Page 19 of The Mechanics of Lust

“And congrats to you.” Gil slapped Zach on the shoulder. “Spider spent all day telling me just how much he wished he was there with you all.”

As if summoned, Spider appeared from nowhere and Zach scratched the huntaway’s head. “We all know your daddy is a lying liar who lies. Because coming today would mean exercise, and we all know exercise is the work of the devil, right, boy?”

Spider whined as if in agreement and shoved his head into Zach’s hand for a harder rub. Everyone laughed, including Zach, and my heart lightened at the sound of it.

Charlie called Hellboy and then turned to us. “As much as I’d love to stay and chat with you boneheads, the minute I get this boy fed and put to bed, there’s a bath with my name on it.” She eyed Zach. “Do you want me to take Jojo as well?”

Relief swept his face. “Please. I’ll owe you.”

“I’ll just add it to the list.” Charlie whistled both dogs up into the bed of the ute and made her way to the driver’s door.

But Zach got there first and opened it for her. “You did really, really well today. I’m super proud of you.”

Charlie’s eyes turned glassy and a tiny self-conscious smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks. But really, I’m just lucky you agreed to teach me.”

“Hey.” Zach dipped his head to catch her eye. “Teaching is only a small part of it. You have a natural talent, Charlie. It’s a pleasure to help grow that.”

She stared at him for a second, then blinked and wiped at her eyes. “Goddammit.” She gave him a gentle shove. “Now look what you’ve done. I’m pissing off before I actually fucking cry and the world comes to an end.” And with that she jumped in the ute and spat dust as she took off, leaving everyone smiling.

Gil caught my eye. “You got time for a coffee before you head back, or is that weather front too close?”

I glanced up at the grey sky. “If we make it a quick one. Gary’s not expecting me back until four thirty, and I wanted to grab some of Holden’s local history books if he doesn’t mind?”

Holden’s brows peaked. “Sure. Any particular reason?”

I grimaced. “I got hit with some gnarly questions from a couple of tourists today. Felt a bit of an idiot, if I’m honest.”

Holden chuckled. “If you really want to impress people, then you should talk to Zach. He wrote a whole university paper on pioneering days in the Mackenzie Basin. He’s got a ton of stories in that pretty head of his.”

“Does he now?” I shot Zach a curious look.

He instantly turned away. “Doubt I’d be much help.”

Holden frowned. “What are you on about? Of course you would. Luke can pick your brains over coffee while I see what I can dredge up from Gran and Grandad’s library.”

If looks could kill, Holden’s death would have been slow and painful based solely on the blistering glare Zach fired his way. Unperturbed or simply oblivious, Holden threw Zach’s backpack on the bed of the ute and whistled Spider aboard.

“Maybe Luke could ask Doug since he’s having a drink with him on Friday. His family’s been in the Mackenzie as long as ours have.”

That bombshell got Holden and Gil’s immediate attention.

“What’s all this?” Gil gave a sly grin. “You’re going on a date? With Doug Carstairs?”

“Dashing Doug?” Holden chuckled. “Hoo-wee. You’re just jumping right in there, aren’t you?”

“We arenotgoing on a date.” I scowled at Zach, who suddenly looked a lot brighter for dropping me in it, the fucker. “We’re just meeting up for a drink, that’s all.”

Holden countered, “Of course you are. But be warned, Dougnevermeets upjustfor a drink. Having said that, if you’re after a bit of stress relief, you could do a lot worse. Doug’s a nice guy and he’s—” Holden shot Gil an apologetic look. “—energetic. Let’s leave it at that.”

Gil rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

“It’s just a drink,” I insisted, but my protest fell on deaf ears and knowing chuckles from everyone except Zach who’d fallen noticeably silent once again, his face carved into deep don’t-talk-to-me lines. “And just so we’re clear, you two giving me hookup advice is way too creepy to ever happen again. Got it?”

They both said, “Yes,” while energetically shaking their heads.

I flipped them off and left them to close the hangar while I opened the back door of the Hilux and waved Zach inside. He gave me another of those startled looks, then climbed in and scooted over to the middle since the far side was piled high with supplies for the guest cottages.

I slid in alongside and we shuffled for room, his thigh pushing hot against mine, our arms jostling for position. He smelled of the outdoors. Of lanolin and dry tussock, dogs, and the mineral scent of clear mountain streams all overlaid by a decent dose of clean sweat from the day’s tough hike.

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