Page 28

“How’s that?”

“You always knew exactly what you wanted. Always. You went after things. You worked like hell to make your life happen. You never hesitated or wavered. Captain Fantastic.”

“Oh man!” Tyler laughed at that. “Did I have you fooled.”

Josh shook his head. “C’mon.”

“I did nothing but waver. Every move, every choice. After my father pissed off to wherever, my mom took everything on herself. I was just a stupid jock. The least I could do was try to make something of myself. Hell, I only started playing football because they fed us breakfast, which saved money.”

Josh fought to keep his emotions under control. “Oh, Tyler.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m proud of it. Big as I am? Five breakfasts a week and away games saved my mom a hundred bucks a month.”

Josh hadn’t known. He knew money had been tight for the Fantanas. Nadia had hinted a few things about her awful father, and their mom working so many jobs. How had he not known? Blinded by Tyler, maybe.

They browsed the farm stand, picking up three hefty cornbreads for Nadia and some ingredients for Tyler’s new Mediterranean diet. Tyler even found a handsewn rat stuffed with organic catnip. “For Mr. Poops.”

As they wandered and shopped, a couple of aggressive Swells fans stopped Tyler for autographs and pictures, drawing attention to them. But Josh was quick to step in again, helping Tyler escape when needed. He couldn’t help but feel a measure of pride in his ability to protect Tyler from the constant attention, even if it was just for the day.

Tyler took his time browsing, dawdling and doubling back. “I can’t get over all the different vendors.”

“Some are local, but some drive a couple hours coming and going because they love the vibe so much. Bands play at night, and they set up a little dance floor. People do fundraisers out here, even a kids’ rodeo in the spring. It’s a great place.”

As they continued their exploration, Josh realized that for whatever reason, Tyler was deliberately stretching their time together. Maybe he just needed some time away from home. Josh decided to seize the opportunity and make good on his original meal offer before heading back.

“Tyler, there’s an amazing tamale stand near the entrance. How about we get a bite to eat before we head home?”

“Sounds good to me!” Tyler replied enthusiastically, his eyes shining with genuine happiness.

That sweet, shared spark slipped into Josh like a match touching paper and spread through him like wildfire, and he couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, today would be the start of something wonderful between them.

With giant cups of fresh lemonade in hand, Tyler and Josh paused their shopping escapades to regroup. The sun blazed overhead, baking their skin as the sweet tartness quenched their thirst. Tyler’s stomach let out an audible growl, making him chuckle sheepishly.

“Okay, I admit it. I’m starving,” he confessed, grinning at Josh. “You’re officially starving me now.”

“Perfect timing. Tia Tamale is calling our name,” Josh replied with a smile. “Amazing Mexican food truck near the entrance. Trust me, you’re going to love it.”

“Lead the way,” Tyler said, his hazel eyes glimmering.

They approached the bright pink food truck.

“I didn’t realize how late it was.” Tyler squinted at him. “Sorry. We should’ve gone home an hour ago.”

“No, sir. We’re good.”

“But I feel like I’m wasting your day.”

“We’re not wasting anything.” Josh shook his head, chuckling. “You want to hang a while longer?” His chest tightened with pleasure at Tyler’s obvious enthusiasm.

“Duh,” Tyler exclaimed and poked him in the ribs.

Josh squawked with laughter and squirmed away. “Jerk.”

Suddenly they were spending the whole afternoon together instead of heading home as planned. A morning had turned into an entire shared day. Josh exhaled happily. “You okay?”

Tyler eyed the crowd, shifting his weight. “Just noticing people noticing me. I should duck out, maybe.” So he did pay attention to it when he had to.

“Absolutely. I got this.” Josh had been tracking the wary, eager look in people’s eyes as they tried to angle toward Tyler. People were pressed close and getting closer. “Anything you don’t eat?”