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“Uh, no. I guess not.” He scowled. He saw Josh noticing it and wished he could explain or reassure him. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the smell of the grass, the pleasant soreness in his legs, the warmth of Josh close beside him.

Boris got to the point. “Any chance you might be ready before end of the season?”

The abrupt question squeezed Tyler’s chest like a giant callused fist. All the pressure of returning to the NFL and walking away from Josh held him tight and shook him. Here was the real reason for this friendly call from the owner.

Tyler started to pace, just to keep his muscles moving and his mouth shut. In the background, he could see Josh’s worried eyes, clearly picking up the vibe from Tyler’s half of the conversation.

Boris pushed harder. “All I’m saying, the hot second you’re ready, the Swells are eager to get you back out on that field. Even if it’s just a couple plays in the last game, some camera time for the fans. A wave and a couple passes. Nothing strenuous, but to show you’re back, all new and improved.”

“Uhh, loud and clear. I’m still working with my doctors and my genius, Mr. Jarlson. I can’t promise anything definite.” Tyler knew full well what Boris wanted to hear. “But believe you me, I’m really putting in the hours, sir.”

“Good man! Just remember, we’ve got your back, kid. And your front,” Boris said, his voice soggy with insincerity. “Take care of yourself, but don’t forget where you belong.”

“Sure thing, Boris,” Tyler replied, biting back the urge to snark. He hung up and shoved his phone into his pocket with more force than necessary.

Josh touched his arm. “You okay?”

Tyler nodded. “I’m thirty-three years old and he still calls me a kid. Captain Fantastic, my ass.”

“Hey. Hey. We’re okay. You’re going to be okay. I promise. Cross my heart.”

As they continued their run, Tyler couldn’t shake the looming feeling of uncertainty. He knew he couldn’t put his life on hold indefinitely, but the thought of leaving this, of going back, was almost unbearable. For better or worse, San Diego was dead ahead. For now, he decided to focus on the present and cherish every second he had left. He would help Josh and fight for the library while he got strong enough to do whatever the hell came next.

Tyler nodded. “Look, I know I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do with football and all, but right now, it’s you and me.”

Josh glanced over at him, a small smile playing on his lips. “Okay?”

“What do you say?” Tyler grinned. “Let’s plan something off the track, away from our morning runs. You know, hang out.”

“Really?” Josh hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure. I’m in. Absolutely. Though hiking might be a bit ambitious at the moment. Any ideas?”

“Actually, I was hoping you’d have some,” Tyler admitted, chuckling. “It’s been a minute since I spent any real time around this place.”

“Well….” Josh squinted at the horizon, “We could go to Hearthstone. Or I know this little tourist trap farm stand about thirty-five or forty miles up the interstate. They got fresh peppers, weird crafts, and the best jalapeño cornbread you’ve never had. Some food trucks. If nothing else, it’s great people-watching. Not anything fancy, but maybe a quick road trip?”

“Road trip!” Tyler smacked his arm. “Perfect. Maybe I can pick up a couple healthy ingredients. Is cornbread on a Mediterranean diet?”

“We’ll get you hooked up.” Josh looked dubious but happy.

Even if Josh didn’t know it, Tyler planned to spend every second he had left in this town living his life the way he wanted. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone out with someone because he liked them, instead of staging racy pictures for his publicist to post on Instagram.

They finished their run, and Josh walked Tyler back to his car. “How about Saturday, then?” Josh thumped his hood as Tyler climbed inside.

Tyler rolled down his window to say, “Well that, Mr. Ayres, is a date.” He winked at Josh and pulled away, grinning to himself, before Josh could react.

Halfway home, he realized their road trip was exactly that: a date. He had a date with Joshua Ayres.

Chapter Six

JOSH’S HEART raced as he pulled up to Tyler’s house; the familiar red brick exterior unleashed a flood of memories.

He’d biked past this place too many times to count, back when he’d been too young and horny to know how weird that looked. For two whole years, he’d swing by just on the off chance he’d see Tyler or get to know something about him. Even Nadia hadn’t known about how often, and once they became friends, he’d been too ashamed to confess it.

Taking a deep breath, he climbed out of his truck and rang the doorbell.

“Josh!” Nadia greeted him warmly, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. “Tyler’s taking his sweet time getting dressed. Come on in.”

“Thanks,” Josh said, stepping inside. The first time he’d actually set foot in this place, Tyler had already graduated. Nadia had invited him over to cram for a physics midterm, and they ended up study buddies the next two years. “I know I haven’t been around. Sorry it’s been so long.”