Page 93 of Falling for Love

“But?”

She twisted her lips into a playful pout.

I kept my gaze on hers. “You look like someone stole your favorite boots.”

She let out another weak laugh. But her lips twitched into a tiny frown.

It was so small that most might have missed it.

Setting her fork down, she folded her hands together, but her fingers fidgeted in a way that made my stomach tense.

“It’s... complicated,” she finally said.

“Complicated how?”

I didn’t like how her shoulders had sagged or how her gaze had dropped to her hands.

She sighed. “Fine. Something’s changed in my life. Something big. And I might need some time to figure things out.”

Her words hit me like a sucker punch. I hadn’t expected this. Things had been going so well, or at least I thought they had.

“Time?” I repeated.

The word hung heavily between us.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly, her eyes darting to meet mine. “It’s just... I have a lot on my plate right now. And I’m trying to keep everything together for Hayden.”

I nodded slowly, trying to piece things together by what she didn’t say. I could feel the warmth of the evening slipping away, replaced by a quiet unease.

“Is this about us?” I asked carefully. “Because if I’m putting too much pressure on you—”

“No,” she interrupted, shaking her head firmly. “It’s not you. I promise. You’ve been... amazing. Better than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s me. And my life. And all the baggage that comes with it.”

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit.

For weeks, I’d felt her letting me in, piece by piece, and now it felt like she was closing the door just as quickly.

“I don’t mind the baggage,” I said after a moment. “In case I haven’t made it obvious. I’m all in here, Evie. With you. With Hayden. And I’m strong. I can carry baggage easily.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, I thought she might lean into me and let me take some of the weight off her shoulders.

But then she looked away, biting her lip.

“I just need time,” she repeated, her voice quieter this time.

I nodded again, though my chest felt tight.

“Okay,” I said finally, forcing myself to accept it. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here. I promise.”

The words felt inadequate, but they were all I had to give her.

But something in the way she held herself told me she wasn’t ready for that.

“Thank you.” She sighed. “For understanding.”

I reached across the table and placed my hand over hers, giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I’ll always be here, Evie,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Whenever you’re ready.”

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