Page 20 of The Science of Attraction

“Shit.” Stuart scrambled to catch all the orders immediately thrown his way.

I pressed my thigh against Liam’s and he whirled around like I’d poked him with a cattle prod.

“Thanks for what you said.” I tipped my head toward Zach who was debating with Luke about which shots they should order.

Liam’s eyes grew soft. “No worries. I’m gonna go help Tennyson carry the drink order back.”

I watched him all the way to the bar, or at least until a familiar boot connected with my shin, when I turned to find Zach grinning at me like a Cheshire cat. “Will you please just give it a rest?”

“Hell no.” His grin grew wider as he once again leaned across the table and lowered his voice. “The man is gorgeous. I can’t believe he’s been staying with you a week and you never even sent me a pic.”

“And exactly why would I do that?” I protested.

“Because we’re a little short on gay eye candy around this place, in case you haven’t noticed.” The rest of what he wasn’t saying was plain in the intense stare he directed my way that translated to,he’s there, you’re there, he’s hot.The rest was self-explanatory.

“Jesus, Zee.” I shook my head. “Objectifying much?”

His secret little smile said it all.

“He’s an employee of the station, for fuck’s sake,” I pointed out.

“No. He’s an employee of ourparents,notyou. This isnotstation business.”

I had no answer. It was an argument I’d already used a million times over the last week.

Zach pressed, “It’s like a fucking sign, Jules. Jesus, just take a chance. What have you got to lose? He’s only here for a short time and he clearly likes you. Dip your toe in the water.” He added another of those caterpillar-like eyebrow waggles that made me want to rip the things off his face.

I snorted. “You don’t know that he likes me, and it’snota fucking sign. I only asked him to come tonight because he’s had a difficult day with Dad. Now will you please… Shut. Up.”

The warning in my tone elicited a long, frustrated sigh from Zach who then grumbled, “It’s not like anyone is paying the slightest bit of attention to us.” But he made a zipping motion with his fingers across his lips and sat back with a grumpy look on his face anyway.

A few seconds later, Holden leaned across the table, looking totally confused. “What’s a sign for what?”

Oh God.I tried to drill Zach with an I-told-you-so glare but he wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Nothing.” It came out sharper than I’d intended and Gil patted Holden’s arm.

“Drop it, babe. It’s none of your business.”

My attention turned slowly to Gil who was busy staring sightlessly at the menu in front of him. And that’s when it hit me.Jesus Christ.“Eyes up here, Gilbert.”

He snorted at his full name but lifted his gaze.

“How did you know?” I asked as the other three at the table turned to watch.

“It wasn’t me,” Zach blurted. “I swear.”

I already knew that, so I kept my eyes trained on Gil and arched a brow, waiting.

His cheeks pinked. “Jeez, okay. I surmised, that’s all. But to be fair, I didn’t know for sure. Not until tonight.”

“Surmised, huh?” I studied him.

“Knowwhat?” Holden demanded, his gaze ping-ponging between Gil and me.

Gil ignored his boyfriend, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.Your call.

I stewed on the decision for a moment before eventually nodding. There was no group of people in the world I trusted more than those four men. I checked over my shoulder, but the other table was engrossed in one of Tom’s long-winded mustering stories.

“All right, fine,” I conceded. “You can tell him.Quietly.”

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