Page 49 of Falling for Love

“Thanks. I’ve got a lot of work to do to make it happen, but it feels real, you know? Like it’s finally within reach.”

She nodded, her gaze stayed on mine. “You’ve got this. I know you do.”

My chest tightened as she looked at me, truly believing the words she spoke.

“I’m glad you think so,” I said softly. “Because I can’t seem to stop thinking about what it’ll be like to share it with people who matter.”

She blinked, her cheeks flushing again as she ducked her head slightly. “You’re really something, Liam.”

“So I’ve been told,” I said, grinning as I picked up my coffee again. “But only by you.”

Her laughter spilled out, filling the space between us. It felt like the rest of the world faded away for a moment, leaving just the two of us, the warm coffee shop, and a future that suddenly seemed brighter than ever.

Chapter Eleven

Evie

“So, do you want to see it?” Liam asked.

He looked like a kid in the candy store.

I tilted my head and nodded. “The building?”

He nodded, and his grin grew wider.

“Yes, the place where dreams are made,” he teased.

Liam’s enthusiasm was infectious, and no matter how much I tried to keep my guard up, it was slipping. And once it was gone, I wasn’t sure I could build it back up again.

And that scared me.

“When you put it like that, how can I say no?”

Liam leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. His shoulders relaxed like I’d just made his day, and I wondered if he knew how many times he’d made mine.

He nodded. “That’s the spirit. I promise that you’ll love it.”

“I’m not sure if it’s the building I’ll love or your sales pitch,” I teased, sipping my coffee and trying not to let the warmth in my chest spill over into something too obvious.

“Why not both?”

“Alright. Lead the way to your palace of cider dreams.”

“Palace,” he said, standing and grabbing his jacket. “I like the sound of that. Very on-brand.”

“You’re so full of it.”

“And yet, you keep agreeing to spend time with me,” he shot back, holding the door open as we stepped out into the crisp Buttercup Lake air.

Liam fell into step beside me, and I couldn’t help but notice how much I loved being next to him.

“So,” I said, glancing at him. “Are you going to give me a grand tour, or do I just have to guess what makes this building so special?”

“Oh, you’re getting the full tour. My realtor gave me the lock code, so time is no issue,” he assured me, his tone playful. “Prepare to be dazzled.”

“Dazzled. That’s a bold promise.”

“I’m a bold guy.” He winked, and I found myself laughing again.

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