Page 31 of The Geography of Happiness

I looked up again to find a warm smile aimed my way. “It was a few years back. Hannah was staying with a friend and it was clear this other guy I liked was never going to be an option, so I thought, why not?” He hesitated.

“And?” I pressed. “Don’t leave me hanging here.”

He shot me an amused look. “It was adisaster.”

I gave his hands another squeeze. “Well, shit.”

He huffed and ran his thumbs over the back of my hands, raising the hairs all the way up my arms. What was it about this guy?

“It started off okay,” he clarified. “We got back to my place, one thing led to another, and it was all going fine, I suppose. But it was him who called a stop before things got too heated on his part. He said he could tell I wasn’t really into it.”

Damn.

When I didn’t immediately reply, Terry reddened. “See, I told you it was embarrassing.”

“Stop saying that,” I said softly. “I just hope he was kind.”

Terry managed a weak smile. “He was. He didn’t ask for explanations, just cuddled me for a while until I got a call about an emergency in town and then he left.” Terry shot me a troubled look. “Like I said, I’m not a hookup kind of guy.”

“Then casual sex, just to get some experience, was never gonna make you feel more confident, right?” I pointed out. “So, you can quit worrying about it.” It seemed a no-brainer, and I watched Terry roll the idea around in his head.

After a long pause, he said, “I think you’re right.” He looked me in the eye. “Thanks for that.”

“You’re welcome.” We held each other’s gaze for a few seconds, then I glanced at the clock on the wall.

“Shit.” His eyes followed mine. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been holding you up. Again.” He tugged to free his hands, but I refused to let him go.

Instead, I got to my feet and pulled him up with me, making sure to keep my eyes on his. “Don’t you dare apologise for spending time with me, Terry O’Connor. I haven’t spent a more enjoyable hour with another person in a long time, except for maybe yesterday when I was with—” I paused and smiled. “Oh, that was with you too, wasn’t it? Well look at that.”

He smiled shyly and shook his head. “You’re an idiot. But thank you. And ditto. I’ve really enjoyed your company too. It’s a shame I’ve only got a week here.”

I raised a brow. “Or?”

Terry flushed. “Orwe could’ve done it again. Talk, I mean.”

I grinned. “Maybe we still can. I’m back here tomorrow to check the station dogs and look at one of Holden’s bulls. I could come to the cottage and we could have lunch together?”

His nervous gaze tracked my face, the beginnings of a frown creasing his forehead.

“Or not?” I walked it back. “I don’t want to intrude.”

He studied me for a second, glanced down to where our hands were still joined, and sighed. “Can I think about it? There’s a lot going on and I... well, I don’t know if I should... if you and I... if more of this is good for me right now?”

I squeezed his hands, trying not to let my disappointment show. “Of course. I totally get it. Can I maybe text you?”

That brought a smile. “Yes. I’d like that.” Then he surprised me by keeping hold of one hand as he led me to the front door,opened it, then turned to face me. “Drive safely. And thank you again.”

I stared down into his blue eyes, my feet refusing to move. “Maybe take time to have some fun today. Step outside your comfort zone. Take a risk. Find something to make you smile. Don’t make being in this place all about heavy thinking and being an awesome dad. You’ve got that nailed already from what I can see, and you deserve to enjoy your time here as well. Have you swum in the lake yet?”

His eyes bugged and he turned to scan the cold water. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“Not really.” I stepped closer, putting our shoulders together, and nudged him with my elbow. “I was in there myself last week. Nothing like low-level hypothermia to wake you up to what’s important in life.”

Terry laughed and nudged me back. “I’m not sure I want that kind of enlightenment cos then I might have to do something about it. But I’ll dip a toe in and let you know.”

He spun back around and almost ran into me; we were standing that close. His gaze instantly shot up to mine, then dipped to my mouth. He lifted a finger and traced the line of my lips, my heart threatening to jump out of my chest. Next thing I knew he went up on his toes and pressed his lips to mine, soft, warm, tentative and questioning, and so fucking good.

I leaned in to take the kiss deeper, but he stepped away, his face on fire, eyes darting anxiously over my face. “Jesus, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have?—”

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