Page 52 of Falling for Love

The night was incredible, and I got to spend even more time with Liam because his sister snuck off to a different booth at the supper club, so it was just Liam and me laughing and spending time together.

It felt so easy…and right.

It always had.

But that was the problem.

I didn’t want to drag him into any of the drama from my past.

Especially if he has dreams to build.

“You know, I’ve become the family joke.”

My gaze whipped back to his. “How so?”

“They always know when you’re about to stop by.”

I folded my arms and smiled. “Really?”

“They say I look dopy and lovesick,” he offered.

“And you’re willing to say that aloud?”

“Sure.” He nodded as his smile grew. “Because it’s true.”

His words froze me in place.

“I’m not claiming that we’ve dated enough to know what our future holds, but these dates we’ve had off and on have made me dream a little different. They’ve made me wonder about things I never thought much about. Things have been wonderful.”

I nodded, swallowing down everything I wanted to say.

Instead, I kept it simple. I couldn’t afford to get lost in emotions that would only lead to heartache or a dead end. “They have.”

“So, you feel it too?” His eyes steadied on mine. Heat charged through them, and I pulled my gaze away.

“Yeah, but it’s not that easy, Liam. I wish it were.” I pulled my scarf tighter. “I’m a mom. I can’t pretend that my life is purely about me. It’s not. It’s about us, me and my boy. He’s my number one focus.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to be any other way.” He rocked on his boots and cleared his throat. “I find it sexy.”

My jaw dropped. “Being a mom?”

“Absolutely.”

My chest felt heavier than it should.

I knew what was happening. The tension in the air. The way he looked at me like I was someone worth chasing. What was happening between us was undeniable.

But I couldn’t let myself get swept up in it.

“Liam,” I said softly, crossing my arms over my chest, more for protection than warmth. “I need to say something.”

He tilted his head, and the spark in his eyes stayed. “I’m listening.”

“I can’t—” I paused, pressing my lips together. “I can’t afford to get caught up in… this.”

“This?” he asked, his tone light, but there was a flicker of something deeper beneath the surface. “You mean the charm of a ruggedly handsome man with a cider empire in the making?”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up. “No. I mean relationships. Dating. Falling for someone who might not be… permanent.”

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