Page 70 of Falling for Love

“You might be very possible if you keep that up.”

“If I must,” he teased, sliding his thumb softly along my cheek.

Then, from down the hall, the unmistakable creak of Hayden’s bed echoed through the quiet house.

I pulled back, blinking as reality rushed back in.

“Hayden,” I whispered, glancing toward his room.

Liam stepped back as his usual lopsided grin betrayed him. “Saved by the kid.”

I swatted at his chest, laughing softly. “Don’t start.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m not complaining. Just stating the facts. Now, back to what you do for yourself,” Liam said, resting his hand on my waist. “The mug you made me was pretty great.”

“Thanks, it was after Hayden went to bed. So, I guess I do like to craft.” I shrugged. “But I just don’t have the energy some days.” I didn’t want all the focus to stay on me, so I walked over to the counter, grabbed my wine glass, and took a sip.

“So, why cider? I mean, not that I’m complaining. Who doesn’t love cider?”

He chuckled, crossing his arms. “It started as a joke, actually. My sisters and I were brainstorming business ideas for the lodge, and someone suggested cider. Next thing I knew, I was researching apple varieties and fermentation techniques.”

“And now it’s this big vision,” I said, smiling.

“Turns out, I’m pretty good at it. My taster is impeccable.”

“Oh, yeah?” I teased. “In all things or just alcohol.”

His grin widened. “I’d like to believe all things.”

“That’s cool,” I said, thinking back to the kiss.

“What about you? Any big dreams?” he asked.

I hesitated, the question catching me off guard. “I don’t know. I mean, raising Hayden is my biggest priority. But Iguess… I’d love to expand what I’m doing with the horses. Maybe train a few more rescues, find them good homes.”

“That’s a great dream,” he said, his voice genuine. “You’re amazing with them.”

I felt a blush creeping up my neck and waved him off. “Oh, stop. You’re just saying that because you don’t want me to kick you out before pie.”

“You caught me.”

We fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of the earlier moment still lingering in the air. I glanced over at him, taking in the way his hair curled slightly at the ends and the way his blue eyes sparkled even in the dim light of the kitchen.

“So,” I said, deciding to shift the focus again. “What about relationships? Any big dreams there?”

His grin faltered slightly, but the playful glint in his eye remained.

He laughed. “Ah, the deep dive into my tragic love life. This is what I get for kissing you, huh?”

I handed him a slice of pie. “Don’t dodge the question, Harper.”

He sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart.

“Fine. I’ll bare my soul. But only because you asked nicely.”

I took a bite of the pie. “So good, now spill it.”

“Well,” he said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “There was the middle school disaster. Her name was Jessica, and she dumped me because I refused to slow dance at the eighth-grade social.”

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