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“Thanks,” Tyler murmured, allowing Josh to continue assessing his condition without protest. It seemed as if the trust between them was growing. Tyler’s vulnerability was wrecking all Josh’s noble intentions.

“All right, I’m going to try to massage out that cramp in your leg.” Josh carefully placed his hands on Tyler’s huge calf, which was every bit as powerful as it looked. He could feel the tight knot of muscle beneath his fingers and began to gently knead the area, hoping to release the tension.

Tyler didn’t seem to mind the contact at all. He groaned in pleasure. “God. That.” He glanced at Josh. “You teach too, right?”

“Yeah.” Josh rolled the muscle more slowly. “History, electives and AP sometimes. But not every year.”

“I love history. Used to love history, I guess. I was a crap student.” He chuckled and groaned again, watching Josh’s hands on his big calf.

“Is that helping?” Josh asked, looking up into Tyler’s bright hazel eyes. Touching him like this made Josh feel almost guilty.

“Unnh. Yeah, it’s starting to feel better already. Wow, man. That feel effing amazing,” Tyler replied with a relieved smile and a twinkle in his eye. “You really know what you’re doing.”

“Coach high school a while and you see every kind of injury.” Josh chuckled, trying to hide his own nerves. “But seriously, make sure you take care of yourself. Stretching and hydration are key. And a big banana.” He pointed at Tyler with a comic scowl.

“That’s what they all say.” Tyler nodded as he straightened. Finally he reached for Josh’s hand, and he stood without wincing. “Yes, Coach.”

“Good. Now, why don’t we try walking the track for a few minutes? Grab some water. We want to ease your muscles back into motion before you even think about running,” Josh suggested, releasing Tyler’s leg as he stood up.

“Sounds like a plan,” Tyler agreed, taking a tentative step forward.

Josh slowed his pace deliberately. Clouds scudded over the peaceful track. By now, the crickets seemed just about done and the air was warmer, carrying the scent of fresh-mown grass. They stopped at the fountain and then ambled back. Already Tyler looked less grim.

“Really beautiful out here.” Tyler blinked at the horizon. “I never noticed all this when I was younger.”

“That’s high school. Hormones and homework. Who has time for a sunrise?” Josh glanced over at Tyler. Their eyes met for a moment—a deeper connection than anything Josh had experienced in a long time. Did Tyler feel it too?

As they walked side by side, Josh couldn’t help but notice the slight hitch in Tyler’s stride. They needed to slow down. “You said you’re into history? Anything in particular?”

“Renaissance, probably. No, how about Roman empire,” Tyler replied, his face lighting up. “They just did so much modern stuff for the first time. Roads, coinage, junk food, plumbing.”

“Public games!” Josh exclaimed, excitement filling his voice. “I’ve never been.”

Tyler laughed and pushed him. “To ancient Rome? Obviously.”

“No, Italy. I’ve never—” Josh looked down at the grass. “I’ve never gone anywhere, really.”

“Highly recommend. Italy is….” Tyler fell quiet. “Sorry. That’s a crappy thing to say.”

“Why?”

“I’ve only been to Italy with the team. We shot an advertisement. I didn’t really go anywhere or see anything. You know, a day in the Vatican, an hour at the Trevi Fountain. So I haven’t really been there either. Not really, like, actual me.”

“You should.” Josh shrugged.

“Well, you should too.”

Josh looked across the field to the gym and the school beyond. “Hardly. With the school’s schedule? I barely have time to go to the grocery store.”

Tyler stared at him for a quiet moment. “One of these days, then.”

“Absolutely. One of these days.” Josh shook his head. “I don’t want you to think I don’t go anywhere. Never been anywhere. I’m not a shut-in. But mostly travel means hauling teenagers around in a bus. Or quick road trips for an overnight. But I’ve never been farther east than the Rockies.”

“I love road trips.” Tyler’s breathing and gait were steadier now. “Football doesn’t leave me a lot of downtime during the season, but when I can? Just pack a bag and hit the road with nowhere to be.”

Josh nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “That’s the best.”

“Well, the best would be a road trip in Italy, but I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon.” He frowned down at his body. “When I first got back into town, my sister dragged me up to this tiny little town in the mountains with the most amazing diner.”