Page 42 of Falling for Love

“I’m impressed.”

He laughed. “Finally.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “What do you meanfinally?”

“It’s hard to tell with you.” He winked at me, and my heart fluttered.

“Sorry about that.”

His eyes locked on mine, and he took the box from me. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I’m just learning the ropes right now.”

I chuckled and followed him down an open hallway to a great room and kitchen.

“Ropes?”

Liam slid the box on the counter. “Yeah. We’re both learning about each other right now.” He glanced around his home. “And by the sounds of it, manual labor impresses you.”

I nodded, feeling my cheeks warm. “Very much so.”

And he was right. It wasn’t the house that impressed me. It was that Liam built it room by room.

I pulled out the soup and crackers, arranged them on the counter, and held up one of the books to distract myself.

“You’re such a lifesaver,” he murmured, coming closer as he glanced at the soup.

“This, however, might be the real lifesaver.” I held up one of the books.

Liam squinted at the cover, then laughed. “Is this like a step-by-step guide or something on business?”

“Oh, it gets better,” I said, handing him the second book.

He took it, his grin widening as he read the title. “Love Is Like a Flat Tire: Fix It or Roll With It. Who writes these things?”

“People who want to make us laugh, apparently,” I said, my smile softening. “Figured you could use some entertainment while you’re stuck here with my son’s bug.”

Liam set the books down, his expression turning thoughtful. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“It’s just soup and cookies. Don’t get too impressed.”

“It’s not just that,” he said, his voice quieter now. “You didn’t have to do any of this, but you did. And it means a lot.”

I glanced away, suddenly self-conscious. “Well, you’re the one who started it. Showing up at my house with soup and snacks for Hayden? This is just me returning the favor.”

A low, gravelly chuckle filled the room. “You’re a tough one, Evie Grayson.”

I arched a brow. “And don’t you forget it.”

Liam’s broad shoulders relaxed as he leaned back against the counter and shook his head.

The room felt still for a moment, the only sound from the hum of the fireplace fan kicking on.

I looked around, absorbing the details of his home—the open layout, the rustic touches that balanced the sleek design, and the many family photos displayed on the walls and tables.

“Want some soup?” I asked finally, breaking the silence. “It’s still warm from my kitchen.”

“Is that a serious question?” he said, pushing off the counter with a grin.

I shook my head, grabbing a bowl from the cupboard.

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