Page 87 of Trip Me Up

Gabi scowled. “More photos of you reading in public would move more wood elf merch.”

“Let’s focus on the books,” I growled. “Not collectibles.”

“And the show.” Gabi raised her glass before draining it. “I’ll leave you two to finish the celebration as you see fit.” She raised her eyebrows at the king-size bed. Thankfully, housekeeping had straightened up the sex-tangled sheets.

“Where are you going? I thought we’d hang out, order a pizza.” I’d try to coerce Sam and Gabi to at least act friendly toward each other.

“While you were shaking hands, I was making a date with one of the junior execs. You’re not the only one craving companionship, you know. And if it works out”—she shrugged—“maybeIcan get a cameo out of it.”

“If you want a cameo, I’ll ask the producers about it.”

She smirked. “It’s more fun my way.” She kissed my cheek, set down her glass, and sashayed to the door. “Later, kids. I’m flying out tomorrow morning, but I’ll text you from the airport, Niall. Ship me those notebooks.”

“Bye, Gabriela. Have fun.” Sam leaned into my shoulder.

“Bye, Gab—” The closing door cut off my words.

“So I guess it’s just the two of us now.” I sank onto the wide armchair and pulled Sam onto my lap. I set my half-full glass on the table.

“Yeah.” She set her almost-full glass next to mine. Gabi didn’t know she hated the stuff.

“I bought some white wine, too. I don’t know anything about Chardonnay, but the guy at the store said it was top notch.”

“Maybe later.” She leaned back to look me in the eye. “I really am excited for you. Are you happy about the deal?”

“I guess? It’s money I have to do hardly anything to earn. Though Gabi got me script approval this time.”

“That’s good, isn’t it? So you have control over the adaptation?”

“Yeah.” If Sam could help me figure out my email, I could do it remotely.

“Hey, I finished listening toSecrets of the Wood Elves.I know you know this, but it’s amazing.”

Warmth flickered across my skin. “You liked it? It’s not as good asMagician,but—”

“Niall.” Her touch was feather-light on my cheek, but I couldn’t resist it. I looked her in the eye. “I loved it. Truly. I was just about to startTreacherywhen you walked in. It’s good the third book’s not ready, or I’d never finish my dissertation.”

I leaned forward and kissed her, taking her lips the way I couldn’t have done in front of Gabi. When we came up for air, I said, “Thank you. That means a lot coming from an author of your caliber.”

A tiny line formed between her brows. “Let’s not talk aboutMagician in the Machine.Tonight is all about you. And I have—I have a proposal.”

I waggled my eyebrows and then kissed her neck. “A sexy proposal?”

“No.” Laughing, she pushed at my chest.

Reluctantly, I released her. “What kind of proposal, then?”

“I think your wood elves would make a great video game.” She held up a finger to stop my protest. “I know you’re not into tech. But I am. I could help. Jackson and I used to program video games together. I could put you in contact with some programmers who’d absolutely die to bring the wood elves to life.”

Gabi had mentioned gaming rights to me around the time we were making the TV deal. I’d refused then. But this was different. It was Sam.

“I don’t want programmers. I want you.”

“Niall, I’m a programmer.”

“I only want to do it with you.” Gabi wasn’t the only one with negotiation skills. A deal like this would bind us together, keep her with me even after the tour ended.

“But I’m—I’m leaving. I’m doing a postdoc. And then I’ll become a researcher. You need someone full-time, who can have the game ready when the show releases. Not someone who programs it in her free time.”

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