Troublemaker (Troublemaker, Book 1) Read Free Page A

Chase.” Evan looks at Jess for some help.
    Chase runs his finger up my legs and mockingly spanks my butt. I see a dark figure in my peripheral vision come from out of nowhere. A surfboard goes flying through the air and nosedives into the sand.
    “That’s enough!” A thick, muscular arm rips Chase away from my body. “She said no more.” Chase’s body gets tossed into the sand like a rag doll.
    Cage West.
    I feel so relieved that Chase got what he deserved for once. But somehow overwhelmed at the same time.
    “You okay?” Cage looks at me, then looks at Evan like he’s ready to knock his head off his body. Cage’s long surfer guy hair is drenched from the ocean. He looked strong before, but now I can really see the definition in his body through the wetsuit.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. You didn’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.” I can’t finish the words without looking away from Cage’s eyes.
    Because the truth is I can’t take care of myself. At least that’s what I’ve always been told, and even though a part of me sometimes questions this, I’ve pretty much come to believe it myself.
    McKenzie, look at me! Look at your father! You’re weak McKenzie. And you’re nothing without me.
    Chase, still wiping sand off his face and out of his eyes, finally manages to pull himself off the ground. “Dude, what’s your problem? She’s practically my girlfriend.” It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Chase Bishop look intimidated.
    Cage looks at me. My eyebrows raise as I shake my head at Chase’s claim.
    Cage pulls his wet hair back and off his face. “I don’t care if she’s your wife,” Cage pauses and cracks his neck, “you’re lucky I didn’t break your face.” And it’s obvious that he means it. Cage looks almost uncontrollably furious.
    Chase scoffs at Cage’s threat, but looks scared to death underneath his façade. “C’mon Evan, let’s blow this shithole.” 
    Justice is finally served.
    Then why do I feel like total crap? I think I’d rather get swallowed up in a giant sinkhole right about now.
    Cage looks at Jessie’ s new fling . “Great idea, Evan. Get the hell out of here before I beat the shit out of you too.” Cage gestures with his hands for him to take off.
    I look over at Jess who’s jaw is practically on the ground. “Bye babe, I’ll call you,” Evan says. He pecks Jess on the cheek, then darts off towards the parking lot. Chase makes one last attempt at redemption as he turns around and shoots a dirty look at Cage. Cage’s lips form a smile, but his eyes tell a different story. He’s on the verge of killing someone.
    “Those guys friends of yours?” A calmness finally settles on Cage’s face as he looks towards me.
    I can’t answer at first. This is the most anybody, including family, has ever stuck up for me.
    Then why do I want to run as far away as I possibly can?
    “Not exactly.” I look over at Jess who’s still speechless. I pick up my towel, Kindle, and iphone and get ready to run as far away from this beach as I possibly can.
    Cage puts his hand on my shoulder. “You okay?” The warmth from his fingers is better than alcohol.
    “Yeah, fine.” I brush my bangs out of my eyes. The last place I want to be is right here.
    I glance over at Jessie who’s jaw is still practically on the ground. “Call me Jess,” I say. I throw my towel around my waist and head off the beach.
    I have no idea what just happened. Or why I’m so uncomfortable with someone helping me out like that.
    Even more important, why does this guy keep showing up in my life? Three times in one day?
    The hot parking lot pavement is scorching my feet, which somehow feels like a welcome distraction from the emotional storm inside of me.
    I reach for the handle on my Jetta. “McKenzie, wait up a sec.” I turn to see Cage jogging towards me, his chest muscles rippling through his wetsuit. I imagine him scooping me into his arms and carrying me home, or maybe even some