“That’s awesome, you guys,” Chase said as he patted Riley on the back. “You two are really cute together. Always thought so.”
“Yeah, even when you didn’t realize you were together,” Garrett said, laughing.
“Yeah, yeah, we—Oomph!” Riley was cut off as abrute force wrapped him in a bear hug. His back cracked—a fantastic bonus—as he realized Hunter had him lifted off the ground.
“I’m so happy for you guys,” Hunter crowed as he set Riley on the ground and then did the same to Josh. “This is the best day ever.”
Riley could feel the heat in his cheeks at all the attention.
When Hunter released Josh from his body-breaking embrace, he spoke to everyone, “We should totally celebrate.”
“I have the best celebration,” Tobias said, and everyone’s gazes shot to him in shock. “We’re doing a partner workout today, so you guys can work together like a team.”
Cole groaned. “Aww, c’mon, we can do better than that. Drinks at Hero’s later tonight!”
Everyone agreed, and Riley was surprised to see even Tobias concede to come along, to Chase’s delight.
“Okay, Chase is gonna lead us in this warm-up to open your shoulders and get you ready for the pounding they’re about to take, then everyone can grab a partner.”
Josh sidled over to Riley’s side wearing a big grin and asked, “Riley, will you be my partner?”
He leaned into Josh’s space and smacked a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Forever, Josh. It’ll always be you and me.”
————————
Later that night, the group gathered around a table at their favorite pub. The crowd started to flow into the bar in preparation for that night’s live band, but their group had gotten there early so they could snag a good table and grab some food before the place got too busy.
Cole raised his glass, one of his favorite things to do, and drew the attention of everyone at the table.
“I want to say a few words in honor of the Gym Rat Pack’s first couple,” he said, drawing a deep breath. “To Josh and Riley, may you never run out of lube.”
The table broke out in laughter and cheers, even the edge of Tobias’ mouth quirking, and they clinked their glasses together.
“You sayfirstcouple like there’s gonna be more,” Garrett teased. “Who do you think is gonna be next?”
Riley’s money was on Tobias and Chase, but he had enough brains not to point that out. A look in their direction showed Chase’s face getting red while Tobias was overly intrigued by the label on his beer.
“Elena was thinking of joining us during the summer break,” Cole said, saving Chase and Tobias from further scrutiny. “Then she can kick my ass in the gym and at home.”
“I really worry about your mating rituals,” Riley said, drawing laughs from the rest of theguys—except Tobias, who grunted in agreement.
“It works for me, and that’s all that matters,” Cole said.
Hey, he wasn’t about to yuck another person’s yum.
“Maybe Garrett will finally settle down with someone,” Riley said, turning his attention to him. “You’re not getting any younger.”
“Maybe not, but I can still run circles around you,” Garrett said, and he wasn’t wrong.
Garrett often competed in marathons, Iron Man competitions and triathlons. Riley never understood where he got his energy.
“You really can, it’s crazy,” Riley replied.
“Maybe we should try running a marathon with Garrett,” Josh said. “I could always use more cardio.”
“You’re not getting enough cardio?” Cole asked. “Riley, you gotta up your game in the bedroom, bro.”
