Page 60 of Falling For You

My breath caught when his eyes locked on mine, and I realized just how much I was falling for him.

And as we rode back toward the farm, my hand still in his, I couldn’t help but wonder where this ride would take us next.

But first, I needed answers.

Chapter Fifteen

Violet

I sat cross-legged on the family room floor with a pile of brown and beige faux fur draped across my lap. I stared at the mess, trying to figure out how to attach these oversized llama ears to the makeshift headpiece.

I texted Owen a couple of messages yesterday and today.

I hadn’t heard anything back, which surprised me, but I knew not to panic. We weren’t actually seeing one another officially. It was just fun.

So, I did what any sane person would do and threw myself into making a llama costume.

It looked like a craft store had exploded in my cabin—scraps of fabric, glue guns, and bits of thread were scattered everywhere.

Fifi sat nearby, cutting out more fur, while Liam lounged on the couch, twirling the half-finished llama tail in his hands like he’d rather be elsewhere.

“You know,” Liam began, his tone playful, “we really need to talk about your life choices.”

“Mine?” I laughed, shaking my head. “We need to talk about yours. How could you turn Millie down for such a great opportunity?” My brows quirked as I looked at my sister. “And you too?”

“We were busy,” they both said in unison.

I chuckled and shook my head. “Likely story.”

“Hey, I’m trying to make things happen with Evie. It wouldn’t look great if I’m advertising my wares for other females on some stage, now, would it?”

“You’re such a liar,” I teased.

“Honestly, you always get roped into these things.” Fifi laughed. “You need to be quicker on your feetandalways have excuses at the ready.”

I chuckled. “Is that how you operate in life? Always have excuses ready?”

Fifi’s eyes widened. “When Millie or any other kooky Sunshine Breakfast Club membersare around, yeah. I know to stay away, or they’ll use the voodoo on me and match me up when I least expect it.”

I playfully scowled.

“But honestly, Vi. This is probably good for you. I noticed you closed yourself off years ago, and it’s about time you started to open up again. And you always have that type.” He smiled. “You know, the uptight businessmen. You won’t find those types of bidders around here.”

I sighed dramatically, setting the headpiece down to glare at him. “Really? I’m here trying to craft a llama costume for a blind date auction. Do you want to get philosophical about my life choices? Besides, this is light, fun, and all for a good cause.”

Liam smirked, twirling the tail as if it were evidence against me. “I’m just saying, you’re the only one of us who got roped into being auctioned off for charity, and you decided to do it in a llama costume. Maybe that’s something worth discussing.”

Fifi giggled, her scissors pausing mid-cut. “He’s got a point, Vi. Why a llama out of all the themes you could have picked?”

I threw my hands up, exasperated. “Because llamas are funny! And cute! This whole event is supposed to be fun, right? Besides, it’s for a good cause. We’re raising money for Thanksgiving meals, and since Millie caught me off-guard…I had no choice.” I crossed my arms. “Besides, I’m not good at lying.”

“Yeah, but a llama?” Liam repeated, holding the fluffy tail upward like it was some kind of courtroom exhibit. “You could have gone with something elegant that doesn’t make you look like you belong in our petting zoo. I’m just saying.”

I rolled my eyes, grabbing the llama ears and trying again to attach them to the headpiece. “The point of the event is to get people laughing and bidding on us so we can raise as much money as possible. And if a llama costume makes people laugh, then it’s totally worth it.”

Fifi grinned, picking up the other half of the llama’s body and holding it up to her torso like it was high fashion. “Well, you’re definitely going to get some laughs. But seriously, what kind of guy will bid on a woman dressed as a llama?”

Liam nodded. “Nothing screams sex like a llama.”

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