Page 11 of Love at First Rep

We should get houses next door to each other, and one day our wives will be best friends and our kids will grow up together. …We’ll have the white picket fences and everything.

That’s all they’d ever be. Besties for life.

It had to be that way.

If Rafe stuck around, Garrett would have to tell him about his pansexuality at some point, but that information could wait. They had more important things to discuss. Like drug cartels and where the fuck he’d been for the last twenty years.

What if Rafe lied about everything?

The thought hit him like a medicine ball to the face.

Twenty years was a long-ass time. Rafe might not be the same person. What if he was the bad guy and returning to Garrett was some complex part of his plan as the villain?

He didn’t enjoy thinking the worst, but at least if it was true, it wouldn’t completely blindside him later. He could prepare for it, protect himself from that possibility.

Garrett wished he could protect his heart the same way.

“You okay, man?” a voice said to his right. He spun to see Tobias standing there concerned. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Garrett barked out a bitter laugh, sending Tobias’ dark eyebrows flying up his forehead.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Tobias pursed his lips. “You sure? You want to talk about it later?”

Garrett managed to smirk at that. Tobias wasn’t the type of guy who typically offered to discuss the goings-on of his gym members. Chase had a hell of a positive effect on the guy.

As skilled as Garrett was in spotting clues, it had been obvious to everyone that Tobias and Chase were into each other. The new relationship didn’t turn Tobias into an extrovert, but recently he’d been more open with everyone.

The other day, he’d gifted them all hand-knit beanies, something he’d never have done before. Garrett loved his black and blue one.

For Tobias’ sake, Garrett hoped he didn’t fuck it up somehow. The man was out of practice when it came to wooing anyone, that was for sure.

Still, Garrett appreciated his concern.

“I’m good, just thinking about some work stuff I gotta take care of later.”

Tobias nodded and walked away, monitoring everyone else’s form while they moved through the workout.

Garrett resumed his workout, his eyes following Tobias as he gave Riley a note about his stance.

Maybe he should talk to Riley about his situation. The guy recently started dating his best friend and may have been able to offer some advice about his messy feelings. Of course, for Riley and Josh, it was obvious to literally everyone else that they were perfect for each other and practically already lived like a married couple. But before they made it official, Riley stressed over it.

Garrett shook off that thought. Riley and Josh’s situation was the complete opposite of his and Rafe’s. For all Garrett knew, he’d return home to an empty house and never see Rafe again. Rafe said he would stick around for the case, but Garrett didn’t have a lot of reason to trust him yet.

When he turned away from Riley, he caught Hunter’s eyes. Hunter frowned, so Garrett gave him a reassuring smile and refocused on his own workout.

Maybe he’d ask Hunter to grab some breakfast after this. He needed to talk to someone about everything, and Hunter was as good a sounding board as any. He was a little excitable, but it was endearing.

The guy could easily win a Thor lookalike contest, with his long blond hair and bulging muscles, but he was also like a giant puppy. They’d hung out on occasion, and he was good company. If anything, Hunter would calm some of Garrett’s stress. Pleased with his plan, Garrett focused on the rest of his workout. He could always count on Hunter to make him feel better.

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“Breakfast was such a good idea. I haven’t eaten in almost two hours.”

Garrett blinked at Hunter from across the table.

“I’m curious, how many calories do you consume in a day?”