GARRETT:Pics or it didn’t happen. Also, for proof of life.
TOBIAS:::blurry selfie displaying his middle finger::
GARRETT:Not good enough. Wellness check en route.
TOBIAS:If you send a cop car to my house I’ll cancel your membership.
HUNTER:Okay, it’s really him. Close one.
19
CHASE STARED AT YESTERDAY’S Gym Rat Pack group chat as he ate breakfast, trying to convince himself it happened.
He had a text from Shawn too, asking to get together for lunch soon, but he simply couldn’t focus on that yet. He was too busy being worried if Tobias had actually been taken over by a pod person.
Soon, he’d head to the gym and get some face-to-face time with Tobias. In fact, everyone seemed pretty excited to get there and make sure he hadn’t been replaced by a pod person.
Judging by their reactions, it was atypical of Tobias to show any emotion or affection toward the guys at the gym, but Chase could tell how much Tobias cared about them. Why else would he wake up to teach a six a.m. class six days a week just to hang out with them?
Tobias hid his gooey center behind his hard exterior and that really did it for Chase. It made him desperate to see that gooey side as often as he could.
Chase bundled up before leaving his apartment to head to the gym. His home was a simple space, but it had enough room for him to do yoga, as well as enough space in the bedroom for a full-sized bed. Cherrywood wasn’t an overly expensive place to live, but this was the best he could do with his paychecks. It helped when Tobias gave him a nice bump with the kids’ classes, especially after members started demanding more sessions.
Being in demand felt powerful, especially since Chase usually vied for the attention of other people.
The short drive to work took longer than usual as he hit all four red lights between him and the gym, but eventually he parked his old Civic next to Tobias’ Land Rover.
After his hockey career, Tobias probably could have afforded any car he wanted, but he spent most of his money on his family and the gym, and Chase’s heart melted at the thought.
Tobias worked so hard at maintaining his grumpy exterior to hide all the emotions running through him. He was the perfect example oflooks like he could kill you, but really a cinnamon roll.
Chase walked into the quiet gym to find Tobias moving benches around by the weight racks. After dropping his stuff in one of the open cubbies, he walked overto where Tobias adjusted the incline of one of the benches.
“Morning, boss.”
Tobias jumped backward at the interruption. Apparently, Chase was sneakier than he thought.
“Damn, I didn’t hear you come in,” he said, holding his hand against his chest, a small smile growing on his face. Chase wondered if Tobias’ heart raced as fast as Chase’s every time he saw the guy. “Morning. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know, the usual,” Chase said, stretching his arms above him and taking note of the way Tobias tracked his hoodie riding up, exposing a sliver of skin. “Thinking about my incredible morning yesterday and wondering how soon we could do it again.”
Tobias’ gaze swung from Chase’s stomach to his eyes, and Chase clocked the bob of Tobias’ throat as he swallowed.
“You, uh, you’d want to do it again, huh?” Tobias asked, his cheeks pink as he turned away to continue setting up the benches.
“As often as possible, but I’d also like to hang out later if you’re up for it.” Chase paused to take a deep breath. “Get a bite to eat, catch a movie, hit up a yarn store. Whatever you’re up for.”
Tobias finished with the benches—finally—and turned to Chase with wonder on his face.He opened his mouth to speak when a commotion from the gym entrance interrupted them.
Cole, Riley and Josh burst through the door from the lounge and rushed over to Tobias. They slowed to a stop when they got within a few feet and stared at him in awe.
Riley approached first, quietly and slowly, and reached out his hand, poking Tobias in his bulky shoulder.
“Okay, he’s not a hologram, but I’m still not convinced it’s really him,” Riley said, flicking a glance Chase’s way before turning back to Tobias. “Is it really you?”
“User error. Please enter admin password to continue,” Tobias deadpanned, and Cole fell to the ground, pretending to faint. Josh and Riley continued to stare open-mouthed at Tobias.
Chase laughed, and Garrett, Hunter and Carson walked in next. They also went straight over to Tobias, asking similar questions.
