They say never meet your idol, don't they? I have no idea who "they" are . . . But in this instance, I think they are most definitely wrong. Because Brody Maxwell in the flesh -  even half asleep, mildly grumpy, and dressed for comfort in a hoodie and matching joggers - is an absolute treat for my hormonal gaze.

Rubbing at his eyes while rolling himself up into a sitting position, he flips the hood of his sweatshirt down to uncover slightly wavy light brown hair in need of a cut, and flicks the switch on the lamp beside the sofa. And there is that face . . . The face I've fantasised about for so many years; the face I have committed to memory; the face I . . . Stop it, Louisa: you're staring like a crazed fan!

(But I am a crazed fan.)

(And he's beautiful - I can't help it!)

"What time is it?" His voice emerges as a gruff grumble, and his cheeks redden slightly as he clears his throat abruptly.

"Um . . . Seven fifteen?" I say apologetically. Never in the world did I imagine I'd be playing the role of Brody Maxwell's intrusive alarm clock this morning! "I'm so sorry, I didn't realise we had a guest or I wouldn't have sat on your face like that."

What is wrong with me? Isn't it bad enough that I've met my lifelong crush for the first time while wearing nothing but an oversized t-shirt that proclaims "Bite Me!" across the front? While literally trying to "crush" him? Do I have to add verbal diarrhoea to the mix, too?

But much to my surprise, he laughs, the moodiness clearing from his face like clouds blown away by a sudden breeze. (When did I get so poetic?) "I should be the one to apologise; I mean, it's not like you would have expected to find a random guy asleep on your couch. I'm probably lucky you didn't try to beat me up!" He extends a hand towards me. "I'm Brody, Coral's cousin."

I resist the urge to excitedly blurt out, "I know!" as his warm skin envelops mine. His smile, unguarded and slightly crooked, is doing funny things to my insides. It makes the dimples pop in his scruff-dusted cheeks and causes cute creases to form at the outer corners of his long-lashed blue-green eyes.

And look! We're holding hands! Did you notice? Well, technically, we're "shaking hands in greeting", but a win is a win, and I'm taking it. "Louisa," I reply. I can hear a slight tremor in my voice, and I really hope he can't tell.

"It's really nice to meet you." He sounds like he means it. He looks like he does, too. As if he genuinely might . . . Be attracted to me, too? Is this what "instalove" feels like? Could my dreams be coming true? He releases me then, much to my disapproval, but then gets me back on side again by yawning and stretching his arms above his head. My eyes fall to the tiny strip of toned midriff that is teasingly revealed when he does this before they shoot back up to meet his knowing smirk. Busted.

"I'm sorry if I scared you," Brody continues. "I was already on my way up to Oban last night when I discovered there was an issue with the flat I own. I have a company that lets it out for short-term leases, and they'd mixed up the dates; the most recent tenants aren't checking out until today. I couldn't get a hotel this last minute, and I have keys to this place, so I left Coral a message to say I'd just bunk on the couch."

"In terms of frights, it's been one of my better ones," I say honestly, and his grin widens flirtatiously in response. My heart thuds hard against my chest at the realisation that we are definitely vibing here.

I can't quite believe this is really happening.  I mean, I know I said I was convinced he'd like me too if he just had a chance to meet me in real life . . . But I was also aware of how delusional I have always been in relation to Brody. I'm terrified I might mess this up before it's even started; that I'll somehow accidentally snuff out this mutual spark that's immediately present between us.

"So when did you get here?" I'm grasping at conversational straws now, desperate to prolong our time together. After all, how often does a girl like me get a chance for an impromptu and intimate meet 'n' greet with her favourite celebrity? I need to take advantage of this opportunity!

He stifles a second yawn. "A little after two a.m., I think."

"You must be knackered," I say sympathetically. He shrugs.

"I'm a little bit tired . . . But I certainly can't complain about today's early morning wake-up call." He eyes me meaningfully, and I can feel myself blush. This dude is apparently either not subtle when he's into someone, or he's just a massive tease who doesn't know when to stop. Possibly both!

"You want to sit down?" he asks, tapping the empty space on the sofa enticingly. "After all, it's clearly what you were planning to do before my head got in the way."

I giggle nervously, suddenly feeling shy. Another first! "I - um - actually might grab a coffee first. Would you like one?"

"That would be great." He follows me through to the kitchen. "So you're up here to help Coral with her bar, right? How did she manage to talk you into that?"

"It wasn't too difficult; I was between jobs and craving a change," I confess, randomly opening and shutting cupboards as I realise I don't know where Coral keeps her mugs (I'd swiped my water glass off the draining board earlier). "Sorry, I have no idea where anything is yet!"

"Luckily, I do." He steps up behind me, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body as he reaches up to the highest cupboard in front of me. My heart rate quickens. He places two mugs on the countertop. "Here you go."

"Thanks," I whisper. Neither of us move. I can feel his breath, warm against my hair; the tension that is suddenly stretching taut between us. If he dipped his head to my neck right now, brushed his lips against my skin, I wouldn't stop him. I wouldn't want to. I would let him take everything from me in this kitchen. Then, all over the rest of the house. And possibly in some other locations, too.

Beep.

Beep.

BEEEEEP!!!

Lou Watson's Libido has officially just switched itself back on. And the ensuing power surge has the potential to take out the National Grid.

I watch wordlessly as his fingers slowly uncurl from the mug handles. Sigh as one of his hands hesitantly traces a path along my hip bone, as if he can't resist touching me. Experimentally, I lean back slightly so my body briefly presses against his, and I'm gratified to hear the tiniest of groans drift from his mouth.

Oh. My. God.

"Brody!"

We both jump apart when we hear Coral's voice at the door. That bloody cockblocker rushes across the room to give Brody a massive hug, laughing delightedly.

"I just woke up and saw your messages," she starts babbling. "I hope the couch wasn't too uncomfortable. And I see you've already met Lou!"

"Lou?" Brody turns to face me, frowning. "You're Lou?" he asks.

"Yeah." The way he's looking at me all of a sudden makes me feel unsettled. "Short for Louisa."

"I didn't make the connection," he says quietly. He takes a step back from me. Then another.

What the hell is happening here? Just a few minutes ago, Brody was looking at me like he could devour me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; now he looks like he wants to throw me into the nearest bin and set it on fire.

Coral carries on blithely as she flings open the kitchen blinds, apparently unaware of the invisible - yet somehow palpable - shift in the dynamics between the two other people in the kitchen. "Lou is my old pal from uni who used to come up here to visit," she explains.

"Yeah. I realise that now." He nods tersely, and now when he eyeballs me, his gaze is ice cold. He turns abruptly back to his cousin. "I'm sorry, Coral, but I have to go. Need to get to my flat." He starts stalking towards the door, Coral hot on his heels.

"You won't be able to get into it yet! Where are you going?" she's calling as she follows him outside. The door slams behind her.

And I stand alone in the now silent room, wondering desperately what on earth I'm missing.

Oooh, so Lou and Brody have finally met. And it all seemed so promising . . . For approximately five minutes. 😱

But what will happen next??? Honestly, please tell me . . . Because I actually have no idea! 🤣