Page 15 of Worthy

“I don’t know.” I keep my baby blues glued to the road, where they should be. “I never really pay much attention to who’s playing since there’s a different band every week, and none of them are exactly big names.”

“Are they local?”

“Some.” I stare straight ahead, deliberately averting my gaze from the thighs that fill out his jeans. “Some are from other parts of the state, but these are free concerts, so you don’t usually see a name you recognize. It’s really more of a giant community picnic with background music than an actual concert. Dex made it sound more impressive than it is.”

We pull to a stop along the road a few minutes later, and Maddox offers to take the food while I carry a blanket and a cooler. Hundreds of eyes follow us as we make our way toward my usual spot, left of center stage toward the back, where most of my friends are already seated. To Maddox they probably seem innocent, a curious glance to check out the new guy, but I’m well aware what’s designed to come off as casual interest is much more than that.

People are watching for confirmation the rumors about me are true. A flirty smile. A hand that lingers too long as I guide him through the crowd. I honestly don’t care if they want to be in the know, but it’s not fair to Maddox that he be the topic of their conversation simply because of my actions, so I’m careful not to do anything that would fuel speculation. Plus, I really am trying to behave.

As I spread out the blanket, my back to Maddox, I shoot a warning glare at my friends. While they’re more subtle about their curiosity, it’s clear to me they’re a little surprised to see me with a guy, even though Deacon and Dex undoubtedly gave them the heads up. I’m sure they’re dying to ask questions, which I’ll answer, just not tonight.

Once the blanket is set and we take our seats—a respectable foot of distance between us—I gesture to the rest of the group.

“Deacon, you know.” I point to my cousin. “Then Dex.” He raises a drink in salute.

“How did the two of you meet?” Maddox doesn’t miss a beat and I can’t help the smile that creeps up at his curiosity.

“Dex showed up here one day about ten years ago. He’s a few years older and was already out of high school, but my friends and I kept running into him on the mountain when we’d skip class, and in exchange for showing him where to ride he’d let us hang out at the bar until the big crowds came in around nine or ten.”

“How old were you?” His eyes seem to narrow as he does the math.

“Fifteen. He didn’t serve us or anything, but he might’ve pretended not to notice when we’d sneak a beer. Mostly, we just played pool and hung out somewhere other than our houses.”

Maddox nods along but doesn’t press further.

“Next, is Ryder.” I point to the average-sized guy sitting next to Dex as the band starts playing. “He lives here but he’s on the circuit, so he travels a bunch during the winter.”

“Circuit?” He leans in to speak so I can hear him over the music, but I barely register his voice over the sweet scent of orange mixed with pine that lingers on his skin.

Why does he have to smell so good?

“Yeah, he’s a snowboard racer.”

“Youmean like going around the poles?” His head tilts curiously to the side.

“More like speeding down a narrow track.” I exhale to keep his scent away from me. “Blake used to be on the circuit,” I point to the tall and lean guy next to Ryder, “but he blew his knee and only skis for fun now. And mountain bikes. He works at the resort on the mountain.” I leave out how he works as a masseuse and likes to brag about all the hot women he gets paid to touch.

“Last, there’s Finn and his wife, Ally.” He follows my arm to the couple sitting to his right. “Finn works up on the mountain, and Ally has a store on Main Street. They moved here a few years back when he took over operations at the resort.”

“You manage the whole mountain?” Maddox’s wide eyes register shock. Finnissorta young for such a big role.

“For now.” He offers a weak smile.

“The family who own the resort are selling it, so we’re expecting big changes. Any word on the new buyer?” I sit up straight so I can see Finn over Maddox’s head.

“Nothing confirmed, but I saw Carter Quinn here the other day.”

“Whoa.” Ryder whistles. “Dude’s a legend.”

“Was. Blew his knee a few years after I blew mine.” Blake sips on his beer. “You thinking he might be the new buyer?” He looks at Finn.

“Family’s got money.” Finn nods absently.

“At least he has the right background.” Ryder elbows Blake. “Guy who’s raced for a living couldn’t totally screw things up.”

“Guy with too much of daddy’s money can always screw things up.” Finn shakes his head in warning.

I feel rather than see Maddox tense beside me, but when I cut my glance in his direction nothing looks amiss. Unless you count thepinched brow, which to me looks like he’s reading into Finn’s comment, and not in a good way, so I decide to give him some background.

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