Page 18 of The Science of Attraction

CHAPTERFIVE

Jules

The thirty-minute drivewas spent in easy conversation. I answered Liam’s questions about the history of the stations, which schools I attended, and how I’d found growing up in an isolated rural community. Then I turned the conversation to his Loose Goose Rehabilitation business and how he’d developed it from scratch after seeing a need for a private service available outside the bigger cities and for more complex work.

Although I’d known Liam had to be good at what he did to deserve the glowing medical recommendations—I’d still been impressed. Under that laid-back vibe lurked the heart of a savvy businessman and a whip-smart brain. He not only had a master’s degree in occupational therapy, but he had some physical therapy and pharmacology training as well. It was all a little intimidating for a backblock cocky like me.

We pulled into the parking lot behind the pub and I grabbed the vacant spot next to Gil’s ute before we made our way to The Fleece Bar. I held the door open for Liam and he gave me an odd look—as inwhat the hell are you doing?—before passing through with a tiny, pleased smile.

I’d done it without even thinking, but it was just good manners, right? I ignored the uncertainty of my answer and followed him in, reminding myself not to stare at his arse with half the Mackenzie watching.

Epic fail.

“Jules!” Zach waved me over to the back corner where two tables had been sandwiched together to hold the shepherds of both stations. Holden, Luke, Gil, and Zach, all sat around one, leaving a couple of empty chairs, while Charlie and Sam talked animatedly with Stuart and Brent at the other, along with Tom and Tennyson who had their heads bent over a napkin, pencils in hand. Charlie reached over and touched Ten on the arm, pointed to us, and Ten turned and gave us a wave.

The sight of the two teams socialising together made me smile. Prior to my father’s stroke, both stations had kept their distance, mostly because they knew Paddy wouldn’t look kindly on Lane employees socialising with the enemy. And by enemy, he really meant gay. But after Dad’s stroke, when Miller Station saved our proverbial bacon, I’d made it my mission to start mending the relationship and I didn’t give a shit what my father thought about it.

Liam followed me through the half-full bar and I swallowed a smile as Zach and Luke and the rest of the Miller team ran their curious eyes over him for the first time. With his startling blond hair, tatts, and edgy good looks, not to mention those skin-tight black jeans, Liam was a head turner regardless of what cranked your shit.

I recognised the appreciation in my brother’s eyes as he leaned over and whispered something to Luke who raked his gaze over Liam before answering... who the hell knew what? Beside them, Gil took one look at Liam, glanced my way, and then smiled in that secretive way, which irritated the fuck out of me, while Holden merely blew out a low whistle, which earned him a smirk and an elbow from Gil.

And so it began.

Just fucking wonderful.

“Listen up, everyone.” I banged on the table. “This is Liam Skelton. He’s staying with us for another six weeks while he works with Dad’s rehab, providing he doesn’t kill Dad first... or I do. We’re taking bets in case you want in.”

Everyone laughed and there were a few sympathetic looks sent Liam’s way.

I added, “Be nice and introduce yourselves while I grab a beer. Liam?”

He turned to me and nodded. “Something local, please.” He cast a broad grin around the crowded table. “I need to find out if you southerners can make a decent brew.”

As intended, the comment earned him a slew of cheeky retorts and promises to make him eat his words and the kind of immediate acceptance in a fairly insular community that was pretty impressive. Mackenzie locals weren’t easily won over. The guy certainly had some social skills.

Comfortable that I could leave Liam in safe hands to complete the round of handshakes and introductions, I headed to the bar. When I returned, Liam had taken the empty chair closest to Tennyson and the two men were busy chatting about something to do with frozen shoulders. I placed Liam’s beer on the coaster in front of him and slid into the chair alongside.

He turned and shot me a quick smile. “Thanks for that.”

And of course, I grinned like a fucking idiot. “You’re welcome.”

He returned to his conversation, which left me nowhere to look except across the table at Zach’s and Luke’s beaming faces.

Wonderful.

“You’re looking rather dapper tonight, brother.” Zach regarded me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Nice to see you wearing tight jeans for once.”

Luke rolled his eyes at me in sympathy. “Just ignore him.”

“Sooooo.” Zach’s gaze flicked to Liam and then back to me and he lowered his voice. “Interesting times ahead.”

“Shut. Up.” I mouthed the words so Liam couldn’t hear.

Zach waggled his brows and mouthed back, “He’s fucking hot.”

Luke elbowed Zach none too gently and warned, “Behave.”

Holden gave a soft snort and looked about to add some no doubt equally inappropriate comment when Gil’s hand clamped over his boyfriend’s mouth. “Not. A. Word.”

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