Chapter Ten
Liam
The lingering haze of whatever bug I’d caught from Hayden was finally gone, and I felt like a new man.
Not just better—invincible.
I could stand up straight without my head spinning, my appetite was back, and leaving my house no longer felt like an impossible feat.
But it wasn’t just my germ-free life putting the bounce in my step this morning.
No. Today was all about Red Barn Cider.
I’d found it—the perfect building to house my dreams.
It wasn’t just the location or the layout, though both were exactly what I needed. It was the potential. The moment I stepped into the place, I could see it.
The future.
My future.
I’d spent the better part of the morning planning logistics, crunching numbers, and sketching out ideas for renovations.
The goal? I had to open in time for the fall harvest season.
The thought was ambitious, borderline ridiculous, but doable.
What struck me the most was that there was only one person I couldn’t wait to tell about it: Evie.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care about my family’s opinion.
I knew Violet and Fifi would be thrilled for me. Beck would be excited to have a new place to hang out in town, and my parents would be proud.
But the thought of seeing Evie’s face light up and hearing her ask questions that pushed me to consider details I hadn’t thought about yet just… mattered.
A lot more than I wanted to admit.
I glanced at my watch as I climbed into my truck and breathed a sigh of relief.
Buttercup Lake’s coffee shop was only about fifteen minutes from my place, so I’d be early for my coffee date with Evie.
I could grab a good spot where we could talk without distractions. Things were finally headed in the right direction.
Shoot. Neither of us canceled on each other, so that had to count for something.
As I pulled onto the main road, the excitement in my chest grew. Buttercup Lake had a way of pulling you in, like something out of a snow globe that came to life. The town wasn’t big, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in charm.
The main street was lined with old brick buildings with shopfronts painted in warm, welcoming colors.
A few shops boasted whimsical hand-painted signs that added to the charm. Now that I’d gotten older, I appreciated all those details.
Buttercup Java was smack in the middle. Its large windows glowed softly, and I couldn’t wait to meet Evie here.
A chalkboard sign out front listed today’s specials—Hazelnut Latte and Maple Scones—and beneath it, a slightly crooked note proclaimed, Free Wi-Fi! But only if you smile first.
The streets were alive with the quiet bustle of small-town life. Across the street, a group of kids with backpacks laughed as they trudged through the snow, probably heading back to school after lunch break.
I slowed down, taking it all in. Buttercup Lake made me feel like I no longer had to chase after something that didn’t exist. It was okay to be happy and content, and this town provided that comfort I grew up with.
Kind of like Evie.
I pulled into a parking spot near the coffee shop and turned off the engine. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
This was it.
This was my chance to tell Evie about the Red Barn Cider space, to see her reaction, and to share this piece of my dream with someone who made it feel just a little more important.
And as I grabbed my keys and stepped out into the crisp air, I couldn’t help but smile. Whatever happened next, I was ready. Buttercup Lake, Red Barn Cider, Evie—it all felt like it was finally starting to fall into place.
Buttercup Java was like stepping into the heart of Buttercup Lake itself. The soft buzz of conversation and the smell of fresh coffee made it impossible not to feel at home. I ordered two lattes and waited for Abby to call my order. As I spun around and scouted the room, I picked a table near the window.
But all that cozy charm faded into the background when I spotted Evie.
Early.
I should have known she would have gotten here earlier than me.
Chuckling, I shook my head and held both cups of java as I made my way over.
As I watched her glance outside and tuck some hair behind her ear, the rest of the coffee shop seemed to fade away when her eyes met mine.
“Liam!” Her voice rang out.
There wasn’t a thing I didn’t love…
Uh, oh. Strong word.
About this woman.
Evie stood, the planner she’d been writing in forgotten on the table, as she came toward me with a smile that hit me square in the chest.
But before I had time to react, Evie threw her arms around me in a giant hug.
As I tried to balance myself, my arms flailed to the side to save the coffee.
“You’re all better,” she hummed. “I have felt so guilty. Hayden did, too.”
It was the best greeting I’d ever had, but she wasn’t done.
Her arms tightened around me a second time as I put one of the coffee cups down, trying to return the hug without spilling anything.
“Good to see you,” I said, my voice rougher than intended.
She pulled back slightly, still grinning, and that’s when it happened.
Evie stood on her toes to kiss my cheek—or at least, that’s where I assumed she was aiming.
But as I turned my head slightly to adjust my grip on the coffee, her lips brushed mine instead.
It wasn’t a full-on kiss, more like an accidental meeting of mouths, but the spark that shot through me was instant and undeniable.
Her eyes widened, and she hopped back as her hands flew to her mouth.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”
I opened my mouth to say something, but the movement of stepping back threw us both off.
Evie shifted to one side while I tried to straighten up, but my coffee wobbled precariously, so I bent over to set it down.
She looked up at that moment, and I turned my head to adjust my grip on the cup.
And then it happened.
Again.
A second kiss.
This was like a gift from heaven.
Her lips met mine—not in the clumsy, accidental brush of an oops moment but in a way that sent a jolt of electricity through my body.
Again.
Time seemed to stop as the world narrowed to the soft press of her mouth and the warmth that spread like wildfire from that single point of contact.
She stumbled back, her hand flying to her lips.
“Oh my God. Again. I didn’t mean to—”
“Evie,” I said, my voice low, still trying to catch my breath. “Don’t apologize.”
She froze, staring at me like I’d just said the most shocking thing imaginable.
“That was so not fine. So not okay. I didn’t—”
I stepped closer, carefully setting the coffee on the table without breaking eye contact.
“That wasn’t… It wasn’t just fine. That was—” I paused, searching for the right words and settling on the only one that mattered. “—perfect.”
Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she laughed nervously.
“Perfect? Liam, it was an accident.”
“Was it?” I asked, tilting my head slightly. “Because I’m not so sure. Twice?” I held up two fingers in a teasing gesture, and she chuckled.
She sat and shook her head, reaching for one of the coffees. “I… I don’t even know what to say.”
“Then don’t say a thing,” I said, sitting across from her. “Unless it’s to tell me you don’t feel the same way.”
She blinked, and I could see the battle in her mind. Her hands twisted together nervously, her gaze flickering between mine and the floor.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” she murmured.
“Maybe not,” I said with a small smile. “But it did. And I’m not exactly complaining.”
“You’re relentless.”
“Only when it matters,” I replied. “And you, Evie? You matter.”
The words hung in the air between us.
They’d been unspoken for far too long.
Honestly, had those accidental kisses not happened in the middle of peeping Tomville, neither of us would probably have been able to control where things went.
Her smile faltered, replaced by something softer, something questioning.
“You mean that?”
“Every word.” I kept my gaze on hers and felt the chemistry picking up right where it had left off so many times.
She stared at me for a long moment. Her eyes searched mine for something I hoped she found.
And then, just as I thought she might say something, Abby’s voice rang out from behind the counter.
“You two need more of anything, or are you all set over there?”
We both jumped, the spell broken as we turned to see Abby watching us with a knowing grin.
“Uh, we’re good,” Evie said quickly, her voice a little higher than usual.
“Great,” Abby said, giving us a wink before turning back to the espresso machine.
“Saved by the barista.”
“Don’t get cocky.”
“Never. So,” I said, leaning forward with a grin. “Does this count as the best accidental kiss you’ve ever had? Or are there others I should know about?”
Her eyes widened as she nearly choked on her coffee. “Liam!”
“What?” I said, laughing. “I’m just asking. You’re the one who seems to have a talent for them.”
Her eyes focused on me while her lips twitched to hold back a smile. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Maybe,” I said, shrugging. “But you keep showing up, so I must be doing something right.”
Her smile broke through as she rolled her eyes. “You’re lucky you’re charming. Barely charming.”
“Barely?” I repeated. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll take it.”
She shook her head and laughed softly.
“Alright,” I said, setting my coffee cup down. “Enough about my charm. I’ve got something to tell you.”
Her expression softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Oh? What’s that?”
“I think I found it,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “The building for Red Barn Cider.”
Her brows lifted, and she tilted her head. “You’re serious?”
“Dead serious,” I said, feeling the excitement bubble up again. “It’s perfect, Evie. It’s got the space I need for production someday, room for a tasting area, and even a little patio out back that could be incredible in the fall.”
Evie smiled and wrapped her hands around her coffee cup. “That sounds amazing. Where is it?”
“On the edge of town. It used to be an old thrift store. It needs a little work, but nothing I can’t handle. It looks like an old red barn.”
“I believe it.” Her smile widened, and I could see the genuine excitement in her eyes. “That’s incredible, Liam. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. I’ve got a lot of work to do to make it happen, but it feels real, you know? Like it’s finally within reach.”
She nodded, her gaze stayed on mine. “You’ve got this. I know you do.”
My chest tightened as she looked at me, truly believing the words she spoke.
“I’m glad you think so,” I said softly. “Because I can’t seem to stop thinking about what it’ll be like to share it with people who matter.”
She blinked, her cheeks flushing again as she ducked her head slightly. “You’re really something, Liam.”
“So I’ve been told,” I said, grinning as I picked up my coffee again. “But only by you.”
Her laughter spilled out, filling the space between us. It felt like the rest of the world faded away for a moment, leaving just the two of us, the warm coffee shop, and a future that suddenly seemed brighter than ever.