Page 9 of Worthy (Adrenalin #1)

Chapter eight

Cade

I head straight to my garage when I get home, desperate for something to keep my mind off the things Maddox said earlier, and my little studio is the perfect outlet. There’s something about the process of creating things that gets you outside of your own head, which is exactly what I need right now.

The hinges creak as I open the door, and I remind myself for the hundredth time to grease them before I leave, which I’ll probably forget since the WD40 isn’t in plain sight. Unlike all my welding supplies, which are everywhere.

Most people would look at my studio and see just clutter, but I see it as organized chaos. It’s full of old tools, metal scraps, and discarded wood from our job sites, random things that I’ve collected to work with, and I pick them just as randomly when an idea strikes.

I rarely have a goal in mind when I start messing with materials. I just look at what’s available and piece it together. Sometimes it turns out to be a sculpture, sometimes a piece of furniture, but I never really know what the finished product will look like until it’s done.

Trying to build something specific for Ally will be a new challenge, but I’m kind of looking forward to it. First, I have to figure out this hoop skirt thing, so I google it and scroll through the different images that come up.

It really does look like a tall umbrella, and I now understand why she thinks this shape will keep her long coat from getting caught in the bike gears. But to make sure the fabric doesn’t get caught I’d have to make this hoop frame just as long as the downward stroke of the pedal, which will make it difficult to even get on the bike. I have no idea how to do that just yet, but I have to admit the hoop skirt thing makes a certain amount of sense now that I understand what it is. Too bad I’m not sure I can make it look as well as I can make it function, which probably isn’t what Maddox had in mind when he said he’d like to see my work.

And now my thoughts are back on Maddox…

Dammit. That’s exactly what I was hoping to prevent by coming in here to work.

I’m still freaked out by the conversation we had at his house tonight. I had no idea he could overhear Deacon and me talking, and if there’s any conversation I didn’t want him privy to it was that one. I mean, not only did Deacon allude to my fondness for sex, he specifically called me out about wanting to have sex with Maddox, which yes, I did. Do. But I won’t since he’s not the meaningless fuck type.

Thank God Deacon didn’t reveal I’ve never actually had sex with a guy—there’s no way Madd wouldn’t accuse me of trying to experiment on him if he knew—and yeah, since dudes are a new interest of mine of course my sexual curiosity is piqued, but not in an ‘I wonder if I’m into guys’ way. I’m definitely into them, I’ve just never encountered someone I wanted to pop my gay cherry with until Maddox.

Only now that I’ve hung out with him a bit and have a better sense of who he is, I don’t even want sex. Or rather, I do, but not at the expense of his morals and goals and shit. That’s what I was trying to say when I said he’s too good for the guys in this town. Most of us don’t aspire to be the relationship type, which Deacon unhelpfully pointed out.

I’m stunned Maddox wasn’t pissed off about that. I’m even more shocked he doesn’t seem to hold it against me.

Of all the things we could talk about, tourists using me for my dick was the last topic I thought we’d cover. It’s like all he has to do is look at me intently and all my deepest thoughts pour out, and then he fucking compliments me for them, even when they reveal I’m nothing more than a good time.

That still has me all sorts of confused. Deacon all but confirmed I have a revolving door to my bedroom—what Madd so graciously referred to as casual sex—and he didn’t show me the door. Hell, he basically dared me to flirt, which of course I did.

Who does that when casual sex isn’t their thing? And why isn’t it his thing? Did he have a bad experience with it? Is it some kind of moral or ethical choice? Or does he know something I don’t, like maybe there’s something better than casual sex. Like actually knowing someone, or— liking —them changes the game.

Okay, now I’ve officially lost it. Casual sex has always worked for me and there’s no need to question that now. I need to get my shit together and stop thinking about stuff I can’t have.

I grab a pad of paper and a pencil and start doodling. After several false starts I hit on a design which sort of resembles an oversize birdcage covering the back half of the bike. If I could create an opening that swings on hinges, maybe there’s a way Ally could open the frame and still climb on the bike. She’d have to fluff her coat thingy over the birdcage part as she climbs on, but in theory that would keep the material from hitting the gears. It’s not exactly pretty, but it could work .

The problem is distributing the weight evenly, so the finished bike isn’t off balance. Plus, I have to make sure the extra framework doesn’t make the bike so heavy that Ally can’t pedal it. This is not going to be an easy project, not only because I’m winging it, but because I don’t know if I can get the right materials to make it happen.

Ideally, I could use old bike parts, but it’s not like those are in huge supply. I’ll probably have to swing by the local shops to see if they have anything they can donate to the cause. It’s too late to go scavenging now though, so I work on my sketch to help me pinpoint some of the materials I’ll need and finally purge the gorgeous guy who’s recently been consuming my thoughts from my mind.

***

A few days of rain kept us from getting much done at the Gerome place, which means I’ve successfully put some distance between me and Maddox. That hasn’t stopped me from thinking about him and questioning why easy hookups suddenly don’t sound so appealing, but I figure those questions are mostly harmless as long as I don’t see the guy who inspires them.

Given that today looks beautiful, the issue of distance should be moot, but it’s a Saturday, and per Madd’s uncle we’re not supposed to work on the weekend so he’s got a reprieve from the commotion. So, I go for a morning ride to get outside and clear my head, pedaling one of my favorite trails that weaves through a giant field of wildflowers before dropping into the trees.

I’ve ridden it so many times I practically float over the terrain, which is oddly peaceful despite the fact that I’m moving at a pretty good clip. After wearing my body down, I shower and head into town for lunch and a quick beer, then hit up the bike shops to see if they have any more scraps I can pick up.

I strike out at the first shop but have some good luck at the second, scoring a few busted pieces off a frame made from carbon fiber. That’s the ideal material, its durable but lightweight, and it’s usually expensive as fuck, but since the bike it’s on is beyond repair the tech lets me have it just to get it out of his way. I promise to bring him a six-pack next time I swing by, a typical thank you for hooking someone up in this town, then start making my way back to the truck. But I have to pass Ally’s store to get there, and she doesn’t let me sneak by.

″What’s that you’ve got?” she asks as she comes to stand in the doorway. I head up the walkway, holding out my find for her review.

″Well, Miss Ally, this here might be part of that bike you want me to build you,” I tease her.

″Ooh!” She claps her hands together. “I knew you’d figure it out. How long until it’s done?”

″Hold up.” I put my hand up to stop her little celebration. “I’m still not sure I can get it to work, so don’t get your heart set on that fancy costume.”

″You’ll figure it out, I know it,” she insists, completely ignoring my warning as she turns to head back inside. “So, how’s your costume coming along?”

“You tell me.” I cross my arms and pin her with an expectant look.

″Why are you asking me?”

″Because I’m sure you’ve assigned everyone a role in your mind. And because I’m making your bike, so you can make my costume.” I point at her and smirk.

“I thought you guys would all just order something online. AFC Richmond gear isn’t hard to find.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” I goad her .

″Ugh, fine, I’ll get you a costume. Want to be Colin?” She sits up straight, eyes fucking twinkling with excitement. “He and Trent sort of have a moment in the show. Not a sexual moment, but a heartfelt one.”

″Colin? Aren’t I more Jamie Tartt material?” I lean my hip on the counter, dismissing that heartfelt comment with what I hope is indifference.

″No…” She shakes her head, studying me with a critical eye. “Jamie doesn’t have a moment with Trent.”

″Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to create a couple’s costume where there’s no couple, on the show or in real life?” I give her a hard look.

″Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to pretend I don’t have eyes?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I saw how you looked at him at the concert. And the way he leaned into you to talk. Something’s up with you two.” She bites the corner of her lip and gives me a knowing grin.

″There’s nothing between us.” I shake my head firmly. “I’m one of about five people he knows here, nothing else.”

“I can see the appeal, obviously—he’s gorgeous—but I didn’t think you played for that team.” She goes on as if I didn’t say anything.

“Subtle.” I snort.

“I wasn’t going for subtle. I want to know why I didn’t know you were a switch hitter, because if I had, I’d have set you up with my brother.”

“Okay first, you’d never set me up with your brother because you know I don’t do relationships, and you wouldn’t do that to your brother. And second, you found out about three days after I did that I might possibly be into guys. Or a guy.”

Ally’s eyes double in size. “Are you having a bi-awakening? ”

“What the fuck is that?”

“Only my favorite romance trope ever! It’s where a formerly straight guy falls head over heels for a super sexy stud and has deliciously dirty sex.”

“Whoa, slow your roll, Ally.” I hold up my hand like a stop sign. “I think Maddox is hot, but I’m far from head over heels, and I’m not trying to jump into his bed.” I leave out the part that I sort of want to.

″So, you didn’t spend the night at his place the other night?” she prods.

Damn Deacon and his loose tongue.

″I helped him out after he sprained an ankle, and I slept on the couch.” I ignore the unspoken plea for gossip, leaving out the part that Maddox slept on the couch too.

″And I bet you played nurse out of the goodness of your heart.” Ally lays her palm on her chest, mocking me. She knows me too well.

″Of course.” I deadpan without taking the bait. Beck is the only one who can successfully bait me. “When have I ever not helped a friend in need?”

“Touché.” Ally grins, because that’s actually true. “Speaking of, isn’t that your friend headed this way?” I turn as she gestures to the large window overlooking the sidewalk where Maddox is passing by. Shit. Any hope of him missing us is dashed when Ally darts for the door.

″Hey, Maddox. Just the guy I wanted to see. Come here so we can talk about your costume.” Ally beams at me over her shoulder.

Asshole. I love her, but also, asshole!

Maddox starts at the sound of his name, gray eyes softening when he recognizes Ally, and shuffles up the path to the door.

″Hey,” He breathes when he steps inside and sees me for the first time in days, and I swear my breath hitches just a bit when I see his p ensive gaze. Madd always looks deep in thought, and for some reason that gets me going.

″All good?” I tilt my head toward his leg since he seems to be walking just fine. Plus, those are the only words I can safely say in front of Ally.

″I think so. Better enough for a few errands, anyway.” He shrugs sheepishly, like he should’ve got my okay before walking on it.

Fuck , that’s cute.

I catch Ally watching our exchange too closely. “Good. Well, I’ll leave you guys to it.” I push off the counter and nod as I pass by him, almost making it to the door before Ally reaches out and grabs my arm, halting my getaway.

″No way. You have to help.”

″Help with what?” I cringe, resisting the urge to yank my arm free.

″Picking costumes. I have a few options for both of you.” She pushes Maddox and I further into her shop.

I grit my teeth and head back to my spot at the counter, which gives me a clear view of Maddox taking in the shop. He wanders around, checking out the odd garment, oblivious to the wicked smile Ally’s sporting as she pulls things from the racks.

″These pants with this top.” Ally instructs as she hands Maddox a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt. “Dressing room is through there.” She points to a little cubby with a curtain hanging in front of it, and he obediently takes the clothes and goes to change.

Once Madd is tucked inside Ally turns to me. “Your turn,” she says brightly.

″On second thought, you can’t possibly have anything for me in here,” I balk. “This is a fashion store. I’ll just order something online. ”

″You can’t do that until we know what size you are.” She shakes her head as she rifles through the racks, yanking a pair of twill shorts and a plain blue t-shirt off their hangers.

I hold them up with a frown. “These look a little short.”

″Soccer players show a little thigh, don’t they?” She gives me a once over, envisioning the final look.

I’m about to object again when Maddox comes out of the dressing room in a pair of skintight denim pants and a t-shirt that’s just a hair bigger than painted on. It’s not revealing in the least, but it hugs every muscle like it was made for him. I’m helpless to ignore how firm his pecs are under the shirt, and how round and plump his ass looks in those pants.

I take a deep breath and will my body not to react, though I’m pretty sure my jaw is hanging open since my throat is suddenly dry.

″What do you think?” Ally turns to me with a triumphant grin.

It takes me a second to find my voice. “He’s missing the suit jacket,” I choke out.

″We’ll work on that. Your turn.” Ally pushes me toward the dressing room, giving me a much-needed excuse to make my exit. I offer Maddox an apologetic smile as I squeeze past him, and he gives me one back, which makes me feel a little better about this whole thing. Not good, but…better. Misery loves company and all that.

I pull the curtain closed and strip out of my clothes, trying not to focus on the woodsy orange scent that lingers on Maddox’s, or give in to the desire to press them to my face and inhale.

Where did that come from?

Shaking away the thought, I put on what Ally gave me. The shorts actually fit well in the waist, and while they ride a little high on the thigh, they aren’t obnoxious, though they’re a little snug on the ass. But the shirt might as well be made of that spandex shit girls wear for how tight it is. I have an overwhelming urge to strangle Ally as I look at myself in the mirror, and decide I’m done playing her little game. But before I can change back, she yells that I’m taking too long and demands I come out. Fuck it.

″Nice try, Ally, but there’s no way this will work. These shorts are gonna rip when I try to get on my bike, and no way I’m doing a race with my ass hanging out.”

Ally circles me, inspecting the shorts. “You’re not wearing these shorts, I just needed a baseline so I could find your size.” Her voice sounds deceptively innocent, giving me the distinct feeling I’m being played. Or paraded around for her amusement.

I chance a look at Maddox, expecting to see him fighting a laugh over this ridiculous outfit, but instead his eyes seem glued to my waist, where Ally’s currently fussing with the shorts as if she’s taking measurements. And instead of laughter I swear I see something like interest, or desire. It’s the first time Madd’s looked at me like he wants me, and even though I like how he hasn’t looked at me that way before, I really like that he is now.

My pulse speeds up despite my attempt to take measured, even breaths.

I stand impossibly still while Ally scrutinizes my outfit, watching Madd’s gaze linger briefly on my hips before traveling up my stomach and over my chest. I feel his stare skimming over me like he’s touching me, tracing the planes of my skin. It makes me hot and tingly at the same time, like some overeager teenager with no restraint, and I fight the urge to shiver, fisting and releasing my hands in an attempt to keep my core still.

Holding my breath, I will my cock to stay limp, because there’s no denying I like the way he’s looking at me. A lot. And I really like the way his chest rises and falls as his gaze travels over my body, like he’s imagining what it would feel like to touch me, same as I am him. And if I’m looking at him anywhere near how he’s looking at me, I have a feeling we’re on a collision course.

Shit. I have to get out of here.

″Can I take these off now?” I grumble, desperate to get away from Madd’s gaze.

“Let Maddox go first. You can help me look at the website to pick the jersey you want,” Ally says, effectively dismissing Maddox, who blushes profusely when I catch him raking his eyes over me one last time before closing himself behind the curtain.

Once he’s out of sight I finally get a full breath. Holy shit that was intense. I’ve never been so on edge just looking at someone, man or woman, or having them look at me, which is crazy since lots of women have looked at me before, and it never had this effect.

Given the way Ally’s smirking at me, I guess I’m not the only one who felt the tension just now.

″I give it another day. Maybe two,” Ally says softly.

″What?” I rest my hands on my hips.

″You know.” She pins me with a look that says, don’t bullshit me .

″Nope,” I whisper, shaking my head. “No way. I’m not going there. He’s a good guy.”

″So?” She arches an eyebrow.

″So, I have no business getting involved with a good guy,” I grit.

″That good guy wants you.” Ally ignores the warning in my tone.

″If he does, it’s because you paraded me around like a snack in front of him,” I hiss.

″I don’t think it is.” Ally shakes her head, but before she can finish her thought Madd emerges from the dressing room .

He avoids eye contact as he makes his way to the counter, though his cheeks are still flushed. I offer a weak smile as I pass him and take my turn changing, getting into normal clothes as quickly as possible.

When I come back out, he’s gone, which I’m both relieved and disappointed by. I toss the shorts to Ally and tell her I’ll trade the bike for the costume, effectively ending all conversation.

Ally doesn’t let me off that easily. “Good might be just what you need,” she calls as I shut the door.