Page 81 of Falling for Love

For the next hour, the three of us worked on Hayden’s project, cutting out stars, gluing planets into place, and occasionally getting sidetracked by Hayden’s stories about school and his dog, Lance. The pizza was a hit, and so was the cannoli. The evening felt magical and so attainable…if she’d just let me in.

Through it all, I couldn’t stop stealing glances at Evie. The way she laughed with Hayden and concentrated while cutting out construction paper shapes was all so effortlessly her. And it hit me again, that feeling of being exactly where I was needed, and I liked it.

When the project was finished, Hayden stood back to admire our work.

“It’s perfect,” he declared, his chest puffed out with pride.

“It’s definitely rocket-worthy,” I agreed, fist-bumping him.

Evie leaned back in the chair as her smile widened. “Good job, Buddy.”

“You too, Mom,” he said, grinning. Then he turned to me. “And you, Liam.”

“Hey, teamwork makes the dream work,” I said, making him laugh.

It wasn’t long before Hayden’s yawns started creeping in, and Evie suggested it was time for bed. He protested at first, but after a little coaxing—and the promise of another cannoli tomorrow—he headed off to brush his teeth.

I helped Evie tidy up the dining room, stacking the leftover supplies into a neat pile.

“Thanks for letting me crash the project party,” I said, glancing at her.

“Are you kidding?” she said, her eyes sparkling. “You saved the day. That rocket ship and solar system wouldn’t have made it off the ground without you.”

“Well, I do have a knack for making things fly,” I said, grinning.

She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” I said, stepping a little closer. “But you’re smiling, so I’ll take it.”

Her laughter faded into a soft smile, and for a moment, the room felt smaller and quieter. I wanted to reach out, brush that loose strand of hair from her face, pull her closer, but I held back, letting the moment settle.

“So,” she said, breaking the silence, “should I pack you some leftovers?”

I chuckled, realizing she was undoubtedly direct and consistent. It was my time to exit.

“I think I’ve had my fill tonight. But thanks.”

She nodded, her gaze lingering on mine. “Well, thanks again for coming. Hayden really loves having you around.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” I said, my voice softening. “Both of you.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, tucking that loose strand behind her ear.

She looked back up at me and sighed, walking me to the door. “Good night, Liam.”

“Good night, Evie,” I said, but I didn’t open the door.

Instead, I turned and slowly cupped her face, looking into her beautiful eyes, and kissed her.

Softly, slowly.

And then I stepped back, opened the door, and left.

Maybe, I just needed to leave her wanting more.

Perhaps that was what Evie needed most of all.

A reminder of what she was missing.

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