Page 34 of Set to Love

“You’re strong. Don’t get me wrong. But that’s endurance.” His mouth twitches. “Not active control.”

Without a hint of hesitation, Max grabs the hem of his faded gray workout shirt and pulls it over his head. Cue the silent explosions in my head.

Unlike the guys grunting over at the weight rack, Max doesn’t have that bulky “gym bro” look. He has the long, lean power of a performer. He’s built for movement. Not the mirror.

“Watch,” he says.

“Okay,” I mutter, completely incapable of looking anywhere else. This is, objectively, the most unnecessary instruction he could have given me.

“See how I’m engaging the muscles here and here?” He places his fingers flat against his side, just above the hip, and takes a slow, controlled breath. I watch as the muscles knit together in perfect unison.

“Uh-huh.”

“If you use them properly, your body stops forcing the joints to compensate.” He looks at me. “Now it’s your turn.”

He spends the next several minutes patiently guiding me through it, occasionally resting his hands lightly against my waist to correct my posture.

Every time I start focusing on the exercise, he touches me again, and my brain forgets what I’m supposed to be doing.

By the time we finish, my muscles are burning, but it’s the satisfying kind of ache. The kind that tells me I’m getting stronger. I’m also in the best mood I’ve been in all week. Today’s workout only deserves half the credit.

“I just need to pop into the loo before we leave,” Max says, gesturing toward the locker room.

“Sure,” I say, leaning against the high-top table in the lounge area. “I’ll just be here.”

As Max disappears, I pull out my phone and notice a long text from Aunt Sarah.

Aunt Sarah

Sorry to bug you, sweetie. I know you’re probably at work, but wanted to let you know there’s been a change in plans.

A cold sense of dread fills me as I continue reading.

Aunt Sarah

The contractors had a last-minute cancelation and offered us a fifteen percent “Ready to Go” discount if we committed on the spot. Your uncle and I couldn’t say no to that kind of savings. I hate to do this to you on such short notice, but the pool house needs to be empty for the demo team by next Monday. We can talk about the logistics tomorrow. Love you!

Next Monday? That’s six days from now. I haven’t even started looking for a new place yet. I’ve been otherwise occupied with work, training, and . . . Max.

I know Aunt Sarah isn’t trying to be cruel, but right now, it feels like she’s gone full wicked stepmother on me. The timing couldn’t be any worse. What am I supposed to do?

My thumb is still hovering over the screen when another notification banners across the top.

Lina

Katie, I’m so sorry to ask, but Randy’s car has a flat. Is there any way I can have you come in this afternoon to help until he arrives?

“Everything okay?”

I nearly drop the phone as Max reappears from the locker room. Concern flickers across his face.

“Just . . . a work emergency,” I lie, the words sounding thin even to my own ears. I’ll deal with Aunt Sarah’s bombshell later. Right now, I just need to move. I shove the phone into my pocket. “Lina needs me to come in as soon as I can. The other server has a flat.”

“Rotten luck,” Max says, his brow furrowing as he steps closer. “Go. Don’t worry about me. I’ll just grab a rideshare back to the Magnolia.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, already reaching for my gym bag.

“Positive. Go on,” he says. “I’ll text you later.”