Page 44 of The Geography of Happiness

I laughed. “You really are small town, aren’t you?”

He grinned and pulled out his phone. “You have no idea. I’ll give Zach a call while I’m waiting.”

“Tell him we should be back at the clinic by three thirty, but there’s no rush if he needs more time. I can always put you to work,” I added and was rewarded by that familiar shy blush that I couldn’t seem to get enough of.

I dragged my eyes away from Terry’s and called over to Holden. I pointed to the far pen, and he nodded and started walking along the top railing to meet us there.

“After you.” I waved Terry ahead, trying and failing to ignore the way his arse moved hypnotically in those faded jeans.

Feeling the heat of someone’s gaze on my back, I glanced over my shoulder toward the woolshed door to find Gil smiling smugly.

Fucker.

CHAPTER NINE

Spencer

McEldowney’s landbordered Miller Station at its southern end, the Tekapo side of the Lane Station turn-off. It would’ve made sense to go to Lane’s first rather than backtrack, but Jules needed his dogs until noon, which left us time to fill.

“Thanks for the invite.” Terry watched me from the passenger seat as we made our way along the station road.

“I’m happy for the company,” I answered, then added, “especially yours.” I didn’t need to look to know his cheeks were pinking. “So...” I grinned, keeping my eyes on the road. “A swim in the lake?”

He groaned and held out his hands. “The colour is only just creeping back into my fingers, and my toes still feel like blocks of ice. I probably should’ve waited until after lunch, but I was sure I’d chicken out if I did, so I just went for it and... it was good. Well, not good, as such, but... stimulating.” He gave my shoulder a gentle shove. “You never know, this new and improved me might even do it again tomorrow.”

I huffed out a laugh. “There was nothing wrong with the old you, if you want my opinion. I happened to find that guy pretty... interesting.” I glanced his way. “I still do.”

Terry’s gaze danced over my face and he chuckled and shook his head. “Jesus, the things you say.”

“And just so you know,” I added, because I couldn’t seem to shut my mouth. “I’m super proud of you for giving something different a try, even if it was a crazy swim in the lake.”

His eyes burned two holes in the side of my face. “Yeah?”

I chanced another look, making sure to lock eyes. “Yeah. Really proud. It all starts with little things, right?”

He watched me closely. “Maybe you should try it yourself sometime?”

I snorted and turned back to the road. “Touché. And yeah. Maybe I should.” I thought of Adelaide and almost winced. That should’ve ticked all the boxes and yet...

Terry turned away to stare out the side window. “Always the consummate charmer.”

I frowned. “You say that as if I talk like this all the time. Like it’s part of some... game, if you like?”

He shuffled back around to face me. “Isn’t it?”

I glanced his way. “No,” I said adamantly, surprised at the sting in my tone. “I don’t flatter people into my bed, Terry. I’m not that much of a jerk.” I stared at him. “Am I missing something here?”

He flushed and looked away, the fingers of one hand tapping nervously on his thigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it to come across like that. I was just reminded this morning that you like to ‘play the field.’”

“By who?” I demanded, then changed my mind. “No, I actually don’t want to know.”

Terry looked relieved. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” he insisted. “It was just a reminder not to take what you say tooseriously. I’m a bit of a novice in all this, and I get that in your world I’m not... special.”

I was pretty sure I was gaping.What the actual fuck?“Hang on.” I steered the ute to the side of the road and shut it down. Then I turned to meet his gaze, explaining, “I can’t drive and have this conversation.”

“Oh god,” he groaned. “I liked it a whole lot better when you weren’t looking at me.”

“Too bad. Now what the hell do you mean, you’re not special?”

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