“Tell me you have good news,” I say when I answer the phone.
Ryan’s deep laughs filters through the line. “I have great news.”
Yes! I knew it.
“The CEO loves the game. He thinks the graphics need work, something we’ll have our designers play with, but he thinks that the ideas and mockups you sent are perfect. We have a strategic group who is going to meet today and use your ideas to build games for all grades and age groups.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“For now, sit tight. I’ll reach out to you after the meeting, let you know what they come up with, and then you can play with it from there.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“And, Aiden?”
“Yeah?”
“This is going to be big.”
“Whatever you say.”
I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket. Two seconds later, I’m knocking on Lizzie’s door.
Her bright smile is the first thing I see when she greets me, followed by a yellow sundress and long, tan legs. I swallow hard and drag my eyes back up her body.
“Wow.”
Lizzie blushes and shrugs a shoulder. “How do I look?”
“You’re beautiful.” I snake an arm around her back and kiss her, grateful that I can do this anytime. “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And, trust me, I love the dress, but I just want you to be you. Always.”
“Mmmm,” she hums, her eyes foggy when we pull apart. “You’re good with words, Mr. Wallace.”
“I’m good with a lot of things, most of which we’ll get to later. But first, dinner.” I smack her ass lightly. “Get your shoes on so we can go.”
Lizzie turns and slips her feet into a pair of flats. “How has your day been?”
“Great. I talked to Ryan.”
Her eyes widen. “What did he say?”
“They love it. They love the game. There’s going to be some refining, and then it’ll go into production.”
“Oh my gosh, Aiden, that’s amazing.” Lizzie throws herself at me.
“It’s all thanks to you.”
“No.” She shakes her head and pulls back. “You’re the genius behind the game.”
“But it was your idea.”
Lizzie grins, pushes onto her toes, and kisses my cheek. “We make a great team.”
“The best.”
“What’s all the ruckus for out here?” Edna says, remind me that her apartment door is open, and I’m still standing half in the hallway.
Lizzie smiles at Edna, her arms wrapped around my neck. Edna’s eyes bounce between ours, and then understanding dawns on her face.