“It’s a group of about fifty people, and we all follow each other on this fitness tracker app. You can see who’s completed their workouts and stuff.”That part doesn’t sound too bad.“We also help each other stick to our meal plans. If we eat anything outside of a Kyla-provided meal, we have to send a picture to the group chat,” he says as he takes a photo of his smoothie with all of the ingredients artfully placed next to it on the counter. I’ve obviously noticed him taking pictures of his food before, but I thought he was just one of those people who posted it to a social media account I don’t follow.
He shows me his phone where he sent the photo to a group chat, and thelikesare already pouring in.I guess everyone has to be up this early. “Will they all be on the hike?” I ask.
“Nah, only some of them will be. There are a lot of different class options to choose from. That’s why we have the fitness app—it lets everyone pick the class they enjoy most, but we’re still connected.”
I nod like I understand, but the whole thing still feels controlling. Especially if everyone is required to participate or they get fined.
The fines sound insane, but I’d be willing to pay Cody’s fees if it meant we got to stay in bed together until after the sun came up.
“How are you feeling this morning?” I change the topic, hoping Cody won’t be in pain for this hike.
“A little sore, but it doesn’t hurt,” he answers. “I like the reminder of our night, if I’m being totally honest.” His smirk is adorable, and his admission makes my chest feel full.
We both finish off our coffee, and I reluctantly drink the smoothie Cody made for me. It wasn’t as gross as I expected, but I wouldn’t order it at a restaurant.
I’m still hungry even after the smoothie. I seriously need to get some real snacks.
* * *
We meetthe hiking group in a parking lot at the base of the closest mountain. Apparently, there’s a lake about two miles up, and the plan is to hike there and back this morning. Cody said about twenty people were expected to do the hike, and judging by the crowd, we’re one of the last to arrive.
It's my fault entirely because moving quickly at this hour is impossible.
We approach the group gathering at the trail entrance. People are putting on sunscreen and tying up their hiking boots, and I see a man as tall as Cody looking right at us with a smile just as big as Cody’s lighting up his face. He’s got stylish dark hair and pretty eyes, and he obviously works out a ton.
He’s definitely hot, but he’s got nothing on Cody.
“Nick!” Cody yells, even though he’s clearly already spotted us. “Come meet my boyfriend!”
He doesn’t bother lowering his volume at all, and I love that Cody’s so excited to claim our label so publicly. I feel a little guilty that we didn’t have that conversation sooner, but I’m glad we’ve gotten to this point.
“It’s official now, huh?” Nick teases, raising an eyebrow as he pulls Cody in for a quick hug. It’s a normal, friendly greeting—nothing like the overly familiar ones I witnessed at dinner yesterday.
“Yup, we decided last night,” Cody says proudly, and I reach out to grab his hand, giving it a squeeze.
“Sorry, it took so long,” I murmur, and he squeezes my hand back with a big smile.
“Worth the wait.”
“I’m the best friend, Nick,” he says, holding out his hand in greeting, and I shake it, appreciating that he didn’t assume I’m a hugger.
“The boyfriend, Beck,” I introduce myself proudly.
“I’ve heard alotabout you over the last few months.”
“Hopefully good things?” I question with a teasing tone.
“Mostly about how you’re so hot and funny and perfect that you made him realize he’s bi,” Nick responds with a laugh.
“For the record, I don’t usually go after straight-identifying men,” I clarify. “I thought he was flirting with me.”
That makes Nick laugh even harder. “He probably was. When he came out to me, all excited about his newfound sexual identity, I had to tell him I thought he was already bi and out—because he unintentionally flirts with literally everyone all the time.”
Cody groans, already laughing, and Nick adds with a wink, “He was shocked. If I were into guys, I would’ve gone after him years ago.”
I can’t help but laugh, too, because that sounds exactly like Cody and his adorable, oblivious kindness.
“Well, I’m very glad for the confusion,” I add, and Nick smiles fondly at me.
