Page 9 of Falling for Love

Liam smirked, leaning casually against the counter. “I make no promises.”

As I put the bratwursts in the air fryer to reheat, I couldn’t help but steal glances at the man I’d been crushing on for the last few months.

Something about Liam made my usually guarded heart feel… safe. He was easy to be around, quick to laugh, and good with Hayden in a way that melted my defenses.

“You’re quiet,” Liam said, breaking the silence.

“Just thinking,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

“About?”

I hesitated, not sure how much I wanted to share. The quickest way to scare off a guy seemed to be revealing things, which was ironic on so many levels. Yet, when a guy revealed things to me, I felt so connected and in tune with him.

“About how crazy today has been. And how I somehow survived another adventure with Hayden.”

“Survived?” Liam said with a laugh. “You make it sound like he’s a hurricane.”

“He kind of is,” I admitted with a grin. “But I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”

Liam nodded with a thoughtful expression.

“You’re lucky to have each other.”

The sincerity in his voice tugged at something deep inside me, and I found myself smiling despite the flutter of nerves in my chest.

“Yeah, we are. He’s my best bud.”

I heated the buns for the bratwursts and mixed up my special mustard sauce while Hayden played with Lance in the other room.

“You know, I wanted to apologize,” I said, looking at Liam.

He frowned and shook his head. “For what?”

I pressed my lips together and opened my fridge to grab a beer.

“Want one?”

Liam chuckled. “Do I need one for what’s about to come?”

I laughed. “Maybe.”

“I can handle whatever you’re about to tell me. I’ll take a seltzer.”

“Good choice.”

I put ice in a glass, poured the seltzer water into it, and handed it to him.

“So, what do you think you owe me an apology for?” Liam tried again.

I twisted my lips into a playful pout and let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry for constantly turning you down.”

He laughed and glanced toward the fridge. “Maybe I did need that drink.”

I chuckled and shrugged. “Sorry.”

“I have a confession. My big head didn’t know that you were turning me down. I just thought you were busy.”

Mortified.

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