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Just then the young server popped her head out, beaming. “Thank you, Mr. Fantana. She’s so happy. She’s going to frame that photo.”

“Good. You tell her I can’t wait to come back.”

“I didn’t know you spoke Spanish. You should check out the art festival in Ocotillo Heights.”

“Thanks.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I mean…. It’s not far from here. Soon as we finish lunch, I’m, uhh, headed there myself.”

Uh-oh.

Tyler nodded at her, seemingly oblivious to her obvious invitation to get a bit more personal. “Maybe we will.”

On impulse, Tyler and Josh decided to visit Ocotillo as she suggested, which only extended their time together. The thrill of spontaneity surged through Josh, and he couldn’t help but feel as if they were circling something special.

After lunch, they climbed back into Josh’s truck and drove into town to check out the festival. The small-town square was packed with local artists, crafts, and even a dance floor, with bands playing everything from Tejano to bluegrass. The atmosphere was electric, alive with people enjoying the various attractions. As they walked through the crowd, Tyler’s fans got more aggressive than the people at the farm stand.

“Hey, isn’t that Tyler Fantana?” someone shouted, pointing at him. Soon enough, a throng began to gather around them, clamoring for autographs and photos.

Josh’s protective instincts kicked in. He steered Tyler off the main street, seeking refuge down one of the quieter side streets. Their hands bumped and brushed, but neither took hold. It was a delicate dance, but Josh was too uncertain of where they stood.

“Sorry about that,” Tyler said, his voice apologetic as they strolled along the nearly deserted sidewalk.

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” Josh reassured him. “We’re here to have fun, right?”

Tyler nodded, his hazel eyes crinkling with a smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Josh.”

As they continued walking, they stumbled upon a quaint used bookstore tucked away between two brick buildings. A hand-painted sign above the door read Off the Beaten Shelf. The afternoon sun blazed overhead, and escaping into the cool, quiet sanctuary of the shop seemed like the perfect way to spend their time.

“Want to browse a bit?” Josh suggested, already stepping toward the entrance.

“Definitely,” Tyler agreed.

The store smelled of old paper and candle wax, a comforting scent that enfolded them as they entered. Homemade shelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of creased paperbacks, coffee table books, and hardbound oldies.

As they perused the various sections, Josh felt a warmth in his chest watching Tyler peer at a pile of battered gothic romances with majestic bafflement, like a lion considering a bathtub. Something about juxtaposing Tyler and the comforting familiarity of books felt almost hopeful, a quiet bubble away from the festival.

“So what’s your go-to?” Tyler asked, tapping the spines of the books and drifting along the shelves.

Josh laughed softly. “I used to be really into sci-fi and fantasy when I was younger. Give me epic quests and faraway planets any day. But these days if I’m teaching an elective, a lot of history and biography. Whatever ties into the topic.”

Tyler nodded. “Yeah, with football I never really have time to read for fun anymore. But I kind of miss it, you know? Getting lost in a story.” He paused, glancing over at Josh. “Maybe you could recommend something good for me?”

Josh felt a swell of affection for Tyler in that moment, touched that this football star who could have anything he wanted sought his input.

“Sure, let me see what I can find,” Josh said. He scanned the shelves intently until his eyes landed on a familiar title: The Three Musketeers. It had been one of Josh’s favorites in college. He plucked it from the shelf and held it out to Tyler.

“Classic but fun. Less stuffy than it looks. Great adventure. Killer villains. Swashbucklers, sword fights, seductions, slapstick… guaranteed good time.”

“Slapstick and seductions. My faves.” Tyler grinned, turning the book over in his hands. “Good call, Coach.”

They made their purchases—the Musketeers for Tyler and a bio of Teddy Roosevelt for Josh. As they stepped back out into the sunlight, Josh felt closer to Tyler than ever.

Tyler and Josh climbed back into Josh’s truck, the day’s purchases stowed safely on the floorboard behind them.

As Josh turned the key in the ignition, he paused and looked over at Tyler. “Hey, if you’re not in a rush to get back, there’s a pretty cool spot not too far from here that I think you’d like. It’s a bit of a hike, but I used to go there all the time as a kid.”

“Please.” Tyler’s face lit up with interest. “Count me in.”