Page 59 of Falling for Love

Her expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze my arm. “I know. And if anyone can break through that wall she’s got up, it’s you. Just don’t push too hard. Let her come to you.”

“Is that what you did with Owen?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Hardly. But everyone’s different. You’ll figure it out.”

I nodded, feeling a little lighter. “Thanks, Sis. You’re not half bad at this advice thing.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” she said, smirking. “Now, go make yourself useful and bring me the tray of muffins from the oven.”

I saluted her dramatically.

As I grabbed the tray, I couldn’t help but think about how right she was. Evie was worth the wait, and I wouldn’t let a little hesitation stop me. I just had to keep showing her that I wasn’t going anywhere. And maybe, just maybe, she’d start to believe it.

The sound of the back door slamming broke me out of my thoughts. Fifi came bounding in like a tornado, a swirl of energy and brightly colored scarves. She was dressed to the nines in a flowing dress, her hair twisted up into some intricate style that only she could pull off.

“I need opinions,” she declared, spinning in a dramatic circle. “Do I look like I’m heading out on a date or trying too hard?”

I blinked, taking in her outfit. “You look like you’re heading out on a date and trying just hard enough.”

She grinned. “Perfect. That’s the balance I was going for.”

I leaned against the counter, smirking. “Who’s the lucky guy this time?”

“Some guy from the hiking club,” she said, waving a hand like it was no big deal. “He’s got great calves and knows how to make a fire without a lighter. Very man-of-the-wild. I’m intrigued.”

“Impressed by calves, huh?” I teased. “Setting the bar real high, Fi.”

“Don’t knock it,” she shot back, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. “Speaking of dates, what’s that look on your face?”

“What look?” I asked, straightening up a little too quickly.

“That one,” she said, pointing at me with the apple. “The one that says you’ve been thinking about someone and pretending you haven’t.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re imagining things.”

“Oh, please,” she said, hopping onto the counter and crossing her legs. “Spill it, Liam. Is this about Evie?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s not a big deal.”

Fifi grinned like a cat who’d just found the cream. “That’s code for it’s a huge deal. Come on, tell me. What’s going on?”

I hesitated for a moment before giving in. “Fine. Yeah, it’s about Evie. I really like her, Fi. Like, really like her. It’s getting worse by the day.”

“You make it sound like a rash.”

I laughed.

“So, what’s the problem?” she prompted, leaning forward eagerly.

“She’s got a lot on her plate,” I said. “Hayden’s her whole world, and she’s not exactly jumping at the idea of letting someone else in.”

“That’s understandable. She’s protecting her kid. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you back.” Fifi’s smile softened.

“I don’t want to push her. She’s been through enough with her ex.”

“You’re such a good guy,” Fifi said with mock sincerity, clutching her chest. “Seriously, Liam, you’re like a Hallmark movie waiting to happen, but instead, it turns into a Lifetime disaster.”

“Very funny,” I said, throwing a dish towel at her.

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