Page 14 of Worthy

“Something wrong? You’re not usually so anxious to get going.” Those inquisitive gray eyes search mine.

“Just running late.” I should’ve realized by this point he’s used to me prolonging our conversations instead of dodging them, so I probably seem like an ass, but that’s better for him.Right?

“Yeah, okay. Later.” A deep line separates his brows.

He sounds disappointed.Is he disappointed? Do I want him to be? No—don’t go there.

Before my mind can fully spiral, Dex comes down the snack aisle and slaps me on the shoulder. I suddenly hate living in a town so small you can’t make it out of the store without seeing someone you know.

“Is this our new neighbor?” He checks Maddox out—not in a sexual way, more of a curious one—no doubt trying to discern what itis about the guy that has me intrigued. Suddenly, I’m regretting letting on how I’m also into dudes. “Yeah. Uh, Maddox, this is Dex.” I point to the big oaf. “He owns The Underground on Main Street. Dex this is Maddox, Rick Gerome’s nephew.”

“Welcome to Katah Vista.” Dex holds out his hand and he shakes it. “How do you like it so far?”

“Um, fine, I guess. I haven’t explored much, though.” His eyes cut to mine a fraction of a second before he focuses on Dex.

“Do you have anyone to show you around?” The quick glance Dex sends my way probably looks innocent enough, but I know him well enough to know he’s trying to put me on the spot. He may be a chill guy who doesn’t really gossip, but he’s not above a little ribbing between friends, especially when I’ve handed him something to goad me about on a silver platter.Fucker.

“I’m good. If I need any help, I can always ask Cade.” That makes me unreasonably happy, and it’s all I can do not to let my face show it.

“Ah good.” Dex’s expression remains neutral, although I hear the slight challenge in his voice. “So, you’ll be joining us for the concert?”

Shit. I didn’t see that one coming.

Maddox looks at me, gray eyes cloudy with what almost looks like disappointment.Fuck!There’s no way around it, I’ll have to invite him, and if he comes, we’ll both be on a stage I’m not sure either of us want to be on just yet.

I muster the most genuine smile I can find, hoping he can’t see the anxiety beneath it. “There’s music in the park every Monday. You’re welcome to join.”

“Cade, you didn’t invite him already?” Dex arches his brows.Dammit!He knows I’m more predator than protector, and the more time I spend with my client’s nephew the harder it will be for me to behave.Stupid prick is enjoying this.

“I didn’t think I’d get off work in time,” I explain, more for Maddox than for Dex. “Do you want to come? I can grab another sandwich.” I hold mine up for his inspection.

Maddox looks from me to his half-fullcart to Dex, and suddenly I know exactly what he’s thinking. Rather than go home and work like he came here to do—like the good boy he is—he’s going to do the opposite of what he normally would. He’s trying to live for himself and not for other people.

God, I hope following my stupid example doesn’t take him too far off course.

“Yeah.” He gives me a subtle up-nod. “Sounds fun.”

“Great.” Dex’s grin is so wide it splits his face. “See you over there.” He heads for the register, leaving me alone with Maddox.

“You want to finish shopping?” I point to his cart, hoping the question will diffuse the awkward silence.

“I’m not sure the food will keep in the car.” He gnaws on his lip as he seems to mentally catalogue the contents of his cart. The somewhat nerdy act seems out of place on a man who looks more like a jock than a bookworm, but at the same time it’s pretty fucking cute.

Why is it cute?

I do my own scan of the items in the cart, not seeing anything that looks too perishable. “Remember it gets cool in the evenings, so everything you have will probably be fine. Why don’t you check out and I’ll get another sandwich?”

“Okay, yeah.” He nods almost methodically and turns the cart toward the registers.

“Anything you don’t like?” I ask.

“Not really,” he says over his shoulder.

“Okay. Meet you out front.”

I find Maddox outside, groceries already stowed in his car, and lead him to my truck to drive into town. Even though it’s pretty big, with just the two of us it feels confining, like we’re sitting on top of each other, which makes my palms feel sweaty on the steering wheel. With a shaky inhale, I do my best to focus on driving.

“What band is playing?” I feel his eyes studying my profile.

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