Page 29 of Worthy

“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. Oraguy.”

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 pensive 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.

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