Page 10 of Falling for Love

That was precisely the emotion zipping through me. Why did I have to open my big mouth?

Liam’s grin was easy and disarming, but his eyes twinkled with mischief.

He let out a low whistle and shook his head. “All this time, I thought I was just catching you at bad moments. Now I find out I’ve been actively avoided?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Not avoided. Just… delayed.”

“Delayed, huh?” He sipped his seltzer, leaning back against the counter like he belonged there. “I’ll take it. But you know, I’m a pretty patient guy. Good things are worth waiting for.”

My cheeks warmed, and I turned back to the bratwursts, busying myself with plating them.

“Good things, huh?” I reached for the grilled onions and noticed him looking at me.

“Absolutely.” The way his gaze fell along my body made me warm inside. “Anyway, I always hold out hope.”

“That’s very optimistic of you.”

“Hey, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy.” He tapped his glass with a smirk. “Especially when someone else pours the seltzer.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I guess I should thank you for sticking around despite my terrible track record with you.”

“Oh, it wasn’t that bad,” he said, his voice teasing. “You didn’t actually ghost me. Wait. Did you?”

I grinned and shrugged innocently as I pulled the bratwursts out of the air fryer. “Beats me.”

“Well, you’re feeding me bratwursts tonight, so I’d say we’re making up for lost time.”

“Speaking of…” I laughed and slid a plate toward him. “Here’s your brat. I hope it lives up to your expectations. I’m sorry it’s reheated, though.”

“Oh, please. It looks incredible.” He scooped onions on his plate and dabbed some mustard on top. “Thank you.”

I smiled and glanced at Hayden in the living room with Lance. I grabbed a tray and wandered to where Hayden laughed.

“Today’s your lucky day,” I whispered.

“I get to eat in here?” His eyes widened.

I nodded.

“Youdolike him.” He nearly yelled his response, and I immediately shoved my palm playfully over his mouth.

“Ssh.” I laughed, shaking my head.

“Playing hard to get?” my seven-year-old asked.

“How in the world do you know about that?”

“Second grade, Mom.” He rolled his eyes as if I were the ridiculous one.

I walked back into the kitchen, and Liam’s grin grew wider.

His brows lifted. “So…”

“You didn’t hear any of that, right?”

“Not a single word.” He lifted his hand. “Scout’s honor.”

“You’re lying, aren’t you?” My brows raised.

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