Chapter Six

JOSH’S HEARTraced 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.”

“Life, huh? You don’t have to punch a clock. You’re my friend.”

“Thanks.” Josh nodded.

“I want to thank you for what you’ve done for….” Nadia jerked her chin toward the bedrooms. “You saved him.”

Josh shrugged. “He’s been working pretty hard.”

“Uh-huh.” Her gaze held him for a long moment, steady and knowing, before she turned to the fridge. A high-pitched sound came from the pantry. “That’s Mr. Poops.”

At first Josh had no idea what she was talking about, and then he felt something weave between and around his legs. Sure enough, a plush orange tabby with a fluffy plume of a tail looked up at him with giant eyes and squeaked plaintively, like a starving orphan in an infomercial. “Mr. Poops?”

“Don’t believe any of his pity-party con job. He pretends he’s starving, but he’s eaten his weight in kibble the past six hours.” She bent and scooped up the cat, cradling him against her chest. “He tricks Tyler into double feeding him because someone is a big mushball. Isn’t he, Poops?” The cat started purring and rubbing his face against her throat and ear. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Breakfast?”

“Actually, I plan to drag your brother to eat up at Tia Tamale,” Josh replied, feeling his cheeks warm under her scrutiny. “Or, uhh, you could come with. I mean, if you want.”

“I’m good. It’s all good. I love that place.” Nadia’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Tyler could use someone to count on right now.” She paused, her eyes twinkling. “Someone special.”

“Hang on.” Josh swallowed hard. “I’m just trying to help.”

“Of course you are, Joshua.” She patted him on the arm affectionately before turning away, leaving him to wonder how much she remembered about his feelings for her brother. “And I’m just trying to help you.”

“Sorry.”

Just then, Tyler appeared at the top of the stairs. His damp brown hair looked almost black, his shirt stretched by the muscle. His shoulders seemed to brush the walls of the small hallway.

“Hey, man! You ready?” Tyler asked, his hazel eyes alight with anticipation.

“Absolutely,” Josh replied, glancing at Nadia and her blissed-out con-artist cat. “Let’s hit the road.”

“Play nice, boys,” Nadia called after them as they headed out the door.

“Was Nadia giving you crap?” Tyler asked, his gaze flicking between them.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Josh replied with a grin. “Now, let’s go buy some produce. We’ve only got an hour at the farm stand, after all.”

As they climbed into the truck, Josh reminded himself to keep a lid on his feelings, past and present. He knew it wouldn’t be long before Tyler split back to his fancy NFL life in San Diego and everything went back to normal, but for now, he’d savor this moment, this brief window of time when everything he’d ever hoped still felt possible.

The highway stretched out before them, a scatter of clouds casting odd shadows that slipped across the blacktop. Josh gripped the wheel of his truck, stealing glances at Tyler as they drove east toward Ocotillo Heights. Anticipation made it hard to focus on the road.

“Man, it’s been ages since I’ve been up this way,” Tyler said, gazing out the window.

“Getting out of town for a bit will be good for both of us.” Although he said it casually, Josh needed this day to be perfect, to find a way to bridge the gap between them without revealing too much.

“Where’s this farm stand at?”

“West of Ocotillo. I think the main building was originally built for crop storage, but stalls popped up and it grew into a farmer’s market. And then a whatever-the-hell emporium.”

Tyler poked him and winked. “My favorite kind.”

As they pulled into the bustling farmer’s market, the scent of fresh produce and spices filled the air. They hopped out and walked over to the entrance table to pay their five-buck entries. Josh noticed some double takes at Tyler’s famous face, but for the most part folks left them alone.

After so many years, this place had become a huge draw for anyone within a thirty-mile radius, guaranteeing a mix of farmers, old hippies, and funky artists who gathered here each weekend to buy and sell. People milled about, examining weird handmade gifts and sampling food from various stalls. Tyler’s eyes widened with excitement as they wandered through the vibrant chaos.

Josh nodded at the entrance. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Can we look around first?” Tyler seemed fascinated by the cheerful mishmash of it all. His grin kept getting bigger as his eyes roamed from stall to stall.

“Of course! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed,” Josh replied, grinning. “They got food trucks, a swap meet, and games for the kids. They even do a maze at Halloween.”

“And some kind of breakfast.” Tyler sounded skeptical.

“Well… more like brunch. But delicious. There’s a crepe stand inside. And Westfall Orchards does a homemade fruit-yogurt thing if you want. Or you could hold out for the real deal.” Josh waggled his brows, trying to make a joke of his suggestion.

Tyler looked him up and down and smiled slowly. “Yeah? That’s pretty mysterious. What does that mean exactly?”

“If you can hold out and work up an appetite, I can make it worth your while.”

“I like the sound of that, Ayres.” Tyler didn’t laugh. Actually, he leaned in closer and his voice got husky, as though he were swapping secrets, mumbling right into Josh’s ear. “I’m a sucker for delayed gratification.”

The hair on Josh’s neck stood up at the shivery tickle, though he kept his voice level. “That so?”

But Tyler had walked on, leaving Josh stunned in his wake.

Had Tyler just been flirting with him? That had to be serious flirting, right? Or was this like their “big banana” joke? Did bros talk like that to each other outside of porn?

“This is way more than a farm stand, though. I mean, I see some produce, but it seems more like a fancy flea market.”

“You got weaving. Pottery. Taxidermy. Candy. Leatherwork. Rabbits.” Josh nodded at some of the stalls in their immediate vicinity, raising his hand to a couple of vendors who knew him on sight. “You never know what’ll turn up.”

“Music to my ears, my man.” Without warning, Tyler wrapped a heavy arm around him and squeezed him in a hard side hug. “And I brought cash for both of us.”

“No, no. This is on me.”

Tyler rolled his eyes. “Humor me. Who are the regulars?”

“Sometimes a local barber comes to cut hair. A bunch of local farms and orchards bring produce. That family down there makes the world’s best jalape?o cornbread. Nadia’s favorite.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Then your sister has been hiding it from you out of pure selfishness for more than ten years.”

“Nadia’s been here?”

“Oh God. All the time. We used to come out every weekend in high school. I even worked here one Christmas, wrapping presents. Your mom loved the strawberries from that place on the right. Huge.”

“Josh?” Tyler said quietly and touched his arm. “Do you think we could stay a little longer? Just to explore some more.”

“Sure.” Josh tried to ignore the flutter in his chest at the prospect of spending more time together. “I’m in no hurry.”

Just then, a young mom browsing a macramé stall with her kids spotted Tyler Fantana, NFL superstar.

Josh watched the whole celebrity sighting experience unfold in real time: America’s Tightest End in the flesh. First the realization dawned on her face, and her whole body stiffened, like a dog seeing a steak hit the floor. The minute she decided to raise a ruckus, the whole crowd would rush them and the day would be ruined.

Josh shifted to Tyler’s left to block her view and to get away from the most active cluster of stalls. Tyler didn’t seem to realize he’d been spotted or clock the danger. He must be used to this kind of continual hassle from strangers. Josh stared at the woman as they approached, willing her to look up and see him.

Finally she did.

She looked from Tyler to Josh and their eyes caught. He saw the urge to interrupt sweep over her face. Holding firm, he shook his head side to side, not grinning or giving her an ounce of permission. Her face fell, but to her credit, she stayed put with a rueful nod. She watched them pass, hope and disappointment warring on her face.

Tyler never noticed.

“I never had a clue this was out here,” Tyler exclaimed, picking up an intricately carved wooden lizard studded with agates.

“Maybe you had other things to think about. Games to win, girls to charm.”

Tyler made a face. “Yeah. Shows you what I knew.”

Josh looked at him a moment before confessing, “I always admired that. Your certainty.”

“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?”

“You’re funny. Try me.” Tyler snorted. “I dare you. Please. I’ve eaten mud, my friend, and cardboard. I’ve eaten salty jockstraps.” He squeezed Josh’s shoulder and sauntered away before Josh realized what he’d said.

He meant jockstraps on the field. Right? That was a metaphor, right? Josh wiped sweat from his face, trying not to think about Tyler in a jockstrap.

While Tyler went to claim a large rock under a stand of yucca trees, Josh stepped up to the counter and ordered a real mix: venison, quail, trout, even alligator. At least the crowd had calmed down some once the hometown heartthrob removed himself from the fray.

“This is perfect.” Josh returned to Tyler with a tray piled high with steaming tamales. “You better be famished. I’m counting on you, superstar.”

Tyler’s eyes widened in amazement, and his grin grew even wider. “Wow, you weren’t kidding about this place!” he exclaimed as they dug in.

Josh started with the quail, the rich, smoky flavor dancing on his tongue. Tyler’s favorites turned out to be the venison and the alligator, of all things, although that might have been because Josh only left him one quail to try.

Tyler tried to look offended. “You’re not even sorry.”

Josh shook his head, chewing. “Not even a little.”

“This is how you do me.” Tyler pressed his hands to his heart.

“Have to come back, I guess.”

Tyler patted his stomach. “You’ve got a deal, my man.”

After they finished their meal, they tossed the garbage.

“Thank you for spending so much time with me today, Josh,” Tyler said sincerely. “I can’t remember the last time I just goofed off like this.”

“Hey, no problem,” Josh replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I’m having a blast.”

A pretty server from the tamale stand approached them. “Mr. Fantana, is it okay if I ask for an autograph?”

“After that meal?” Tyler didn’t flinch. “Of course. Your food is phenomenal.”

“My mother’s. Would you tell her that yourself? She’d just die.”

“Well, hopefully not that.” Tyler looked up at her. “What would you like me to sign?”

She held up a paper plate and a sharpie. “This is all I could find.”

“Works for me.” Tyler grinned and scrawled his jagged autograph on the plate. “Now where’s your amazingly talented mama?”

She quietly led them back to the food truck and then took Tyler in the side door.

Josh shook his head at them. “I’ll wait here.”

From inside there was a muffled squeal and then a gabble of voices. He couldn’t hear what Tyler was saying, but even without words, his exuberance and affection were completely audible. It sounded like Tyler was speaking Spanish.

A couple of moments later Tyler’s dark head popped out.

Josh grinned. “Well, you just made her day.”

“Are you kidding? She just made mine. Those tamales were next level.” He opened his arms like he wanted to hug the whole food truck. “Phenomenal. How did I not know about this place?”

“They’ve been here twenty-nine years. What she didn’t tell you was that her mother learned to cook from her mother.” Josh sighed happily. “I used to bring anyone I could drag out to Ocotillo. Nadia’s been a bunch of times.”

“Not with me.” Tyler pretended to be offended. “Which means there is going to be hell to pay when I get home.”

Josh laughed. “Be nice. I could have brought you in high school, but we weren’t friends back then.”

“All my fault.” Tyler draped one huge arm around his neck and tugged him close in a bro hug. “See? If I’d have known you all this time, I’d be a much happier man. Goes to show what happens when you don’t act right.”

Just then the young server popped her head out, beaming. “Thank you, Mr. Fantana. She’s so happy. She’s going to frame that photo.”

“Good. You tell her I can’t wait to come back.”

“I didn’t know you spoke Spanish. You should check out the art festival in Ocotillo Heights.”

“Thanks.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I mean…. It’s not far from here. Soon as we finish lunch, I’m, uhh, headed there myself.”

Uh-oh.

Tyler nodded at her, seemingly oblivious to her obvious invitation to get a bit more personal. “Maybe we will.”

On impulse, Tyler and Josh decided to visit Ocotillo as she suggested, which only extended their time together. The thrill of spontaneity surged through Josh, and he couldn’t help but feel as if they were circling something special.

After lunch, they climbed back into Josh’s truck and drove into town to check out the festival. The small-town square was packed with local artists, crafts, and even a dance floor, with bands playing everything from Tejano to bluegrass. The atmosphere was electric, alive with people enjoying the various attractions. As they walked through the crowd, Tyler’s fans got more aggressive than the people at the farm stand.

“Hey, isn’t that Tyler Fantana?” someone shouted, pointing at him. Soon enough, a throng began to gather around them, clamoring for autographs and photos.

Josh’s protective instincts kicked in. He steered Tyler off the main street, seeking refuge down one of the quieter side streets. Their hands bumped and brushed, but neither took hold. It was a delicate dance, but Josh was too uncertain of where they stood.

“Sorry about that,” Tyler said, his voice apologetic as they strolled along the nearly deserted sidewalk.

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” Josh reassured him. “We’re here to have fun, right?”

Tyler nodded, his hazel eyes crinkling with a smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Josh.”

As they continued walking, they stumbled upon a quaint used bookstore tucked away between two brick buildings. A hand-painted sign above the door read Off the Beaten Shelf. The afternoon sun blazed overhead, and escaping into the cool, quiet sanctuary of the shop seemed like the perfect way to spend their time.

“Want to browse a bit?” Josh suggested, already stepping toward the entrance.

“Definitely,” Tyler agreed.

The store smelled of old paper and candle wax, a comforting scent that enfolded them as they entered. Homemade shelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of creased paperbacks, coffee table books, and hardbound oldies.

As they perused the various sections, Josh felt a warmth in his chest watching Tyler peer at a pile of battered gothic romances with majestic bafflement, like a lion considering a bathtub. Something about juxtaposing Tyler and the comforting familiarity of books felt almost hopeful, a quiet bubble away from the festival.

“So what’s your go-to?” Tyler asked, tapping the spines of the books and drifting along the shelves.

Josh laughed softly. “I used to be really into sci-fi and fantasy when I was younger. Give me epic quests and faraway planets any day. But these days if I’m teaching an elective, a lot of history and biography. Whatever ties into the topic.”

Tyler nodded. “Yeah, with football I never really have time to read for fun anymore. But I kind of miss it, you know? Getting lost in a story.” He paused, glancing over at Josh. “Maybe you could recommend something good for me?”

Josh felt a swell of affection for Tyler in that moment, touched that this football star who could have anything he wanted sought his input.

“Sure, let me see what I can find,” Josh said. He scanned the shelves intently until his eyes landed on a familiar title: The Three Musketeers. It had been one of Josh’s favorites in college. He plucked it from the shelf and held it out to Tyler.

“Classic but fun. Less stuffy than it looks. Great adventure. Killer villains. Swashbucklers, sword fights, seductions, slapstick… guaranteed good time.”

“Slapstick and seductions. My faves.” Tyler grinned, turning the book over in his hands. “Good call, Coach.”

They made their purchases—the Musketeers for Tyler and a bio of Teddy Roosevelt for Josh. As they stepped back out into the sunlight, Josh felt closer to Tyler than ever.

Tyler and Josh climbed back into Josh’s truck, the day’s purchases stowed safely on the floorboard behind them.

As Josh turned the key in the ignition, he paused and looked over at Tyler. “Hey, if you’re not in a rush to get back, there’s a pretty cool spot not too far from here that I think you’d like. It’s a bit of a hike, but I used to go there all the time as a kid.”

“Please.” Tyler’s face lit up with interest. “Count me in.”

Happy that he still seemed keen on extending their day, Josh drove them about twenty minutes south and west in the direction of the Palomar Observatory, eventually parking in a small dirt lot at the base of a hiking trail.

“It’s just up this way.” Josh pointed to a narrow path leading up the mountainside.

They set off, making casual conversation as they hiked. The exertion felt good after spending so much time in the truck. About halfway up, the trees thinned out and they found themselves high above the valley, with views stretching for miles. Josh’s truck was a speck on the road below, dwarfed by the wide valley oaks hugging the slope.

Josh led Tyler off the main trail for another few minutes. “If you need a break, you say something.”

Tyler shook his head. “Are you kidding? This is heaven.” He drew up short and turned to Josh in confusion, because the winding dirt path ended abruptly at a rock face that hid something spectacular.

“Trust me.” Josh grinned and beckoned him, ducking under some low branches until they emerged in a rocky clearing. “This is it,” he announced, his voice barely above a whisper. “My secret spot as a kid.”

This view never failed to make him feel small in the best possible way.

Tyler turned in a slow circle, taking in the incredible panoramic view of the valley, Mesa Grande in the distance with Ocotillo Heights and even their hometown nestled farther to the west. “I… this is—I don’t have the words.”

Josh nodded. “Right?”

Tyler let out a low whistle as he took it all in. “Not too shabby, Joshua. Pretty effing terrific.”

Josh tipped his head. “Come here.” They sat on the edge, legs dangling over the cliffside, shoulders just barely touching. A comfortable silence settled between them. Josh snuck a glance at Tyler, his handsome face serene as he watched the sunset smear brilliant peach and gold across the horizon. His eyes were damp. “You okay?”

Tyler wiped his eyes roughly. “I’m so much better than okay. I’m great.”

Josh nodded, waiting for him to continue.

Tyler sighed. “I’m not sure I can go back,” he finally said.

“Home?”

“No.” Tyler kept his eyes on the orange horizon as he began to speak. “Can I tell you something?” he asked softly.

“Anything,” Josh replied. Inside, his heart beat faster.

“Lately I’ve been thinking about making a change. Something. Hard to explain. Can’t let fear run my life anymore, you know?” Tyler chuckled and glanced up at him. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, my future. Whether football is even something I want to do anymore.”

Josh was too startled to respond.

Tyler let out a long exhale before continuing. “Eleven years in the league takes its toll. But it was always worth it, you know? The fame. The fans. The team.” His low voice took on a raw huskiness that made Josh ache. “But now? I’m not sure my body can handle the punishment. And even if it could….” He trailed off, brows bunched with worry.

Josh listened intently, trying to give Tyler space to wrestle with the turmoil on his face. “Should you take the punishment.”

“Exactly. Part of me would give up anything to get back out on that field again. I miss the team, the rush of it. But ever since the heart attack… I don’t know. Why? It just doesn’t seem as important anymore.”

“Choices.” Josh’s cheeks warmed, but he took a deep breath before continuing. “For what it’s worth, I get it. I’ve felt stuck here. Did I play things too safe? Never left home, never took a risk, never played to win.”

“Hardly.” Tyler counted off on his big fingers. “Students who love you. Cool job. No stalkers. Supportive community. Real roots. From where I’m sitting, you got the world by the tail.”

Josh snorted. “You make my life sound way cooler than it feels.”

“I’m scared of taking another hit, of risking my health again. I don’t want to die at thirty-five,” Tyler admitted. “But I’m also scared of walking away completely. Football has been my whole life since high school.”

“Of course it has.” Josh kept his gaze fixed on the reddening sky, heart thumping.

“I don’t know how to explain it. Maybe I already wanted a change. Even before the attack. I can’t remember now, but I think I did. Maybe it’s time to figure out who I am without football being my whole identity.”

“Wherever you end up, they’ll be lucky to have you,” Josh offered.

Tyler bumped his shoulder against Josh’s a second, then furrowed his brow. “I just don’t like going out this way, like a failure. After I blew it. On my knees eating dirt in front of the whole world. It’s one thing to go out a champion—”

“But you are a champion, several times over. Anybody who gives you crap was full of crap to start with.”

Tyler laughed at that. “Fair enough.”

“You’ve got nothing left to prove. Anyone who matters knows how great you are.” Josh squeezed his shoulder.

“That means a lot coming from you.” Tyler finally turned to look at him fully.

Josh let himself get lost in those warm eyes. “You don’t have to make any big decisions right now,” he said gently. “One day at a time. Do what feels right, deep down. Trust your heart. And no matter what, I’ll be right here supporting you.”

Tyler gave a tiny, grateful smile. “Thanks, Josh. That really means a lot.” By now, he was silhouetted by the blazing horizon, his white teeth a gleam in the shadows of his face. “Jeez. Look at that sunset.”

Josh turned to look. “Yeah.”

“I see why you love it up here.”

Josh stared into his eyes a moment. “Mmmh.” For that endless second, he fought the urge to take Tyler’s hand, to confess his feelings, to say something sappy and irrevocable.

Instead he just sat thigh to thigh with America’s Tightest End, hand pressed alongside his hand, and watched the sun put itself to bed. His heart swelled to bursting, and he savored every second they sat there together in his favorite place.

They stayed sitting in the quiet until the last rays disappeared below the horizon.

As the early darkness settled around them, Josh nodded slowly, taking in the beauty of the vista one last time before turning to Tyler. “We should probably start heading back before it gets too dark to find our way back down.”

“Okay.” Tyler nodded.

From the way he moved, Josh could tell his body was starting to ache after the wandering and the long hike. Keeping one steadying hand on Tyler’s flexing back, Josh carefully maneuvered them down the trail back to his truck, hating that he couldn’t protect Tyler from his pain.

“It’s good.” Once they were back on the road home, Tyler leaned his head against the window, eyes closed. “Thanks for wasting your whole day off with me,” he murmured.

Josh’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Wasn’t a waste at all,” he countered.

He drove extra slowly over the bumpy back roads, not wanting to jostle Tyler and exacerbate his discomfort. By the time they pulled up to Tyler’s sister’s house, he was barely keeping his eyes open.

Josh walked him to the front door, neither of them in a hurry to say goodbye. They lingered on the porch, Tyler swaying slightly as if tipsy with exhaustion, clutching an armful of his collected farm stand booty. “Bummed.”

“Why bummed?”

“This was… an amazing day.”

Again, Josh’s heart jumped as he looked up into Tyler’s intense hazel gaze. Tyler’s face seemed to hold a question or an expectation, but for what? Was Josh just projecting his own fantasies onto someone who deserved better? He wanted so badly to say something, to pull Tyler into his arms, but the risk felt too real.

“Well… good night,” Josh finally rasped, his voice strained.

Tyler bobbed his head and rocked back on his heels. “Night, Josh. And thanks again, for everything.”

Josh managed a tight nod before forcing himself to walk away. He could feel Tyler’s eyes following him until he climbed into his truck. As he turned the key and pulled away from the curb, his heart overflowed with hope, happiness, and no small amount of anxiety about what exactly he was supposed to do now.