Page 3 of Falling for Love

Thankfully, the drive into town was uneventful, and I pulled into Buttercup Lake’s Urgent Care with a mix of embarrassment and resignation. I’d been here enough times for them to know me by name.

Between Hayden’s daredevil antics and my own work-related mishaps, we were practically VIPs.

Inside, Gwen, the receptionist, greeted us with a knowing smile. “What’s the adventure today, Evie? Kicked in the chops by a mule or twisted your ankle tripping over a saddle?”

“Not me this time.” I leaned on the counter, sighing. “Hayden decided to be twinsies with our snowman and gave himself a carrot nose, but the carrot got stuck. It’s, uh… pretty far up there.”

She chuckled as she handed me the paperwork. “You always keep us entertained. Go ahead and have a seat. We’ll call you soon.”

I took a seat next to Hayden, who was busy poking at the rubber ends of the armrests.

His brow furrowed as he asked, “Do you think it’ll hurt?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. They’ll take it right out, and we’ll be back home before you know it.”

Halfway through the paperwork, I heard a familiar laugh—a rich, warm sound that instantly lifted my mood. It shouldn’t have, but it did.

I glanced up and spotted Liam Harper walking into the waiting area.

My heart fluttered.

My stomach knotted into a coil of unexpected possibilities.

And I slid down in my seat, hoping he didn’t notice me.

I’d been out with him a couple of times, but I’d chickened out the last several times he’d reached out.

I glanced at Hayden, tapping my phone, and slowly breathed. I couldn’t hide behind my phone and voicemail if he stood right in front of me.

Liam looked incredible with his dark, wavy hair, curled slightly at the ends, and light stubble along his jawline.

Gorgeous in all the wrong ways.

Snap out of it, Evie.

He was too good-looking for his own good.

Liam’s broad shoulders stretched his blue flannel to the limits. His jeans hugged his thick thighs and…

Hayden pounded my arm. “Mom, isn’t that your boyfriend?”

Boyfriend?

No!

Went out a few times? Yes!

Liam glanced over, and his blue eyes connected with mine.

A charge of electricity shot through me as I smiled back and pretended Hayden didn’t just say that.

Liam looked slightly sheepish and held his right hand awkwardly.

“Liam?” I called, feigning surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you know. Just… living my best life.” He held up his hand wrapped in a makeshift bandage that looked suspiciously like a red and white checkered dish towel.

“Poor guy.” I tore my gaze away and tried to ignore the electricity thrumming through me.

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