Page 76 of Falling for Love

“Looks like it’s just being fussy,” he said, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a multitool.

I watched as he worked, his movements calm and deliberate. The quiet confidence he exuded made it hard not to stare, and for a moment, I forgot all about my embarrassment.

“So,” Millie said, breaking the silence as she leaned toward me. “How long are you going to pretend you’re not into him?”

I nearly choked. “I’m not—”

“Please,” she whispered, her eyes twinkling. “You’ve been mooning over him since he got here.”

I shot her a look, but she just grinned knowingly. Thankfully, Liam was too focused on the lock to notice our exchange.

After a few more minutes, there was a satisfying click, and the door swung open. Liam straightened, brushing his hands off on his jeans.

“There we go. Good as new.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“Don’t mention it. I happened to be coming to town to pick up some stuff for the lodge. It was perfect timing.”

I glanced at Millie and scowled. Something told me it was more than a coincidence.

Millie clapped her hands together, her grin as bright as ever. “See? I told you he’d save the day.”

“You give me too much credit, Millie.”

“Oh, nonsense,” she said, patting his arm. “Now, I’d love to stick around and bask in this little moment, but I’ve got errands to run and a man to seduce back at home. You two behave yourselves.”

Before I could respond, Millie grabbed her tote and headed off down the street, leaving me alone with Liam.

“So,” Liam said, leaning against the open truck door. “What’s next on your agenda?”

“Hopefully not locking myself out of my house,” I said, chuckling.

“Always a good plan. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Oh, I don’t know…Just a few half dozen memes instead of the usual texts I get back from you.”

I kicked my boot in the icy snow and chuckled. “Okay, you got me. I panicked.”

“Was it the kiss?”

“Maybe.”

“I won’t do it again.” He winked at me, stirring up the wild energy inside me again.

“Please do.”

His gaze lingered on mine, something unspoken passing between us.

The weight of the moment settled between us, and for the first time that morning, I let out a deep breath.

Maybe I had been overthinking everything.

For once, it felt like time was my enemy.

As Liam closed the truck door and handed me back my keys, I smiled, feeling the morning's tension ease.

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