Page 55 of Love at First Rep

Rafe grinned as they walked to the stretching area, where Cole and Hunter were getting ready for class. They offered simple nods to say hello. At six in the morning, most people weren’t bursting with energy yet. Rafe loved working out early in the day when the rest of the world slept, and apparently, so did everyone else here.

“Rafe, how are you enjoying Cherrywood?” Hunter asked.

Cole scoffed before he could answer, his face lighting up with mischief. “Judging by the hickey on his neck, Rafe is enjoying it just fine.”

Garrett’s gaze snapped to Rafe’s neck while Rafe focused on Garrett.

Rafe held his breath, worried how Garrett would react, not sure if he wanted the guys to know about them, but he shrugged and said, “Oops?”

Rafe exhaled a chuckle, and Hunter and Cole laughed.

“I am indeed enjoying Cherrywood and spending time with Garrett,” Rafe said as he grabbed a giant rubber band to stretch with.

“Have you been to Hero’s yet?” Hunter asked.

“Not yet. What’s that?”

“It’s a bar we like to go to. Good food, good drinks, good times all around.”

“We should all go tonight,” Cole said. “Scratch that. We are going tonight. It’s officially mandatory.”

Garrett groaned. Based on the stories he’d told Rafe, exasperation was expected with Cole around. “That’s not how life works.”

“Yeah, you’re not the boss of everyone, Cole,” Hunter said and pursed his lips in thought. “However, I would be up for going tonight. I don’t have to work late.”

“I’d be down for a night out,” Rafe agreed as he turned to Garrett.

Garrett’s head fell back, seeking help from above that wouldn’t come. “You know you’re only encouraging him if we agree to go.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Rafe said as three more people joined them. Cole pointed at Carson, Riley and Josh, a wide grin on his face. “Hero’s Pub tonight. It’s mandatory, so you can’t say no.”

Riley and Josh cheered while Carson shrugged and nodded.

Rafe couldn’t help but smile at the grimace on Garrett’s face, but when he turned to Rafe he sensed nothing but amusement. Garrett loved these guys, and Rafe wanted to get to know them better since he hoped to be around Garrett for the rest of his life.

Speaking of Garrett’s friends, an idea hit Rafe. “Should we invite Lucas?”

Shock hit him as Garrett’s eyes widened in fear.

“Who’s Lucas?” Cole asked.

Garrett ran a hand down his face, and Rafe couldn’t help but be confused.

“Uh, he’s Garrett’s best friend?” Rafe answered carefully, unsure how none of them knew Lucas.

Part of it became clear when shouts of dismay erupted from the group, including from Chase as he and Tobias joined them. Why would Garrett hide someone so important to him? Rafe narrowed his eyes as he wondered why Garrett would want to keep him a secret. Lucas was awesome.

Another sigh emanated from Garrett, his eyes still on a confused and bewildered Rafe.

“I’ve managed to keep Lucas and Cole separated for years. I’m pretty sure I’ve had nightmares about what would happen with those two in the same room.”

Rafe sucked his lips between his teeth, trying his best not to laugh.

Oh, this will be so good.

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Rafe couldn’t help but giggle when they got to Hero’s Pub in time for trivia night.