Page 48 of Falling for Love

The words hung in the air between us.

They’d been unspoken for far too long.

Honestly, had those accidental kisses not happened in the middle of peeping Tomville, neither of us would probably have been able to control where things went.

Her smile faltered, replaced by something softer, something questioning.

“You mean that?”

“Every word.” I kept my gaze on hers and felt the chemistry picking up right where it had left off so many times.

She stared at me for a long moment. Her eyes searched mine for something I hoped she found.

And then, just as I thought she might say something, Abby’s voice rang out from behind the counter.

“You two need more of anything, or are you all set over there?”

We both jumped, the spell broken as we turned to see Abby watching us with a knowing grin.

“Uh, we’re good,” Evie said quickly, her voice a little higher than usual.

“Great,” Abby said, giving us a wink before turning back to the espresso machine.

“Saved by the barista.”

“Don’t get cocky.”

“Never. So,” I said, leaning forward with a grin. “Does this count as the best accidental kiss you’ve ever had? Or are there others I should know about?”

Her eyes widened as she nearly choked on her coffee. “Liam!”

“What?” I said, laughing. “I’m just asking. You’re the one who seems to have a talent for them.”

Her eyes focused on me while her lips twitched to hold back a smile. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Maybe,” I said, shrugging. “But you keep showing up, so I must be doing something right.”

Her smile broke through as she rolled her eyes. “You’re lucky you’re charming. Barely charming.”

“Barely?” I repeated. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll take it.”

She shook her head and laughed softly.

“Alright,” I said, setting my coffee cup down. “Enough about my charm. I’ve got something to tell you.”

Her expression softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Oh? What’s that?”

“I think I found it,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “The building for Red Barn Cider.”

Her brows lifted, and she tilted her head. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” I said, feeling the excitement bubble up again. “It’s perfect, Evie. It’s got the space I need for production someday, room for a tasting area, and even a little patio out back that could be incredible in the fall.”

Evie smiled and wrapped her hands around her coffee cup. “That sounds amazing. Where is it?”

“On the edge of town. It used to be an old thrift store. It needs a little work, but nothing I can’t handle. It looks like an old red barn.”

“I believe it.” Her smile widened, and I could see the genuine excitement in her eyes. “That’s incredible, Liam. I’m so happy for you.”

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