Page 8 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“Whatwasthat?” Joey asks, joining me on the floor.

“She works at the office,” I tell him. “We went out once a while back. She’s pretty and all, but it was one of those things where I knew it wasn’t going to work out, so I was honest with her. Told her we couldn’t go out again. Hate having to say no a second time.”

Joey is quiet for a minute, so I get up and put my weights away. When I plunk back onto the mat, he asks, “Why didn’t it work out?”

“Hm? Oh. She was rude to our waiter.”

“You… You declined a second date with her because she was rude?” he asks. He doesn’t sound miffed by that, more intrigued, maybe.

I shrug. “I mean, yeah, man. I know not everyone in the world is kind. But I get to decide what sort of people I let into my life, you know? I don’t want to surround myself with negativity like that.”

“Wow,” he says quietly. “That’s… Yeah, I like that a lot.”

“Yeah?” I ask with a grin.

He nods, cheeks a little red from our workout.

I bump his shoulder with my own. “Glad you approve. Now help stretch me out?”

A little puff of air leaves his lips. I think he mutters afuckas I roll onto my back, but maybe he’s just worn out? Would make sense if he’s coming off a cold.

“If you’re too tired, we don’t have to…”

“No, it’s fine,” he cuts in, popping up onto his knees. “What are we doing?”

“Hamstrings, man. They’re tight.”

He groans quietly, eyes slipping shut for a second as he nods. “Yep. Okay.”

Poor guy seems a little off, but I’m not going to push him on it. If he says he’s fine to keep going, I’ll trust he knows his limits. Besides, it’ll be quick, and he doesn’t even have to do much. Then we can hydrate, smash some protein bars or something, and call it good.

“All right,” I say, thrusting my leg into the air. “Have at it, man.”

Joey blows out a slow breath as he eases into place near my ass. He presses against the back of my leg with his upper body and arms, not too hard, just right. I groan at the stretch.

“Fuck, yeah,” I mutter. “Can really feel it, you know?”

Joey coughs out an affirmative. Once my first leg is stretched, he leans back, and I toss my other into the air.

“Do me again,” I tell him.

He huffs a short laugh, sliding over a couple inches. “Christ, I can’t tell if you’re doing this on purpose.”

I’m about to askdoing what?when he presses his weight onto my leg. “Fuuuck. Good. Yep. Right there.”

“Jesus, Brad,” he says, shaking his head a little.

“What?”

Joey’s eyes dance with humor, voice dropping as he says, “You’re just so fucking tight.”

“Iknowit, man. You’re telling me. Sorry I’m all sweaty, by the way. I’m getting you wet.”

He huffs another laugh, his hand shifting down my thigh for a better hold. “I was already wet. And I don’t mind.”

“Guess that’s what showers are for, huh?” I say, easing out a breath as he lets go of my leg. “Washes away all manner of sins.”

Joey gives me alookas he stands up.

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