Page 44 of The Science of Attraction

“Hell no,” he blurted, then gave a soft chuckle. “That’s about the only thing Iamsure of. I don’t want to stop. Jesus, Liam, you crank my shit like nothing I’ve ever felt before and it’s messing with my head. I mean, why you? I don’t understand that switch suddenly flipping after all these years. But I don’t want it to stop either. I just want... more.”

Jesus.

I kissed him long and slow, my tongue sliding into his mouth, tangling with his, relishing the sweet, rich taste—the hint of alcohol, a lick of smoky caramel—and the easy way he invited me in, so trusting, so fucking hot.

“Mmm, and why you?” I returned, nipping at his lips. “We don’t get to choose who we’re attracted to, baby.” I kissed down his throat. “Why one person and not another?” I kissed along his jaw and up the side of his face. “All that dopamine and norepinephrine flooding your hungry reward centres.” I kissed each of his closed eyelids. “Making you giddy and high. Making you feel like anything is possible. Likethisis possible.” I waited until he opened his eyes and then smiled. “Likeweare possible.”

His smile widened and he drew me close, kissing me gently. “You have an unusual line in dirty talk.”

I snorted and kissed him back. “What can I say? Science is hot. Those same chemicals and rewards play into rehab as well, although I have to admit, they’re a whole lot more fun this way.” I stepped away and gently took his hand. “Can I suggest we take this to the bedroom?”

His eyes widened. “Oh... right.” He blushed adorably. “I mean, yes, of course. It’s just... I, um... I’m not sure I’m ready for... you know... penetration. Shit. I’m such an idiot.” His gaze skittered sideways.

I bit back a smile. “Mmm, well, I hadn’t actually intended on any...you know.”

His eyes found mine again. “No?”

“No. I was thinking we could start slow, really slow. There’s a lot we can do without diving in at the deep end... so to speak. And just so we’re clear,you knowis alwaysyourchoice. Not everyone likes or wants it. Never feel pressured. Plenty of guys don’t partake.”

Surprise lit his face. “Really?”

This time I did smile. “Really.” I gave his hand a tug and he followed me across the living area to the bedroom door. But when I flicked on the light, he hesitated once again, his gaze sweeping the room like there might be monsters lurking under the bed.

“You should know I was tested six months ago and I... well, I haven’t been with anyone since.” Another flush of red.

My dick very much liked the sound of that but I schooled my expression. “Okay, thenyoushould know I’m on PrEP.”

His eyes widened once again.

I continued, “I get tested regularly, the last time just before I came here. And there’s been no one since, to answer that question in your head.”

He groaned, “Am I that obvious?”

I slipped an arm around his waist and drew him close. “No. I just know what I’d be thinking. But negative tests aside, we’re taking this slow and safe, okay?”

“Yeah, that’s… good.” He ducked his head. “Slow and safe is good. Really good.”

I tipped his chin up so I could see those beautiful grey eyes. “I haven’t even thought of being with someone because I haven’t been able to getyouout of my head, remember?”

“Oh. Right.” A tiny, pleased smile crossed his lips. “But can I just say that I usually have more game than this...? Well, some game. Or at least I thought I did.”

I laughed. “You’re doing fine. It’s the same song, just a different instrument. I was fifteen the first time I got off with a guy. He was the seventeen-year-old son of my dad’s best friend. A bit of a dick to be honest, but he was there, and interested, and I was horny as hell. But he was so far in the closet I had to dust his dick off first, and let’s just say the experience wasn’t memorable, except for the part where I was never doing that againwith him.”

“I’m thinking I can do a little better than that.” He grinned and kissed me softly.

“Then I’m already winning.” I kissed him back, sliding my tongue into his mouth for another quick taste. When I pulled away, we faced each other in silence.

Gone was the clever, capable station-boss version of Jules, barking out orders, wrangling his shepherds, and managing tens of thousands of merinos in a multi-million-dollar business.

ThisJules, who was side-eyeing my bed like it might swallow him whole and spit out his bones, was nothing like the other.ThisJules was nervous and unsure and so fucking courageous that I wanted to do nothing more than lift all that worry and responsibility from his shoulders and just take care of him. This Jules was the man behind the mask.

He took my breath away.

And I was finally about to have him in my bed.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Liam

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