Page 44 of Falling for Love

“What about compliments? Do those earn points?”

“Depends on the compliment,” I said, feeling the tension between us shift, becoming hotter.

“Well, in that case…” He paused, tilting his head like he was deep in thought. “You have a way of even making tomato soup that tastes fancy. I’m impressed.”

“Not quite the compliment I was thinking of, but...”

He chuckled and leaned back as he finished the last bit of soup. I stood and put the other jar in the fridge.

Liam flashed me a lopsided grin that made my stomach flip.

This was exactly what I loved about Liam. He was so genuine and funny and…

Everything I didn’t know I needed.

We stood there for a moment, and I felt the energy crackling between us.

His eyes stayed on me, and the intensity of his gaze made it hard even to think straight.

Liam didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. The look on his face said it all.

“Alright,” I said finally, breaking the tension as I reached for the box. “I think it’s time for your surprise.”

“Surprise?” His eyebrows shot up. “What surprise? I thought this was the surprise.”

“You didn’t think I was going to stop at soup and books, did you?” I asked, giving him a pointed look.

“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m contagious.”

I chuckled. “Well, don’t go getting any ideas…”

“Never in a million years,” he teased.

I pulled a smaller package from the box and handed it to him. It was wrapped in plain brown paper with a simple white bow. It was a little something I’d whipped up last night when Hayden fell asleep. I loved crafting but rarely had the opportunity or time to do it.

“This is for you.”

He took the package from me, and when his fingers touched mine, I felt the familiar charge of electricity that made my mind think of crazy things.

“Should I be nervous?” he teased.

“Maybe a little,” I said, my grin widening. “But I think you’ll like it.”

He unwrapped the package slowly, and when the paper fell away, he stared at the contents for a moment, his expression unreadable.

And then, finally, the kitchen filled with laughter as he read the words on a mug I’d made for him.

His grin only widened as he read it aloud. “I almost lost a hand, and all I got was this lousy mug.”

Liam’s gaze caught mine, and he shook his head. “This is amazing. Did you have this made?”

“I made it,” I said, trying to hide my smile. “Consider it a token of appreciation. And a reminder to stay hydrated and away from sharp objects.”

He shook his head, grinning as he turned the mug over. “You’re something else, Evie.”

“Is that a good thing?” I asked, feeling a flutter of nerves.

“It’s a very good thing. But now I have to figure out how to top this.” He scratched his chin and chuckled. “You’re good at keeping me on my toes.”

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