Page 1 of Worthy (Adrenalin #1)

I know every storefront, every window, even every crack on the sidewalk in this town, which is why I know there's no good reason for me to crash into a wall walking down Main Street.

A piney scented wall.

One that makes a rather suspect “mmph” noise for an inanimate object.

And… is that… My nostrils flare. Citrus?

Whipping my head around, I catch sight of an object flailing toward the earth. Before my brain can catch up to what I’m about to do, my arms shoot out. My hands grasp solid muscle, dragging the sweet scent closer.

My roadblock is roughly my size, but I’m able to stop his momentum enough that he just sort of sinks to the ground. Another noise escapes his lips, only this time it’s more of a little “oomph” as he goes down.

I stifle a laugh. In my defense, it was growly and kind of cute.

The bags he’s carrying crash to the sidewalk, produce spilling everywhere. I cast a quick look in my cousin Deacon’s direction, and he nods, acknowledging that he’ll escort the ladies we were just entertaining to the bar while I help clean up the mess .

“Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” I scramble to pick up the groceries and put them back in their bags.

“Yeah, I got that much.” His words drip sarcasm, though his voice is almost amused. Not cynical.

“You okay?”

“No damage.” He rubs one of his arms, right where I’d been gripping it.

“What about your groceries? I’ll replace anything that’s ruined.” I chase an apple down before it hits the street, hoping the offer will absolve me of my carelessness. I’m a lot of things, but asshole isn’t one of them.

“Everything seems fine.” His dexterous fingers dust off his pants as he twists to make sure he’s clean.

“Okay, good.” I finish collecting the spilled items and hold the bag out, getting my first real look at the man I plowed into. And damn if he doesn’t plow me right back. Dark blonde hair hanging in loose waves to his shoulders. Stormy gray eyes framed by long lashes. A day’s worth of stubble on a chiseled jaw. And full, pink lips, still plump even though they’re pursed, studying me.

Damn . I’ve seen a lot of gorgeous people come through my little tourist town deep in the Colorado mountains, but none of them compare to the one staring back at me, who’s downright captivating. The fact this one is a man is a little surprising, though. I’ve only recently caught myself looking at men, and hadn’t yet concluded if that meant my tastes are changing—not that I care if they are. If my dick is curious, I’m not going to let gender stand in the way, and it’s definitely curious about this guy.

He’s my height, his build slightly broader than my lean frame, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say bulky or stout. Just…solid. Perfect . Exactly the right size to hold his own in bed, maybe even take charge .

My mouth waters at the thought. I’ve always wondered what that would be like, and thanks to the man in front of me, I’m infinitely more curious.

“You can catch up to your harem, I’m fine.” He takes the bag from me. Again, the words are saucy, yet the voice doesn’t hold any anger.

“Funny.” I look him over, cataloguing the firm chest and trim waist his t-shirt doesn’t exactly hide. “I’ll have to tell my cousin. He’d get a kick out of that.”

“Why? Is it his harem?” He cocks his head, his curious expression so sincere it’s adorable.

I bark out a laugh. “Bachelorette party. Close enough.”

“Ah, I see how I could make that mistake. Well, enjoy.” He adjusts his grip on the bag and turns to leave.

“You’re new here.” I gamble this stranger isn’t just passing through, like most new faces I see.

“What makes you say that?” A little crease appears between his brows as he halts his retreat.

Yep, not a vacationer. Only a new person would want to know how I can tell the difference.

“I haven’t seen you before.” I lean against the side of the building.

“You know everyone in this town?” Those gray eyes bore into mine.

I give him my sexiest grin. “Yes, actually.”

“And I suppose knowing you would work in my favor?” He surmises with a wry smile, eyes taking a quick trip along the length of my body. It’s subtle, but it’s enough to spur me onward.

“It can.”

I’m creeping into dangerous territory. My interest in men isn’t common knowledge—okay, it’s my little secret—and sharing it with our newest resident before I’ve told anyone else probably isn’t the wisest move. Especially, considering I’ve never actually made a move on a guy before. But he’s seriously hot. More stunning than ninety percent of the women who come through here, which is saying something.

Maybe it’s the combination of masculine bulk with feminine hair. Or those sultry lips. It could even be the angular cut of his jaw. Regardless, he paints a picture I’m struggling to tear my eyes away from, so even though my escapades have thus far been limited to the softer sex, I want this guy like I’ve never wanted a female.

“Is this the part where I’m supposed to ask you to help out the new guy? To give me the scoop on the town and show me the lay of the land?” He blinks, feigning innocence. I like it.

“If you want.” I stuff my hands in my pockets.

“Let me guess, you’re the only tour guide around?” He rolls his eyes.

“Not the only. But I am the best.” I give him my sexiest casual shrug.

“Cocky.”

“Honest,” I correct. “Few people have lived here as long as I have.”

“How long is that?”

“All my life.” I drag my eyes to his with a bashful smile.

“What makes you think I need someone to show me around?” He purses those full lips.

“You’re grocery shopping on Main Street.” I tilt my head toward the building I’m leaning on.

“So?”

“So, you’re paying tourist prices. Nona’s a sweet lady and I can see why you’d want to shop in her store, but she marks everything up since her customers are mostly visitors. There’s a better option a little further out of town. And they offer a local discount.” I give him a conspiratorial wink.

“And this option is open at—” he checks his watch “—nine thirty at night? ”

“Nope,” I say, emphasizing every syllable. “So, you need someone to show you where and when to do your shopping.”

“Well, thanks for the offer, but I think I can figure it out on my own.” He smiles with false sweetness, amused. Odd . Admittedly, I’ve got way more experience picking up girls than guys, but women are usually batting their eyelashes and asking when I’m free by now, and he’s…not.

I’m confused. He totally checked me out a second ago, right?

He did. I know he did. I’m not imagining that. And I’m not imagining the playful tone in his voice either. But he’s still going to walk away?

It’s on the tip of my tongue to correct this guy, to tell him he does need me to learn his way around so I can keep this dialogue going, but he’s got me off my game. His words suggest he’s turned off, yet his tone suggests curiosity, and I’m not sure how to handle that. I’m used to a solid green light, and this guy is more like yellow. We may not have stoplights in this town, but I do know yellow means caution, which means it’s probably safer to back off.

That’s ok though. I can work with caution.

“Suit yourself, neighbor. See you around.” I nod goodbye and continue walking toward the bar, a move that usually leaves them wanting more. Only I don’t feel his eyes on my back as I leave.