“That looks like AI to me,” Tobias said, and Chase’s stomach sank. Was he really going to deny everything that happened between them? Thankfully, Chase had gotten ahead of himself. “I could have sworn I used waymore tongue on my new boyfriend last night.”
Chase giggled, and everyone in their circle shouted, “Ohhhh!” Suddenly, a loud pop interrupted the din, and confetti flew around them.
Tobias sighed loudly as Chase found the culprit. Cole held a colorful tube with a ripped opening, a piece of confetti stuck to the edge.
“Cole, do you carry those around all the time now?” Tobias asked begrudgingly.
Cole’s eyes widened. “Holy shit, what an incredible idea. I would always have one on hand. But no, I caught the video highlight and brought it with me to celebrate. I do have a mini stockpile at home for last-minute celebrations. I’m also still workshopping your couple name becauseMoysendsounds like ‘moistened,’ and nobody wants that.Chabias?Tobase? Nothing is working.”
Tobias shook his head and threw his arm around Chase.
“Now everyone is aware of our new relationship status, your warmup for this morning is to clean up the confetti. I’ll put your workout on the screen.”
“Counteroffer,” Riley said. “We pick up the confetti, and then we head to Cherry Meadow Diner for celebratory breakfast. I think we all deserve a rest day, huh, guys?”
Everybody exchanged glances, but Chase only had eyes for Tobias. Chase’s smirk turned into a smile as hewatched the wheels turn in Tobias’ head.
Breakfast sounded amazing, especially if they were able to follow it with a nap.
Tobias raised one brow, and Chase nodded.
“Breakfast it is. Clean this up and then get the hell out of my gym,” Tobias said, but with less heat than usual.
Shawn stepped forward and wrapped Chase in a hug. “I’m so happy for you. I hope he deserves you,” he muttered in Chase’s ear.
“He does. He really does,” Chase said as he returned his brother’s hug.
When they separated, Shawn held out a hand to Tobias.
“Congrats, Tobias. On winning my brother’s affection and last night’s game. Chase deserves the best and it’s clear you make him happy. I’d say ‘welcome to the family’ but I think it’s more like, I hope I can be a part of your family one day. Yours and Chase’s.”
Tobias shook Shawn’s hand and pulled him in for a quick hug, Shawn gasping as he fell into Tobias’ chest. He definitely wasn’t expecting that.
“We’d love that,” Tobias said as he released Shawn, who looked blown away by the interaction. Once he got over the shock, Shawn smiled, and then got on the ground to help pick up the confetti.
Once every piece of confetti had been transferred toa trash can, the group got ready to leave the gym.
Cole was halfway out the door before he froze and spun back around to face them.
“Choby!” he shouted. “Chase and Toby makeChoby. Nailed it!”
Cole high-fived himself and finally left.
Chase started to follow, until Tobias yanked him backward into his arms.
“After breakfast with the guys, how would you feel about heading to your place for some sleep?” Tobias asked.
“Exactly what I was thinking. Grace doesn’t need help with Madison?”
Tobias shook his head. “Nah, now that Natalie is back, they’re spending the morning packing up and getting ready to head home. We’re gonna have one last dinner together tonight, though, if you want to join.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“No, that’s just you.”
Chase smiled and pulled Tobias toward the front of the gym. “C’mon cornball, let’s go fill you up with breakfast so I can take you home.”
He thought about the morning ahead of them as they exited the gym in time to see Garrett slamming on his brakes in the middle of the parking lot.
