Page 78 of Falling for Love

Chapter Eighteen

Liam

There was this buzzing in my chest, this ridiculous, uncontrollable energy that I couldn’t shake.

I wasn’t sure if it was the excitement about the offer on the property being accepted or the fact that I couldn’t stop thinking about Evie.

Maybe it was both.

Honestly, I didn’t care. For the first time in years, it felt like things were falling into place—not just with work, but with… everything.

I glanced at my phone, half-expecting and half-hoping to see her name pop up.

Nothing yet. It had been a little quieter between us the past few days, ever since that kiss. I replayed that moment more times than I’d care to admit. But afterward, I could sense her pulling back. She wasn’t as quick to text and wasn’t quite as open.

It wasn’t surprising.

Evie was cautious—understandably so. She had her son to think about and her life to protect, and I wasn’t the kind of guy to bulldoze my way in and demand a spot.

Still, seeing her yesterday had been a turning point. She’d been more playful, laughing at my dumb jokes, her guard slipping just enough to make me believe she was starting to let me in again.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the email on my laptop confirming my offer for the property had been accepted. The place was perfect—tucked near the heart of Buttercup Lake, with enough room for the cider-making operation and a cozy little tasting area. It had been a long shot, but now that it was happening, I felt like a kid at Christmas.

And yet, the first person I wanted to tell wasn’t Fifi, Violet, or my mom.

It was Evie.

That realization hit me like a freight train.

I wasn’t used to this—to wanting to share with someone special a small victory.

My family had always been my sounding board and cheering section, but it was different with Evie. I wanted her to know, to smile that quiet and knowing smile she had, to be the one I celebrated with.

To hold.

I grabbed my phone and hovered over her name. My thumb hesitated. Was it too soon to text her? Would I come off as overeager? Probably. But I didn’t care.

Before I could overthink it, I typed out a message.

Hey, guess what? Big news today. My property offer was finally accepted.

I hit send before I could second-guess myself, then immediately followed up with:

Also, still thinking about yesterday. You looked happy. I liked seeing that.

It wasn’t much, but it was honest. And if there was one thing I wanted to be with Evie, it was honest.

I set the phone down, tapping my fingers on the desk while waiting for her reply. The giddiness was still there, buzzing like static under my skin.

It was ridiculous, really. I was a grown man acting like a teenager with his first crush. But Evie had that effect on me.

The phone buzzed, and my heart jumped as I snatched it up.

Congrats on the property! That’s huge, Liam. I’m happy for you.

I smiled at her response, but it was the second message that really got me:

And yeah, yesterday was nice. Thanks for getting me in my truck and making me laugh.

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