Page 2 of Worthy (Adrenalin #1)

Chapter one

Maddox

T he rhythmic beeping from the backhoe is more distracting than I anticipated.

Uncle Rick warned me to expect noise, though when I made arrangements to spend the summer here, I thought I’d be out exploring during the day and using the quiet nights to write my thesis. What I hadn’t counted on is how June in the mountains isn’t the same as June on the coast, so mornings and evenings get pretty cool. Cold even. That means no exploring until the afternoon sun warms the air, which in turn means schoolwork has to get done in the mornings if I want to get outside at all.

I look at all my notes, spread over the desk in front of me. I can’t make much sense of them right now, not in any meaningful way, so I jot down the primary points of my thesis, adding bullets about which supporting information fits best under each section. It’s the most that can be accomplished with this racket, but by the time lunch rolls around a few hours later, a plan is taking shape.

After a quick sandwich, I grab my hiking gear and head out to the car Rick left me, thinking to explore a trail that leads to a little cave in the foothills above town. But when I get to my car, I see it's blocked in by the trailer the workers’ used to transport the backhoe. Dammit .

The machine seems to be sitting still off to the side and somewhat behind the house. I make my way toward it, gripping the straps of my backpack to keep it in place as I navigate the jumbled ground.

Rounding the corner of the giant contraption I run into a wall of muscle, eerily reminiscent of the one I encountered last night. This time there’s nothing covering it, and I get a very up close and personal glimpse of just how smooth and sculpted it is. It’s a view I’m both thrilled and disappointed to see, confirming that this guy is going to be just as much of a distraction as I sensed he would.

“We’ve got to stop running into each other this way.” A deep, silky voice washes over me. Yes, I’m aware silky is a strange way to explain a man’s voice, and no, I don’t want to change my description. I actually feel the words slide over me, same as I did mere hours ago, teasing goosebumps to the surface of my skin.

I take a breath and try to focus on the words, not the playful tone they’re spoken in, or the mouth speaking them. This one is dangerous. Between his voice, his leanly muscled frame and a face that’s so perfectly constructed it’s borderline angelic, he could have me eating out of his hand if I’m not careful, and I don’t have time for such a diversion. I need to ignore this guy, even if he’s got the prettiest face I’ve ever seen.

“You’ve got to start paying attention to where you’re going.” My tone isn’t as abrasive as I intend, so I cross my arms in front of my chest for good measure.

He smiles, amused. “This one’s all on you, handsome. What are you doing wandering around my construction site?”

“Your site?” I take a half step back .

“Yeah, mine . That surprises you?” The corner of his lip rises playfully.

“Kind of. I figured you for a bartender or something, not someone who gets up early for work.”

“How do you know I was up early for work?” He’s toying with me, and it’s making my nerves buzz. Plus, his sexy little grin is downright sinful, making it nearly impossible not to return. But there’s no doubt in my mind that would be bad, so I double down on my effort to appear unaffected.

“Can’t miss the racket you’re making out here.” I gesture to the massive yellow vehicle.

“Well, if you knew I was out here making noise why didn’t you come say hi?” His blue eyes twinkle.

“Why would I assume it’s you making noise?” I purse my lips, trying to keep my eyes on his rather than wandering over his chest.

“I’m the only guy in town with this machinery.” I know he’s referring to the backhoe, but he’s leaving another implication unspoken, which has me taking notice of the broad shoulders just below eye level. Gaze lowering, I find myself admiring the V that disappears beneath his low-slung jeans. He has the body of a man, all angles and hard planes, with a mischievous demeanor that suggests he knows how to have a good time. I hate that I’m curious, especially knowing what sort of a good time he likely got up to with the bachelorette party last night.

“I guess it’s a good thing I don’t know you then. I’d hate to distract you from doing actual work.” I placate him with a brazen smirk.

“And here I thought you were stalking me.” He leans against the giant beast as his eyes roam over me.

“I think you’d like that, but I just need you to move the trailer for your machinery. ” I jerk my thumb toward the trailer. “It’s blocking me in. ”

“Blocking you in? Wait, you’re Rick’s nephew?” His brows disappear under the sun-kissed blond hair that’s a tad too long without being sloppy.

Hair that looks really soft.

“Yup.” I’m enjoying his obvious surprise when a male voice rounds the backhoe and interrupts.

“I grabbed you a burger for lunch, cousin, extra pickles…” The dark-haired man pauses when he sees me. “Uh, hi. You’re the dude Cade bumped into last night. You follow him here or something? Should I be worried?”

I shoot a questioning look toward the man who’s run me over twice now. “Oh my God, you actually have people who stalk you.”

The guy is hot, but no wonder his ego is inflated. A grin teases the corner of his lip, which makes my stomach flutter a little, dammit.

“I wasn’t looking for him. And we didn’t actually meet,” I correct the dark-haired man. “Your friend here ran me over but never told me his name.”

“You didn’t tell me yours either.” The shirtless one stuffs his hands in his pockets, drawing my gaze to his perfect abs.

“Looked like you already made a dozen new friends, no need to add my name to the mix.” I dismiss him with an eye roll. “You wouldn’t have remembered it anyway.”

“I’d remember,” he says softly, the hint of a smile still on his lips.

I find that hard to believe given its abundantly clear obnoxious flirt is this guy’s permanent setting.

“You remember the names of all your new friends?” I raise my brows.

“They weren’t my friends, just people passing through town.” His eyes meet mine through the wisps of hair falling around his face. I know he’s trouble, but the flutter in my stomach is making the case I should ignore that fact.

“And you were showing them around?” I borrow his term from last night.

“Just being hospitable.” He manages to look bashful and mischievous all at once. He’s really too beautiful for his own good.

“Of course you were.” I have a pretty good idea of what he’s referring to when he says hospitable , and while part of me wants to be offended, my libido is intrigued.

“Offer still stands.” He interrupts my wayward thoughts, and as I focus back on Cade, I’m vaguely aware of the other guy drifting away, so it’s just us.

“What offer?” I squint.

“Showing you around.” He holds my gaze, waiting.

“I can find my own way. I just need you to move the trailer.”

“Yeah.” He ducks his head and rubs the back of his neck. “That’s not as easy as it sounds.”

“Why not?” I frown.

“I need a special hitch for that trailer.” He jerks his head towards it. “The truck with said hitch is on another job site right now.”

“You’re saying I’m trapped here? Did you not see the car when you pulled up this morning?” I clutch the straps of my bag, so I’m not tempted to ball my hands into fists.

“I saw it.” He nods in affirmation. “But I didn’t think you were supposed to get here until next week. Figured no one was around to drive it yet, so I sent the truck to another site.”

“How can the only truck capable of moving that trailer not be attached to it?” I grunt.

“That truck has to move several trailers around to different sites. I can’t leave it parked immobile all day when I need it for other projects. ”

“Great,” I mutter under my breath. “How long?” I can feel my anger rising, which is a good thing because it distracts me from the butterflies. I really don’t need to be experiencing those all summer.

“Today at least. Tell you what, take mine.” He fishes in his pockets for some keys and holds them out to me.

“You’re giving me your car?” I feel my jaw hanging open.

“Truck. You okay to drive one? It’s a lot bigger than what your uncle left for you.” His blue eyes drift between the Subaru wagon he’s currently blocking in, and the massive pickup parked in the street. At first, I think he’s making another lewd joke, like he did with the machinery comment, but when I look at him, keys extended, I realize there’s no pun intended. He’s just double-checking I’m good to drive such a large vehicle.

I want to be offended, but I look every bit the part of California surfer I am, and we don’t drive things this big, so I can’t blame him for the question. Still…is this really happening?

“You’re willing to give me your truck? You don’t even know my name, why would you give me a vehicle?” My words are skeptical, yet I find myself holding a pair of keys as I say them.

“We blocked you in. Seems fair.” The sunlight glints over his broad shoulders as he shrugs.

“I’m a total stranger to you.”

“Cade.” He extends his hand.

I hesitate, knowing this is a bad idea, but it’d be rude to decline. The second my hand touches his, a spark of electricity zings up my arm, and I tighten my grip to keep my knees from buckling.

Since when does a handshake make me weak in the knees?

“Maddox.” I say a little thank you that my voice is steadier than my legs, noting the way his forearm flexes as he shakes my hand, which draws my eyes up his arm and over his firm chest. It’s just as smooth as his face.

“Sexy. Now we aren’t strangers anymore.” He smiles in a way that suggests we were never going to be strangers.

I drop his hand before the contact scalds me. “Are you trying to make me feel better about taking your truck? What if I wreck it?”

“It’s insured.”

“What if I have plans to leave town?”

“Looks like you’re going hiking.” He gestures towards my backpack. “And I’ve got plenty of people I can grab a ride from if needed. Plus, there’s the town bus. I’ll manage.”

“Do you do this for everyone who passes through town?” I draw my brows together.

“No. But you’re not passing through.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets again.

“I am though.”

“You sure about that?” He studies me. “Rick seemed to think you’d be here awhile. At least the summer.”

“That’s still passing through.”

“Stay here all summer, you’re practically a local. Locals take care of each other.” He grins as he leans a hip against the backhoe.

“Giving me your truck still seems excessive.” I chew on the inside of my cheek and force my gaze toward the road where it’s parked.

“Take it or don’t, up to you. But it’s the only way you’re going on your hike today. Unless you want me to take you.” He smiles coyly.

“Do you ever stop flirting?” I change the subject.

“This isn’t flirting, this is being hospitable .” He winks, drawing attention to his impossibly blue eyes.

“Is there a difference with you?” I squint at him .

“Not really.” He laughs, stomach rippling as it contracts, and starts walking down the drive. “Come on, Solo. Let’s get you set up in my truck so you can do your hike.”

“Solo?” I trail behind him, keeping a safe distance between us.

“Yeah, you know, since you insist on doing everything yourself.” He glances over his shoulder, eyebrow cocked.

“Oh. I thought you were making some sort of Star Wars reference."

“I’d like to think I’m more original than nicknaming someone after a movie character,” he says as he turns his head forward.

“What if I don’t want to be called Solo?”

“Invite me on your hike and I’ll have to find something else to call you.” He smirks conspiratorially.

“Don’t you have work to do?” I ask, exasperated.

“Nothing that can’t be done Monday.”

“You’re incorrigible,” I mumble.

“True.” He opens the door so I can climb in.

I admit I’m enjoying this little banter we have going, but I really don’t need the distraction of a hot guy this summer, especially one I think is the welcoming committee for any man, or woman, who sets foot in the town. I need to get away from him. I climb into the cab before he can help me with that.

“Your cousin doesn’t seem to like the idea of you leaving.” I nod toward the dark-haired guy who’s now frowning in our direction.

“Sorta forgot about him.” Cade chuckles, rubbing his neck as he peers up at me through wisps of blond hair. “He got here last week. I’m not used to having him around yet. Ah well, maybe I do need to get back to work. You know where you’re going?”

“Yes, Lupine Bluff.”

“That’s a good one, you’ll enjoy it. Watch out for the bats though.”

“Bats? ”

“Yeah, you know. Black rodents with wings.” His stomach contracts as he tries not to laugh.

“I know what bats are. There are bats in that cave?” I wrinkle my nose. I’m not a squeamish guy, but bats are… I give an involuntary little shudder.

“Sure. Their droppings are what turn the rocks all sorts of colors. Didn’t know that little fact, did ya?” He cast me another suggestive grin. “Sure you don’t want a guide?”

“I’m good. Bats aren’t active in the day.”

“Not usually, no. Have fun, Solo.” He winks and moves to shut the door.

“Wait! How do I get your keys back to you?”

“Keep ‘em.” He shrugs. “I’ll either still be here when you get back or I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow is Saturday. You work on Saturday?” I frown, worried I’m not going to get the two days of silence I’d been counting on.

“No, but it’s a small town. I’ll see you around one way or another.” He shuts me inside the cab of his truck with a lingering grin before turning to head back toward the construction site. I watch him go, admiring the view. He really is beautiful.

I am in so much trouble.