friends.”

“But now that you know how hot it is with him, you want more, and geography is an asshole.”

“Geographyisan asshole,” I repeat with a slow nod.

“Want my advice?” she asks, cocking her head.

“Please,” I say, then lift my mug to take a long swig of my coffee.

“Go with the flow. See what happens. If I’ve learned anything in the last few months, it’s that the universe has a way of making things work out the way they’re supposed to. If you and Gavin aren’t meant to be, at least you’ll know. You won’t spend the rest of your life wondering what might have happened if you’d onlytried.”

I blink at her a few times. “That’s actually…decent advice.”

“You say that like you’re surprised,” she deadpans, arching that brow at me again.

“I kind of am,” I tease, and she plucks a napkin from the dispenser on the table, balls it up, and tosses it at my head.

I laugh as I dodge the missile, then give her a sincere smile. “I really love you, you know that?”

“Of course, you do. I am utterly loveable.” She levels me with a serious expression. “I love you, too, and I want you to be happy. From what I can tell,Gavinmakes you happy. Enjoy it. You guys will figure out what comes later,together.”

It’s better to have loved and lost and all that jazz.

I always thought the sentiment was utter bullshit. Heartbreak after love sucks monkey balls.

But if I go into this with my eyes wide open, knowing that it might not be forever, I can safely enjoy the time we have together, right?

Once Keegan finishes her drink and hugs me goodbye, I walk back to my office and plop down behind my desk. Fishing my phone from my back pocket, I pull up Gavin’s number.

Me:I want to see you today.

I only have to wait a few seconds for his reply.

Gavin:Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.

I smile so wide, my cheeks hurt.

Me:Pizza and beer at my place tonight after work?

Gavin:Order the pies, and I’ll bring the beer. Seven o’clock?

Me:Six-thirty.

Gavin:Ooh, she’s eager. I like it. A lot. See you, then.

Me:See you.

He’s right. I am eager.

Now that I’ve given myself full permission to be with him, I can’t fucking wait to see him again.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Gavin

I’m riding high as I walk into Wolfsbane Tavern around lunchtime. I considered grabbing a croissant sandwich at Moonstone Mystic just so I could see Willow, but I second-guessed myself, not wanting to look like the stalker I apparently am.

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