Page 30 of Worthy

″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 forhow 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’simagining 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.

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