Page 39 of Falling for Love

Poor Liam. Hayden’s bug had been brutal, and I could only imagine a grown man like Liam laid out flat by it. My fingers hovered over the screen before I typed back.

So, now you’re canceling on me? The nerve. But in all seriousness, I’m so sorry. I hope you feel better soon. Guess I should’ve warned you to wear a hazmat suit when you came over. Rookie mistake on my part.

His reply came back quickly.

Lesson learned. Next time, I’ll come fully suited up. Though I’d probably still catch it. Your little guy’s germs are too advanced.

Next time….

I laughed out loud, shaking my head.

Hayden would love to hear that. He’d probably start calling himself Germ King.

Liam texted.

Fitting. I feel like his loyal but deeply suffering subject.

I pressed my lips together, feeling absolutely awful about Liam getting sick.

What are your symptoms, Your Highness?

I could feel his laughter coming through the phone before the next text hit.

Oh, just the usual: fever, chills, nausea. And an overwhelming sense of betrayal that my immune system failed me.

I grinned, biting my lip. His humor, even when he was clearly miserable, was endearing.

Well, you survived the blender. I think you’ll live through this.

He wrote back.

Barely. Let’s not forget I walked away with stitches. If you don’t hear from me in 48 hours, tell my sisters to cremate me with my cider recipes.

I smiled and texted.

Any requests for your epitaph?

The bubbles appeared.

Here lies Liam Harper. Taken too soon by soup and lousy luck with women.

I was laughing so hard I almost dropped my phone.

You’re ridiculous.

His words melted me.

And you’re laughing, so mission accomplished.

I paused for a moment as my thumbs hovered over my screen.

It was so easy to connect with him, even when he felt awful.

How did you know I was laughing?

His reply made me smile.

I can hear it now, and I can picture your cute little smile.

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