Page 25 of Heart to Heart

“Too what?”

“Too important to lose. I like having you around, Liam.”

“That’s good because I like being around you.”

“Okay, then I’ll quit worrying that I’ll freak you out and drive you away with my indecision, hesitation, and crushing doubts. Not to mention my rambling and propensity toward giving too much information.” Occasionally when I started feeling close to someone, like a new friend or a potential love interest, I would overshare my feelings. And once I started, I had trouble stopping. This was turning into one of those times. “I have lost all perspective. I like you more than I’m ready for and I don’t know what to do about it.Ugh!Let’s watch the movie, and eat the food, and I’ll stop talking now.” Blood pounded in my temples when I realized what I had confessed to him. My face was in flames, I could feel it. I also felt his eyes on me and I wanted nothing more than to disappear into the couch cushions or dive out the window.

“Holly, hey.” With those two words, his voice seemed to echo my own longings, but I still couldn’t make myself face him.

I shook my head. “What?” I whispered, suddenly watching Cheddar’s kitty cat zoomies around the coffee table were of the utmost of importance and I couldn’t possibly look away.

“Will you look at me? Please?”

“I don’t think I can. If I do, you’ll discover exactly how bright the color red can be once you get a peek at my cheeks. I talk too much, Liam.”

“No. You don’t. I love talking to you. Every conversation with you is like sunshine lighting up my day, Holly. Please believe that. I’ll be your friend forever and if you tell me you want something more someday, believe me when I say I will listen because I’ll want it too. I already do. How’s that for too much information?”

I peeked at him from the corner of my eye and watched the emotions play across his face. “Really?” He was sincere. It was written all over his face.

“Absolutely.”

“I’m not driving you crazy or leading you on?”

“You can’t lead someone on when you explain yourself as thoroughly as you do. It’s not possible. I know where you stand and honestly, I’m right there with you.” I opened my eyes, turning fully toward him to look into his steady gaze. He cupped my chin and leaned forward to kiss my forehead. “The waffles are getting cold, and Cheddar is staring at us.” The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice, putting me at ease again.

Meow

“I guess we’d better eat then.”

“Get comfortable and dig in. I have a progress report for you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup. You have steel doors with new locks and a state-of-the-art alarm system. You can move in next weekend after Owen finishes hauling the old stuff away and Luke and I knock down the back wall.”

“Seriously?” I threw my arms around his neck, tackling him backward on the couch. “You are awesome.”

His eyes flickered with amusement as he pulled me into a hug. “It’s my job.”

“I won’t get in the way while the renovation is happening?”

“No, and you won’t be there alone with Owen, so don’t worry about that. I’m going to be hands on once the renovation begins. I’ll be there every day, full time, until it’s done and you’re ready to open. He’s just on trash and floor duty.”

“I can’t wait.”

He chuckled. “I know, that’s why I lit a fire under Owen’s ass. That and to get him out of your space quicker.”

“You’re the best. I have barely any stuff to move in, and I don’t even care. Air mattresses are cheap, right?”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.” He winked. “But that’s all I can say. I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”

My eyes lit up. Call me a kid, but I loved surprises. “I can’t wait even more now.”

Chapter10

Liam

Tolkein and waffles had been about week ago. It was now Tell a Lie day, which was appropriate since the lies I had been telling myself for months about my feelings for Holly were now totally out of control. Despite my attempts to keep some distance between us, I was completely addicted to how I felt when I was with her. She made me feel alive. She made me hopeful. I was finally able to contemplate my future and expect it to turn out happy someday.

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