Page 8 of Falling for Love

Once we pulled into the driveway, I took a deep breath and looked in my rearview mirror to see Liam pull up behind me.

How did I get talked into this?

Oh, right!

My son.

A smile swept over my lips as Hayden unbuckled himself from the booster and opened the door.

He was turning into such a little man.

It felt like just yesterday that I had to lift him out of his car seat and carry him inside.

Life had a way of beating on.

Liam walked over and opened my door as Hayden darted to the porch.

“I thought you were trying to lose me for a minute.” Liam flashed his amazing smile. “Do you always drive so crazy?”

I chuckled. “Very funny.”

“Hey, I know Hayden put you on the spot…” He lowered his voice. “If you’d like me to beg off, I can.”

My stomach dipped at the mention of him leaving, and I glanced over at Hayden, who was happily waiting for us.

“No, I’m happy he asked.”

“Yeah?” Liam’s eyes fastened on mine, and I felt that pull to him that I’d tried so hard to ignore.

I nodded and closed the truck door as I walked toward Hayden. I felt Liam’s gaze on me from behind, and a little thrill ran over me.

Was that what it was like to be wanted by a guy?

The thought shot a little bolt of electricity through me as I unlocked the door, and Hayden bounded inside with Lance by his side.

“I didn’t know you had a dog.” Liam grinned, reaching down to pet his head.

“He’s our newest addition. We try to foster whenever we can, but something tells me Lance found his forever home.”

Liam’s brows quirked up. “Lance?”

I grinned. “Sir Lancelot, if you want to get technical.”

“Nice.” He nodded and closed the door behind us.

“So, I already grilled the bratwursts before we took off to the doctor,” I informed him. “Not sure they’ll be my best since it’s going to be a reheat job.”

“I’m just happy I don’t have to see the soup again.” He waved his bandaged hand, and I chuckled.

Liam was so at ease, and a little bit of guilt started surfacing for all the times I hadn’t written back to him.

“Need me to do anything else?” he asked, looking more at home in my kitchen than I ever thought he would or should.

The kitchen wasn’t big, but it worked perfectly for my little family. When I bought it, it was the worst part of the home, but between my painting skills and Hayden’s artwork on the walls, the kitchen looked like a million bucks.

The powder blue cabinets always made it feel bright and cheery, and the butcher block counters I installed felt warm and cozy.

“Just stay out of trouble,” I teased, glancing at his hand. “We don’t need any more trips to urgent care today.”

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