Page 63 of The Science of Attraction

For seven days, I’d turned up at his cottage and he’d lifted all of that burden from my shoulders in about a minute flat. He’d undress me and put me in the shower, make me a cup of tea, and then ask about my day, somehow ferreting all those concerns and worries out of me. We’d laugh about all the inappropriate things my father had said or done that day and talk about the progress he was making. Then Liam would take me to bed, and I’d lose myself in his body and wake up to a world that felt like a much better place than the one I’d left the night before.

How Liam and my father managed to have what seemed like a pretty good working relationship, I had no idea. They should’ve been butting heads, but somehow, they weren’t. The fact my father tolerated a gay man around him at all was a miracle equivalent to the parting of the Red Sea. It gave me hope for Zach’s situation... and maybe even for my future, something I’d been spending a lot of time thinking about.

Because of Liam.

A man I’d known for less than a month.

It was ridiculous.

It was crazy thinking.

But crazy or not, I couldn’t seem to shake the idea free from my head.

I wanted more time with Liam than the few weeks we had left. I wanted to get to know him. I wanted more of what we’d been doing. More of what we were building because we were sure as hell buildingsomething.This thing between us wasn’t just casual sex. I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but I sure as hell wanted to find out.

And as for my father? I wasn’t an idiot. Liam and I were playing with fire in a boxful of kindling with not an extinguisher in sight.

But for some reason, I couldn’t find it in myself to care.

And I certainly wasn’t about to stop.

I’d just reached the machinery shed when my phone buzzed with a text and Laura’s name flashed on my screen.

Have you done the nasty yet with you know who?

I snorted and shook my head. That was Laura all over.None of your business. But yes, we’re spending time together.And a whole lot more.

Good. I just wanted to check in. I’ve been thinking about you.

Thanks.

I waited as the dots came and went.I’m here if you want to talk anytime. I meant it about staying friends.

I know. And that means a lot.

There was a pause followed by—Is it serious with you two?

I didn’t hesitate.Yes. But you know that it’s complicated.

I know. Hang in there. You deserve to be happy. Maybe I can meet him properly before he leaves?

Oh boy. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.Maybe.

(Laughing emoji)OK. OK. Message received. I can wait. Have fun and don’t forget I’m here if you need.

I was still typing my reply when I crossed the driveway into the backyard.

“There you are.”

My head snapped up, my heart thumping against my ribs. “Jesus, Ten. You scared me half to death. I thought you guys were up in the north pasture today. What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.” Ten was leaning against my back porch, looking me up and down. “You’re up early for a man with a day off.”

I shrugged. “You know how it is. Can’t turn off that damned internal alarm clock.”

“Mmm.” He studied me with an odd half-smile. “I have to say, you’re looking... refreshed. Must’ve been a good night.” Something in his tone had my blood running cold.

Avoiding his gaze, I sat in the old armchair by the door to take my boots off. “Not really.”

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