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“If you say so.” Josh frowned.

“Promise.” Tyler’s tone and body language didn’t match his words. “Just processing, you know?”

Josh wouldn’t pry, but the urge to comfort Tyler was overwhelming. Instead, he focused on their escape plan. “Listen, I’ve figured out a way to get us out of here without being seen. They got a maintenance exit down the hall we can sneak out.”

“Nice thinking, Batman,” Tyler said, his smile genuine this time. “Right behind you.”

As they made their way down the bright corridor, Josh’s mind raced. What had Dr. Reynolds told Tyler? Was he in worse shape than they thought? Tyler would tell him when he was ready. For now they just needed to get out of this place without any photos.

“Almost there,” he whispered, gesturing to a nondescript gray door ahead. “Cilla Miller and all the rest can kiss my behind.”

Tyler nodded, his strong hand gripping Josh’s shoulder in gratitude. “Thanks. For everything.”

He shot Tyler a grin. “Always.”

Josh popped open the maintenance exit. He checked the alley but saw no one. Heads down, he and Tyler trotted toward the safety of the parking lot.

As they approached, Josh popped the locks, then swung into the driver’s seat as the passenger door opened opposite. “Ta-da! No jerks. No footage.”

“Mission improbable.” Tyler jumped into the truck himself and closed his door. “You’re a miracle worker.”

Josh drove them away from the doctor’s office, checking the rearview mirror. “All clear. We’re good.”

“Thanks for bringing me today. After my run-in last time, I was trying to be careful. And Nadia got stuck on a conference call.”

“You kidding?” Josh glanced at him. “The staff gave me all the dirt. I know your stats, your BMI, your cholesterol levels, your allergies. No more secrets, baby.”

Tyler chuckled. “Well, one or two.”

“That’s what you think. I had Reynolds install a tracker, and now every time you sneak off for tamales without me, I’ll know.” He squeezed Tyler’s thigh and patted it with affection. “Consider yourself warned, Captain Fantastic.”

“Mmm. Tamales.” Tyler closed his eyes with a smile and rested his head back on the seat.

“You hungry?”

“No.” Tyler turned. “Overwhelmed, I think. My health. Nadia. The school. Team. Heart. You.” He shook his head. “Everything.”

“Okay.” Josh kept his eyes on the road. “Are we moving too fast?”

“No! God, no. Not at all. I don’t mean that. Please don’t think— Oh Josh, I would never….” Tyler sighed, and for a disconcerting moment, he stared out the window. “Reynolds, uh… she gave me the all-clear. I’m healthy.”

Josh turned in shock, worried he might steer them off the road. “Do what now? You what?”

“Not games right away. Not yet, at least. But my heart’s strong enough now to start training again. Light stuff to start, but in a month or two I’ll be ready to rejoin the team.”

“Tyler, that’s amazing!” Josh exclaimed, beaming. “That’s phenomenal news. I’m so proud of you.”

“You should get the credit.” Tyler took Josh’s hand and squeezed their laced fingers, then raised the knuckles to his lips to kiss them. “I wanted to tell her, Dr. Reynolds. Nothing would be possible without you.” The raw tenderness in his voice hurt to hear.

“You know….” Josh squeezed back. “You know I’d do anything.”

“Yeah.” Tyler nodded, but his smile seemed bittersweet. “Yeah. It’s pretty crazy to think I might actually play again after everything that happened.”

Trying to lighten the mood, Josh said, “You know… this calls for a real celebration. How about I take you out for a nice dinner tonight? We can toast to your recovery, eat like pigs, and… whatever comes next.”

“Please.” Tyler reached over and squeezed Josh’s hand. “I’d really love that.” He exhaled. “You’re right. We should go out.”

“Well, Mr. Fantana… then will you allow me to squire you out for drinks, dinner, and possible debauchery?”