Through the Screen

My eyes widened and my first instinct was to reject it. Having just got out of the shower, my hair was wet and my face make-up free. I didn't want him to see me this way but then I remembered that he'd already seen the picture I - well, Zach - had sent him. So I accepted it. It can't have put him off that much since he was still talking to me.

It took a moment for the call to connect and I bit my lip harder.

And then there he is, looking just like he did in his photo. Which proves that he'd definitely just taken it moments before, and it was definitely him. I felt guilty for doubting him. 

"Wow." His full lips twisted into a big smile. "Hey there, beautiful."

My butterflies were back with vengeance and I grinned back so hard my cheeks hurt. "Hey, handsome." I knew I was blushing but I didn't even care. I was nervous and wasn't afraid to admit it. This was a big step for us. Who wouldn't have some kind of nerves? The hand holding my phone up shook slightly.

He chuckled, rubbing his fingers over his lips. "I can't believe I'm actually looking at you. It's crazy. You're so gorgeous. You're perfect."

My entire body buzzed at his words, warmth filling me. "Coming from you? You're so fucking sexy I thought you'd sent me a fake picture!"

We both laughed, the sound full of excitement, anxiety and amazement. "No, no. I would never have done that. I'm glad you approve though, I was worried I wouldn't be your type."

I spluttered, "Dude...you have to be everyone's type." The nervous laughter continued. Neither of us really knew what to say or how to react but we couldn't stop looking at each other with goofy expressions. "How was your day?" I finally decided to ask, figuring that maybe a more causal conversation might help us get over the shock.

"My day?" He was grinning still, shaking his head. "My day...this has got to be the best day of my damned life."

It was so sweet I could have cried. Almost sobbing with tears in my eyes, I responded, "I know the feeling."

We were too overwhelmed to have a normal conversation. We stayed on the phone for hours, mostly admiring each other, smiling like idiots and commenting on our disbelief of the situation. We were in awe of each other, that much was obvious. Time quickly flew by and I noticed Julian started to grow more tired by the second.

"Why don't you get some sleep?" I suggested softly, one hand tucked under my cheek where I laid on my side, snuggled up underneath my duvet. I continued to hold the phone in front of me.

He groaned and rubbed his eye with his knuckles. It was adorable to see. "I should...I really really should." His hand dropped and he focused on the phone, flashing me a sleepy smile. "But that means hanging up...and I don't think I'm ready to leave you yet."

"I know the feeling," I giggled quietly, feeling genuinely happy. "But it's getting late and you have work in the morning. I promise we'll talk again tomorrow night. Plus, I'll be texting you all day, you know that."

He chuckled. "Damn, I just can't get rid of you, can I?" He teased.

"Nope." I popped the 'p', grinning back. "You're stuck with me now."

He sighed dramatically. "What have I gotten myself into?" We both laughed once more. "I'm joking, of course. Who'd wanna get rid of a gorgeous girl like you?"

I hid my face in my shoulder. "Stop, you'll make me go all giddy," I warned him, half serious. He grinned, showing two perfect dimples.

"That's not gonna make me stop, princess. You're too cute when you're 'all giddy'."

"Oh, Julian," I sighed lovingly before I realised what I was doing. I couldn't help it though. He made me feel so good. So joyful. I couldn't ever remember having this feeling. It was as if I was on top of the world.

"Baby," he purred back and my belly fluttered. We fell into a small silence and for a moment, just smiled at each other. It was actually pretty cheesy.

"We should go," I whispered reluctantly.

He nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"Good night, handsome." Moving the hand tucked under my cheek to my mouth, I blew him a kiss.

He chuckled and acts as if he grabbed it before placing it onto his lips and blowing one back to me. "Goodnight, pretty girl." 

"Wow," Zach breathed, mouth hanging open.

"I know," I agreed.

"No, I mean...wow," he emphasised.

I giggle softly and nodded. "I know," I repeated.

"I...I don't know what else to say." He handed my phone back to me. "Just..."

"Wow?" I guessed, laughing again. I glanced down at the picture of Julian I'd just showed Zach. It was the same picture Julian had sent me the night before and I knew that Zach would be just as impressed as I was.

"Yeah." His head bobbed, looking as if his thoughts were elsewhere. I bet he was still picturing Julian in his mind. Probably with less clothing. "I can't believe he's actually so hot. That shit almost never happens."

"I know, right?" I knew Zach would be on the same page as me. He always was. "This never happens, does it? I mean, I wouldn't care how he looked because I like him for who he is, but holy shit, what a bonus."

"And it's definitely him?" Zach wanted to make sure. "He didn't just send you a picture of some model? Because he seriously looks like he could be a model. And those lips..." He trailed off, nibbling on his own.