“I’ll think about it.”

  There’s a pause, and then Ryan says, “This is a once in a lifetime chance, Aiden. Young men all over the world would kill for this opportunity.”

  “I know.”

  “Livewire is one of the top gaming companies in the world, and within the next few years, we’ll be seated at number one. We want you on our team when we get there.”

  “Get me the numbers, and I’ll think about it.”

  “Attaboy. We’ll talk soon.”

  I end the call, shove my phone into my pocket, and laugh. I can’t believe this is happening. A top spot at Livewire and not just as a designer, but head of the gaming division. This is huge. Huger than huge. This is lifechanging.

  “Hello, sweetheart.”

  I spin around to find Mom and Dad walking down the hallway. “What are you guys doing here?”

  “When you called to cancel and told us about your neighbor, we were worried. We wanted to check on you and see how things were going,” Mom says, stopping in front of me. “I also brought you and Lizzie food. I figured you probably haven’t eaten all day.”

  “We haven’t.” I stare at my mom in awe. Is this what I’ve been missing out on all these years? “Thank you.”

  She shrugs like it’s not a big deal, and squeaks when I wrap her in a giant hug.

  “How’s your neighbor?” Dad asks. “You said her name is Edna?”

  “She’s good. They’re running some more tests. Hopefully, she’ll be out of here soon.”

  “And then what?” Mom asks.

  “I don’t know. She doesn’t have family. She only has Lizzie and me.”

  Mom squeezes my hand. “She’s lucky to have both of you.”

  “Will you guys stay for a little while?” I ask, not ready for them to leave. Dad was right, I’ve never really needed my parents—at least that’s what I used to tell myself. I know now how untrue that was. I need them, and having them here feels right.

  “Absolutely.”

  I hear the soft click of a door and turn around to see Lizzie come out of Edna’s room.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, what are you guys doing here?” She hugs my mom and then my dad before returning to my side.

  Mom’s eyes bounce between us before settling on Lizzie. “We wanted to be here for Aiden. And for you. We brought you food,” she says, nodding to the bag of sandwiches in my hand. “It’s not much, but it should hold you over for a while, and it’s got to be better than the food here.”

  “Thank you so much. I’m starving.” Lizzie takes the bag and motions for us to follow her into the waiting room. “Edna’s out like a light, so this is perfect timing. I’m sorry we had to cancel our dinner plans tonight.”

  “Don’t even think twice about it,” Mom says, sitting beside Lizzie on the small plastic couch. “This is where you need to be.”

  Lizzie and mom duck their heads, talking about who knows what, and Dad stands next to me. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Yes, I’m great. Better now that we know Edna is going to be okay. And things with Lizzie, they’re good.”

  “And work?”

  I sigh and nod for Dad to follow me out of the room. “They offered me a promotion.”

  “To what?”

  “Head of the gaming division. It comes with a fancy office and an even fancier salary.”

  “Aiden.” Dad’s face lights up as he yanks me into his arms. “That’s wonderful, son. Congratulations.”

  “It isn’t wonderful.”

  Dad frowns. “What do you mean? Why not?”

  “This is awful timing, Dad. They want me to relocate.”

  “To California?”

  I nod. “I just got Lizzie, and now I’m supposed to…what? Just pack up and leave? I can’t.”

  “Take her with you.”

  Take her with you.

  Is it really that simple?

  Would she consider moving across the country so I could chase my dream?

  “I don’t think it’s that easy.”

  “Son.” Dad rests his hand on my shoulder. “Life is as easy or as hard as you make it. But you only get one life.”

  “What about Edna? We can’t leave her. Not now, at least.”

  “Your mother and I will help however we can. But, Aiden, you can’t let an opportunity like this pass you by without at least considering it.”

  “And what about Mom and me? We’re—"

  “Going to be fine,” he finishes for me. “You and your mom still have issues to work through, but you’re going to be fine. She loves and supports you as much as I do.”

  For the first time since hanging up with Ryan, I allow myself to feel the slightest bit of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, I can chase my dream and keep the girl.

  17

  Lizzie

  Be silly. Be fun. Be different. Be crazy. Because life is too short to be anything but happy. –Liz

  “Tell me what you need?” I tuck the blanket around Edna’s legs and make sure her cup of water is close by. I’ve removed all rugs from her house because the doctor at the hospital told me they would be a tripping hazard, and we can’t have Edna falling.

  I also stole her salt, consequences be damned.

  “I need you to leave.”

  I scoff and look at Edna.

  “Lizzie,” she says, laughing. “I’m fine. The doctors gave me a clean bill of health.”

  “No, they didn’t. They said that you had a heart attack, and you need to rest.”

  “I am resting. You haven’t let me do anything but rest.”

  “They also said you need to watch what you eat, which is why I’ve set you up with the meals on wheels program through the Senior Center. They even make heart-healthy meals.”

  “Bleh. Cancel them.”

  “I will not.”

  “She’s doing this because she loves you,” Aiden says, walking into Edna’s apartment.

  “If she loves me, she’ll return the saltshaker she stole from my kitchen table.”

  My eyes widen. Edna holds out a hand. I dig the vintage rooster-shaped saltshaker from my pocket and reluctantly give it to her.

  “Thank you.” Edna smiles. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to catch up on my episodes of Lucifer.”

  “I love that show. I’ll stay and watch it with you.”

  “You’ll do no such thing. Aiden.” Edna gives Aiden a look that has him steering me out of her apartment. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Aiden.” I pout when he nudges me out of Edna’s apartment and into my own. “I’m just trying to help.”

  “You have, and she appreciates it, but you’re smothering her. Leave the woman alone.”

  “If I’m not driving her crazy, then I’m going to drive you insane.” I cross my arms over my chest and smile cheekily. Aiden isn’t deterred.

  He laughs and kisses my nose. “Darling, you’ve been doing that every day for the last eighteen or so years.”

  I stomp my foot like a petulant child and try not to laugh. “I just want to take care of her.”

  “And you have. Every second for the last seventy-two hours. Now it’s my turn to take care of you.”

  Aiden walks me down the hall and into my bathroom, which is lit only by candles. Dozens of them. The bath is full of steaming water, and the faint scent of lavender wafts through the air.

  “What is this?” I ask, turning toward Aiden.

  “This is me, taking care of you.”

  “Aiden… I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.” Aiden takes the bottom of my shirt, and without being prompted, I lift my arms so he can pull it over my head. Next, my bra magically disappears, followed by my pants, underwear, and socks, and then I’m stepping over the edge of the tub and sinking into the warm water.

  This. Is. Heaven.

  “Join me.” I hold out my hand, but Aiden shakes his head.

  “Not this time. You have another three loads of laundry for me to do. I’ll never understand how one person can produce so much laundry.”

  We both laugh. “The laundry can wait.”

  “You’re right, it can. And so can I. If I get in there with you right now, you won’t relax. I’ll end up ravishing your body.”

  “I like being ravished.”

  “And I like taking care of you. Let me take care of you. Let me love you, Lizzie.”

  I cup his cheek in my hand and lift out of the water enough to kiss him. “I love you, Aiden, and I love this. It’s the sweetest, most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”

  “You don’t ever have to thank me, sweetheart. And get used to it. I’m going to spoil you for a long, long time.”

  “Can I ask you for one small favor before you go?”

  “Anything.”

  “Can you bring me a glass of wine and my phone?”

  “Done.”

  The Boyfriend Blog

  July 31, 2019

  Boyfriend or boy friend?

  I’m so sorry that I haven’t been on here more, posting and telling you about how my dating life has been going. And for the record, it’s going great. Like, couldn’t be better kind of great. But the past few days have been an absolute whirlwind.

  Long story short, my neighbor had a heart attack and ended up in the hospital. But, you guys, Edna is so much more than a neighbor. And, yes, I’m giving you her name because she’ll think it’s cool when she reads this post, and she will read this post. (Edna, put down the saltshaker!) Sorry, had to throw that in there. Anyway, Edna is so much more than a neighbor. She’s one of my very best friends. She brings me so much happiness and inspiration. If I can live a long, happy life full of the same amount of love and friendship that this woman has, I’ll consider myself lucky.

  She’s taught me a lot over the last few years, but the biggest lesson of all came a few days ago when she ended up in the hospital.

  Life is short.

  I’ll say it again because it bears repeating. Life. Is. Short.

  Don’t take anyone for granted because you have no idea how long they’ll be around. You’ll never know when it’ll be your last goodbye, last kiss, last hug, last everything. Cherish every moment, big and small. Take chances, chase your dreams, and live your life with no regrets.

  That is what Edna has taught me, and I’d like to pass that same inspiration onto you because I don’t think it can be repeated enough.

  On a lighter note, Edna is a huge fan of boyfriend #22. She knows him personally, and I’m pretty sure she played a part in pushing us together, although I’ve yet to get her to admit that. Every time I ask her about it, she clams up and tells me to just enjoy the ride…and I plan on doing just that.

  As we speak, I’m sitting in a hot bath full of bubbles and lavender with a glass of wine in my hand, and it’s all thanks to the most amazing guy. The guy who went from being my best friend to my boyfriend. I know I haven’t given you the whole story on how that happened, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that there’s simply too much to tell. My love story with boyfriend #22 spans nearly two decades. It’s filled with twists and turns, laughter and tears, and so much love. And that’s really all it boils down to. Love.

  I love him.

  I’ve loved him since I was six years old, and I’m not letting him go.

  I’ve found my forever, ladies, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Some of you may scoff and tell me I have my head in the clouds. You might argue that we’ve only been together for a short time—despite the length of our friendship—and you’re right, we haven’t been together long, but when you know, you just know.

  I know.

  XOXO,

  Liz

  Normally, I’d wait a few minutes, let the comments start to roll in, and read a few. But not today. I’m exhausted and ready to enjoy this wonderful bath that Aiden drew for me. Reaching over the edge of the tub, I set my phone down and finish off my glass of wine. I set the glass aside, lean my head back on the pillow, and close my eyes. I sink farther into the water, allowing the bubbles to slide over my curves, wishing it was Aiden caressing my soft skin.

  I imagine him slipping his hand beneath the water and pushing his fingers inside of me. The vision takes over, and I glide my hand down my stomach and slip it between my legs. I drag a finger over my throbbing clit and suck in a breath. My heart is racing, and a fine sheen of sweat forms on my forehead as I slide my fingers through my folds and—

  “How’s it going in here?”

  I open my eyes in time to see Aiden walk into the bathroom. Gone are the jeans and shirt he was wearing earlier. Now, he’s wearing a pair of low-slung sweatpants and a smile. His bare chest is something to write home about: defined pecs, chiseled abs, and that perfect V I read about in books.

  “Lizzie?”

  “Yes,” I breathe, dragging my eyes up his body. My hand is still between my legs, the pad of my fingers making slow circles over my clit, and I’m grateful that Aiden can’t see clearly through the water.

  Aiden opens his mouth to say something and then snaps it shut. He tilts his head to the side, and his lips curve into a devastating grin. His heated gaze never wavers from mine as he stalks across the small space and lowers himself to his knees beside the tub. He stares at the water contemplatively and then, without a word, drags his knuckles across my cheek.

  “Your cheeks are flushed.” His voice is hot and raw as his hand trails down my neck.

  “They are?”

  He nods and skims his fingertips along the swells of my breasts. “Your pulse is racing, and do you know something I’ve already learned about you?”

  It’s impossible to form words at this point, so I shake my head. Aiden leans down, the stubble on his jaw tickling me when he nuzzles my neck.

  “Your eyes get darker when you’re turned on.”

  “Th-they do?”

  He nods again and sucks my earlobe into his mouth.

  I pull in a sharp breath and lean into him, causing the water to slosh around. The fading bubbles disperse, giving him a clearer view of my body. I arch my back, lifting my breasts out of the water, desperate for him to do something.

  Anything.

  “Were you touching yourself when I walked in?”

  “Aiden,” I breathe, watching his hand slide past my breasts and disappear under the soapy water.

  “Were you?” he asks, tickling my skin as his fingers move lower and lower. He stops when they’re at the apex of my thighs, and he looks at me. “Lizzie?”

  “Yes. Yes, I was touching myself. There, are you happy?”

  His grin is contagious. “Very.”

  Aiden’s hand finds mine beneath the water. He laces our fingers together and pushes our joined hands between my legs.

  “Show me what you were doing.”

  “Aiden.”

  I’ve never been good at this part of sex. Or maybe I’ve never had a lover push me to this point. Either way, it makes me nervous, and he must be able to read my thoughts because he kisses me softly.

  “You don’t have to be embarrassed with me, ever.”

  “Will you kiss me again?”

  “I’ll kiss you forever.”

  And he does. Oh, God, he does. Aiden’s lips are perfect when they meet mine. Soft and warm and demanding as they take control of more than just my body. He controls my heart and owns every piece of my soul.

  With his hand on top of mine, I slide our fingers between my folds and push them into my body. Aiden groans into my mouth. My hips move of their own accord, pumping against our hands. His free hand massages my breasts, tweaking and pinching the nipples into hard, tight peaks. Tension builds in my body. I curl an arm around his neck and pull him closer to me.

  “You’re so beautiful.” Aiden kisses a trail down my jaw to my neck. “I could touch you forever and still not get enough.”

  My body spasms around our fingers, sucking them deeper, and when we pull them out, he unlinks our hands.

  “Hold onto me.”

  Water be damned, I lift my other arm out of the tub and wrap it around him. In one swift move, Aiden slides his hand beneath my knees and lifts me out of the bath.

  Holy shit. Not what I was expecting.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Taking you to bed.”

  “I’m soaking wet and—”

  “Don’t give a damn.” He captures my lips with his, kissing me deeply as he strides purposefully to my room.

  “My sheets—”

  “Will dry.” I laugh when Aiden tosses me onto the bed. “Scoot back and spread your legs,” he says, shucking his sweatpants.

  My mouth goes dry at the sight of him before me. It’s unfair for someone to look this gorgeous and have a heart of gold.

  “So demanding.”

  “Lizzie.” He stalks toward the bed and places a knee on the mattress. “Please. Please scoot back and spread your legs.”

  I follow his gentle command. Aiden’s eyes flare to life when I drop my knees. I’m naked and feel more vulnerable than I’ve ever felt as his eyes rake across my body. “Please, touch me.”

  “I’m going to do more than touch you, sweet girl. I’m going to love you.”

  He settles between my thighs. His hard cock slides against my core, but he pulls back before pushing in.

  “Condom,” he breathes, dropping his head to my neck. “Please tell me you have condoms.”

  “Top drawer.” I try to reach the nightstand, but it’s too far away.

  Aiden sits up and grabs a condom. He tears the package, slides it on, and then uses his legs to nudge mine farther apart. I let them drop to the sides, opening myself up to him. He positions his cock at my entrance, and my body arches, seeking his touch. Slowly, inch by delicious inch, he pushes into me. My eyes close, and I roll my head back onto the pillow at the feel of him inside me.

  He rocks his hips, pulling out a fraction before pushing back in. “I’ll never get used to this.”

  Neither will I. “I love you.”