Chase glanced at Tobias, who shrugged noncommittally, and turned back to Josh. “For the first week, sure. Although, be prepared in case some of those moms flirt with you.”
“Me? Why wouldn’t they flirt with you?”
He shrugged. “They might, but they’ll probably just think I’m cute whereas they’ll be drooling over you.”
A loud scoffing noise came from Tobias’ direction. He froze when he realized it had gained everyone’s attention. Josh thought Tobias had a point. No one everdrooled over him, but now he wondered if Riley ever would…
“You don’t think they’ll drool over Josh, Tobias? Or are you saying Chase isn’t cute?” Riley asked, his eyebrow raised, which always meant he was ready to cause trouble.
Tobias sputtered. “I-I didn’t— Of course, he is. I mean…Urrgh.” He stormed off toward his office without a backward glance, leaving Chase amused and blushing.
“I think you broke him, Riley,” Cole said. “That’s usually my job.”
They all chuckled.
“One of these days, he’s gonna start canceling your memberships,” Hunter said, cracking himself up.
Carson chuckled softly while Garrett rolled his eyes.
“Please, he loves us, he just won’t admit it,” Cole said.
“You keep thinking that,” Chase said, laughing.
Josh could tell how much Tobias cared about them, even if he hated showing it. For starters, theirs was the only class he taught. He didn’t like leading the crowded classes throughout the day, but he always made sure he was there for their six a.m. group. And there was definitely a softness there, which was especially noticeable when it came to Chase.
On their way out of the gym, Garrett approached Josh and Riley.
“Have you guys heard from your crazy client at all?”
“Nah, not since we told you about it,” Josh said.
“I may, um, have forgotten to send you one email that I wanted your opinion on. I’ll send that over today,” Riley said.
Josh could have sworn he’d already sent Garrett everything.
“Sounds good,” the detective said. “Keep me posted if he sends anything else, especially if he escalates.”
“Escalates?” Josh asked.
“Yeah, like if his emails get worse. If he starts sending you photos that aren’t taken on public property, or if he makes threats or something.”
“Shit, you really think he would?” Dizziness hit Josh as he thought about the possible danger they could be in, but a strong hand wrapped itself around his waist. He turned and immediately felt safer with Riley supporting him.
“Don’t worry. That’s why we’re talking to Garrett, to make sure it never gets to that point,” Riley said.
“Yeah, no need to worry. Mostly, it sounds like he’s being a dick so far,” Garrett offered.
“Did someone say dick? I have a name, you know,” Cole said as he joined them.
“Not you, the client of ours who keeps emailing us creepy things,” Riley said.
An amused smile took over Cole’s face, and he camecloser so he could whisper. “Why don’t you guys ask him to meet somewhere public to find out who he is?”
Josh sucked his lips between his teeth as he thought through the suggestion.
“What if he’s dangerous, though?” Riley asked.
“What if you guys end up being best friends? You never know,” Cole said.
