Page 84 of The Mechanics of Lust

I couldn’t stop the smile. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. But in my experience, it doesn’t pay to be greedy, because the universe likes to fuck over your plans and stomp on your heart like they mean nothing.”

She scrutinised me for a long minute, and then her lips twitched and she raised both hands, rubbing her thumbs and forefingers together, giving me the whole orchestra. “Aw, poor baby.”

And just like that, I was laughing. God, I loved her.“You’re a terrible person,” I scolded, and she chuckled.

“I know. And I’m sorry. You’ve had a shit year, but no matter what you think, nobody has to do it all on their own. Look at Holden and Gil—”

“Something else I wish people would stop saying,” I interrupted grumpily. “I mean, I get it. They’re wonderful and made for each other and blah blah blah, excuse me while I vomit, but I’d rather not have their relationship shoved down my throat on a regular basis as some kind of example to aspire to, you know? Who says I even want that?”

Charlie glanced to where Holden was carrying two loaded serving dishes to the table and gave a sympathetic sigh. “This is true. They are prone to curdle the stomach a bit, for sure.”

“Right?” I shot her a look. “So, then why—”

“Because for all of their differences,” she broke in, “they somehow make it work. Did you know Gil almost walked out on Holden after an argument last year?”

I blinked, shocked. “What? No.”

She smiled. “He packed his bag and was halfway to Tekapo before he decided he was being an idiot.”

It was hard to believe. “I... wow.” I shook my head. “Just wow.”

“Yep, so there’s no magic dust, sunshine. You obviously like Luke, and I’m not talking about you bumping uglies with the guy. To be honest, I can see the two of you working.”

I gaped. “But... why would you think that?”

She shrugged. “You’re a gentle guy and you’re a bit of an old soul. You’ve been hurt by people who should know better, people you trusted. You have tender places inside, and I expect Luke knows a lot about tender places. We’ve all got to know him this last year, all exceptyou, since you were too busy trying to hate him and pretend you didn’t want to fuck him silly.”

I groaned... again.

She laughed and slipped her arm through mine as she continued. “Luke is easy-going, and kind, and the fact he’s hot as hell doesn’t hurt either.”

“I’ll give you that,” I agreed. “But he’s still working through Callie and a shitload of grief. He has no idea what his future holds. The whole thing is too... loose.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Jesus, you sound just like him.”

She arched a brow but said nothing.

I slumped in my seat. “Okay, so he might’ve asked if I wanted us to be more serious. Said he was considering hanging around longer.”

Charlie’s eyes widened, then narrowed again. “And let me guess, you said no, because of course you bloody did, you nincompoop.” Charlie whacked me on the bicep. “Because, after Holden, you’re running scared.”

I bristled. “I amnotrunning scared.”Am I?“Luke won’t stay in Oakwood.”

She blinked in disbelief. “Says who? You? Why not lethimdecide what he can and can’t do? Or what he does and doesn’t want?”

“Because... because... I don’t know why,” I flustered.

Her eyes blazed and she lowered her voice. “Because you’re scared to open your heart again in case he throws it away,” she hissed. “In case he’s another Holden who ends up not wanting you the same way. If you don’t give him a chance at your heart, then you can’t get hurt.”

“Jesus, Charlie.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. The woman was relentless. “I’m not saying you’re completely wrong, but Luke can’t stay here just because of me. It’s too much... pressure. What if we don’t work?”

“What if you do?”

“Are you crazy?” I scoffed. “What are the chances?”

“What are the chances of any couple working at the start?”

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