Page 137 of Falling for Love

As I grabbed my robe and tied it snugly, I wondered if Liam was still asleep. A faint grin tugged at my lips. I’d told him the couch was too short, but he’d waved me off with one of those charming, lopsided smiles that made arguing impossible.

Padding down the hallway, I tried not to make a sound. As I reached the family room, I peeked around the corner. Sure enough, he was stretched out on the couch, one arm thrown over his face and the other dangling off the side.

How could he look so sexy, even in the morning?

That should be a crime.

I hid a laugh. His long legs stuck awkwardly off the edge of the couch, and the blanket I’d left for him had slipped to the floor. Despite the awkward position, he looked peaceful, his breathing slow and steady. His shirt tugged up just enough to see…

Ugh.

Get a grip.

Coffee.

I needed coffee before I tried to process how a man who made me feel so much could look so perfect, even in this state.

I headed into the kitchen and started the coffee pot, the familiar hiss and gurgle filling the quiet house. While it brewed, I couldn’t help but think about how much Liam had helped, how much he’d stepped in when I’d needed someone most. He wasn’t pushy or overbearing; he just… showed up.

The sound of soft footsteps behind me made me turn around. There he was, rubbing the back of his neck and looking adorably rumpled.

“Morning,” he said, his voice gravelly from sleep.

“Morning,” I replied, holding back a smile. “Sleep well?”

He glanced toward the couch, then back at me. “Well enough, considering that thing was made for people half my size.”

I chuckled, handing him a mug of coffee. “I told you. You should’ve taken the guest bed.”

“And miss the excitement of Hayden sneaking around at midnight for a glass of water and nearly tripping over me? No way,” he joked, taking a sip.

I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re too much.”

Liam studied me for a moment, his gaze soft.

“You look like you actually got some sleep.”

“I did,” I admitted. “And I’m not even going to pretend it’s not because you stayed. Thank you for that.”

His eyes lit with something reassuring and protective.

“You don’t have to thank me, Evie. I told you, I’m here for whatever you need.”

The sincerity in his voice sent a flutter through my chest, and I quickly turned back to the coffee pot to refill my mug.

“You hungry?” I asked, trying to shift the focus away from how his words made me feel.

“Starving,” he said, setting his mug down. “But only if you let me help.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Help? I’m not sure I can afford a trip to the urgent care if I whip out a blender or mixer and you get in the way.”

“Hey, that was one time,” he protested, grinning. “Besides, I’m excellent at waffles.”

“Waffles, huh?” I teased, crossing my arms. “Alright, Mr. Waffle Expert. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

We worked side by side, laughing as Liam poured the waffle batter into the maker, and it echoed a faint beep.

“Okay, between the shrimp linguine and this, you’re starting to redeem yourself in the kitchen.” I grinned at him, and he laughed.

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