Page 81 of Love at First Rep

Fucking Carson. Garrett still couldn’t wrap his head around the fact Carson had spent years working as some sort of hacker spy and helping Rafe’s team. It blew his mind that Carson had known Rafe longer than he’d known Garrett. Carson specialized in discretion as well as computers, but failed at subterfuge. It explained the odd response from Carson when Garrett introduced him to Rafe.

Garrett wanted to be mad at Rafe so badly for all his lies, but he couldn’t unsee the hurt in his best friend’s eyes while Miguel threatened him, the devastation in his face when he thought Garrett would turn around and walk right out after hearing the truth. All of it made Garrett want to hold Rafe until they were finished with this mess, until they were both safe.

Still, a few punches wouldn’t hurt… much.

“You’re not going to kill me, right?” Rafe asked, his quiet voice interrupting Garrett’s confusing mix of angry and sad thoughts. “I know you’re mad, but I think witnessing a murder might upset a few of your friends.”

Despite the glassy appearance of Rafe’s eyes, Garrett couldn’t help but snort at Rafe’s comment.

“Dude, of course I’m not going to kill you. I don’t break the law, remember?”

Rafe winced and Garrett regretted the unintended bitterness in his voice.

“I know, I know, you’ve always been a good boy,” Rafe said, his eyes filled with longing. “The best boy. That’s why I fought so hard to get back to you.”

Garrett couldn’t help but get lost in Rafe’s gaze, the sincerity of his words making Garrett’s heart ache.

“I put you through a lot,” Rafe whispered. “You deserve a free shot at me. And I want you to take it.”

Garrett narrowed his eyes but got interrupted before he could respond.

“Let’s do this.” Tobias’ deep voice filled the room. It helped calm Garrett’s racing heart. Tobias always addressed them before a workout, and tonight was no different. “And you all better tell me if you don’t plan on showing for six a.m. class tomorrow since we’re here late.”

Garrett and Rafe made their way to the ring, where their friends sat, ready to be entertained.

As they walked, the lights went out and a booming voice came over a microphone, the Chicago Bulls entrance song playing on the sound system.

“Welcome to fight night at Gym Rat Fitness,” Lucas said, doing his best impression of Michael Buffer, the famous announcer. A strobe light flickered, the flashing lights giving the gym a creepy vibe. “Tonight, we’ve got man versus man, hottie versus hottie, long lost best friends facing off for the ultimate bragging rights!”

Jesus, who gave Lucas a microphone?

“In this corner,” he continued and someone pointed their phone’s flashlight at Rafe. “Standing at five-foot-ten inches—”

“I’m five-eleven!” Rafe interrupted, but Lucas wasn’t having it.

“Sure you are, honey, and my dick is an actual lollipop. As I was saying, standing at five-ten and here to fight for Garrett’s heart is Rrrrrrafe Hernandeeeeeez!”

The guys cheered. Garrett could just make out someone pushing Rafe toward the ring. He slipped under the ropes and took his spot in front of Tobias.

“In the other corner,” Lucas said as a phone flashlight hit Garrett. “Standing at six-foot-two with abs for days and hair that has no business always looking so feathery, Gaaaaaarrett Peeeeeearsoooooon!”

Garrett chuckled as he made his way to the ring, climbing in to join Rafe and Tobias. Tobias would act as their referee, mostly to make sure they didn’t do anything stupid.

The strobe light and phone flashlights flicked off, and the regular overhead lights turned on. Garrett blinked until his eyes adjusted to the light to see Rafe standing square to him. And looking nervous.

In all the time Garrett had known Rafe, he’d never seen him so nervous. Rafe must have actually believed Garrett would hurt him, and knowing Rafe—he’d let him. He even said so. One free shot. With that one look, Garrett’s rage melted away. All he could see was the brave young boy he fell in love with when they were teenagers. He wanted to put everything that happened between then and now in the past. As much as it haunted him over the years, he needed to set it aside. He was done living in the past with what-ifs repeating in his head every day. His future stood in front of him, and Garrett would fight like hell to keep it.

Garrett smiled softly at Rafe, trying to tell him without words that everything would be okay. That they would be okay. Rafe smirked in response, a twinkle in his eye as Tobias laid out the rules and counted down to their start.

They tapped gloves, and Garrett winked at Rafe. Rafe returned the gesture with a wicked smile.

This is going to be so much fun.

Gym Rat Pack Group Chat

CHASE: Are we completely sure that fight wasn’t rigged?

RILEY: Aw, you’re just mad Josh won the pot.