Page 28 of Worthy

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 saywhen 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 somethingbetterthan 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 lunchand 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 heremightbe 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 thatheartfeltcomment 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?”

---