Page 56 of The Science of Attraction

Liam glanced over his shoulder to where Paddy was watching from the passenger seat. He lowered his voice. “I’ve been working on him. I don’t think your dad’s ever spent much time with a gay man before.” He sent Zach a look of apology. “At least not with someone who wasn’t his son, or a neighbour he was feuding with. I figured it’s like exposure therapy, so I drop the odd joke here and there, maybe mention an old boyfriend in casual conversation, or describe a date I had just to watch his mind fizz.”

Zach laughed. “Holy crap. I wanna be like you when I grow up.”

“And he’s okay with it?” I kept my voice low but couldn’t mask my shock.

Liam chuckled. “To be fair, he wasn’t exactly receptive at the start, stony silence pretty much sums it up. But over the last week or so, I think he’s realised that I’m taking the piss and he’s loosened up a bit. Not that I’d read too much into that. It’s not like he’s openly talking about it or asking questions, but you get close to people doing this kind of work. There’s a lot of emotion involved, and I count it as a win that he’s at least stopped looking like he wants to have a shower after every session with me.”

I winced and squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to put up with any of it, but what you’re doing for us means a lot.”

Liam’s hazel eyes softened on mine. “You’re welcome. It’s all for the cause, right? Next step, world domination.”

Zach cleared his throat and regarded the two of us with a cagey smile. “What exactly is going on between?—”

A horn blasted and everyone jumped.

“I’m cold,” Paddy grumbled through the open window.

Liam snorted. “It appears I’ve been summoned.” He collapsed the chair and slung it over his shoulder before lowering his voice. “Your mum wanted you to know that he wasn’t sure what day it was or even whoIwas for most of the first hour this morning. Nothing different from the other times but it’s thrown him. I think he still hopes that he’ll eventually take up where he left off before the stroke. But the more episodes he has, the more obvious it becomes that it likely won’t happen that way. Norma’s talking with the doctor this afternoon.”

Zach’s expression grew serious. “What doyouthink about how much functionality he’s going to get back?”

Liam sighed. “If I’m honest, I think he’ll see more improvement in walking and grip strength and speech, for sure. But as for working around the station again? He’ll likely always need aids, and he’ll struggle with balance and strength. Just getting through the basics of everyday living will be exhausting for a long time to come. He’ll need to aim for manageable tasks, rather than anything too physical. And as for managing the running of the station? The stress alone would be an issue, especially if he continues to have episodes like he did this morning.” He glanced to the car then turned back and caught my eye. “I should go. Catch up with you later?”

It was more of a summons than a question, and was it really too much to hope that Zach might’ve missed it?

I caught his shit-eating grin and gave a soft groan. Yes. Yes, it was.

The minute the Mercedes pulled away from the gate, Zach poked a sharp finger into my chest and demanded, “Spill, mister.”

“I’ve no idea what you mean.” I climbed onto the quad and whistled Hopper onto the tray behind. But Zach grabbed my wrist before I could leave.

“Are you two fucking?”

I said nothing, which of course said everything, and in case Zach missed that part, the crimson painting my face was a decent giveaway on its own.

He blinked and stood there, staring at me. “Jesus Christ. You really are fucking him.”

I rolled my eyes to try and play it down. “We’re just fooling around. And don’t sound so surprised. You were the one who encouraged me to expand my dating pool, remember?”

Zach raised both palms. “Yeah, but never in a million years did I expect you to actually do anything about it. So, I guess I don’t need to ask how the date with Laura went.”

I swore and dragged both hands through my hair. “Itwasn’ta date. Besides, she knows... about me. And also that I’m interested in Liam.” The last sentence fell out in a rush of words.

Zach almost choked. “You told her? Are you kidding me? You’ve been the epitome of a secret squirrel your entire life.” He put a hand on my forehead. “Are you dying? And if so, can I have your guitar? I’ve imagined Luke playing it for me and it’s kind of hot.”

“You’re hopeless.” I shoved him away. “Besides, it wasn’t like I had a choice. I had to explain why I couldn’t get it up for her when she took me home—” I eyeballed him. “—just figuratively speaking, of course.”

Zach sniggered. “Oh, of course. But damn, Jules. Holy smokes.” He laughed and shook his head. “That’s some icy shit right there.” And then the pieces fell together. “Wait! So, you and Liam only got together?—”

“Last night?” I groaned. “Yes. I left Laura and ended up in his cottage. Laura insisted.”

Another snort from Zach. “I always liked that woman even if she was too much of a safe bet for you. But holy shit, Jules. You need to be careful. If Dad finds out?—”

“I know. I know.” I blew out a sigh. “But Liam is just so... well, he’s... I don’t know?—”

“Hot?” Zach offered with a wry grin. “Irresistible? Smart? Charming? Oh, and did I mention hot?”

I huffed out a laugh. “Sure, he’s hot. But he’s a lot more than that. Hot is nice, but I’ve seen a lot of hot guys in the last thirty-five years, and none were ever tempting enough to make me want to risk... well, you know.”

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