Page 39 of The Science of Attraction

“You can be straight with me.”

I almost laughed.

“A lot of water’s passed under the bridge since last time we fucked. So, not a girlfriend then, but maybe someone you’re interested in?”

I screwed my eyes shut. “No... yes... no... God, it’s such a mess.”

Her hand slid around my shoulders and she pulled me into a sideways hug. “Relationships generally are.”

“Thereisno relationship,” I explained, turning to face her. “There isn’t anything, not really.”

She pulled the other barstool closer and took a seat. “That sounds... complicated.”

My laugh had a distinctly mocking tone. “Oh yeah.”

She studied me for a moment. “Do I know her?”

And there it was.

The question hung between us like a guillotine. I knew I could trust Laura, but still.Jesus. Am I really going to do this?

I stared down at the granite countertop and quietly answered, “Him. It’s a him, not a her. I’m bi, Laura. And yes, you met him briefly.”

A moment’s quiet, then, “Oh.”

My heart roared in my ears.Oh, covered a lot of things, and the soft sound of her breathing didn’t give away anything more.

Then after what seemed far too long to mean anything good, Laura’s hand finally found mine and gave it a squeeze. “Then why are you here with me and not with him?”

My shoulders slumped and my head fell back, leaving me staring at the ceiling. “I don’t know.” I turned to meet her sympathetic gaze. “Well, I do, obviously.”

“Your dad,” she offered quietly.

I nodded.

“Yeah, I can see why that would be tricky, especially after what happened with Zach.”

I snorted. “Christ, can you imagine?”

She sat back and considered me for a moment. “Why didn’t you tell me back then?”

I shrugged. “Until recently, Zach’s been the only one who knew. I guess it felt safer that way. Besides, I’ve never actually been out with a guy, as such. I’ve always been more drawn to women.”

“But you want to datethisguy?” She didn’t sound as surprised as I expected.

“Date?” I used the word mockingly. “Yeah, right. Like that’s ever going to happen. He just... intrigues me, I suppose.”

Laura gave a less-than-impressed shake of her head. “I don’t believe you. You like this guy enough that you won’t hook up with me even though you have nothing official going with him. That says a lot right there.”

She was right.

“But he’s only here a short time. I’m not turning my life upside down simply to satisfy my curiosity.”

Her eyes popped wide. “Oh my god, it’s that guy from The Fleece, isn’t it? The one staying on the station. The, um, physio, was it?”

“Occupational Therapist,” I corrected glumly. “Although he’s working on his doctorate.”

A smile crossed her lips. “Sounds like an interesting guy.”

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