Page 30 of The Overtime Kiss

“Shut up. It’s fine,” I growl as I lower the bar again. My traps are going to be sick at this rate.

Corbin pauses mid leg press. “Someone’s a little sensitive.”

Yeah, because it’s complicated, especially with Parker’s worry, and the way he’s clearly missing Agatha. The kid’s life has been topsy-turvy the last couple years with the divorce, then the move. I have primary custody of the kids while Elle’s busy with med school. The arrangement is more than fine by me. I want to be there for them every damn day I can, and Elle deserves the chance to go back to school. But I also have this season to think about and my own goddamn lust to keep in check.

So I ignore both my friends as I let go of the bar and crossover to the rack, grabbing a heavier set of dumbbells. Heavier than Rowan’s. Starting a set of curls, I glance at my teammate. “And you still can’t lift more than me.”

That’ll shut him up. Rowan is competitive as hell.

“One,” he says, ignoring the bait, “we both know I can. Two, I know what you’re trying to do.” He tips his chin toward Corbin. “Don’t you, Corb?”

“Sure do.” Corbin moves to a bench press. The low thump of the gym’s playlist mixes with the clinking of weights, but it does nothing to drown out Corbin’s laugh.

“And?” I challenge.

“And it’s hilarious how you think we’re going to let this go,” he says as he adjusts the weights.

I groan. These assholes.

Corbin pauses, his eyes lighting up. “Does this mean we’ll be seeing more of you in Cozy Valley? Our bocce ball and cornhole nights are good therapy?”

“I’m going to be fine.” I am counting the days until our next night at The Gameyard. We get together at the Cozy Valley bar for dad time while the kids play Skee-Ball and Whac-A-Mole in the activity room. I need those nights badly. They…reset me. Not like I’d tell that to these fuckers.

“Fine?” Corbin echoes. “You’re going to be fine?”

“Yes,” I say, hoping it’s true.

Corbin arches a brow and gives Rowan a look that says I am full of shit. “You want to place a bet on this?”

The idea piques Rowan’s interest. “Hell yeah, I do. What’s the wager?”

“How long he holds out,” Corbin says with a sly grin.

I set down a weight to raise a hand. “Stop,” I say completely serious this time. “We are not betting on a woman.”

“Dude, of course we’re not,” Rowan says, mock-offended. “I’m not that kind of guy.”

“I might be single, but I’m not an asshole,” Corbin says, then adds with a glint in his evil eyes. “But I do bet on my idiot friends when they do highly mockable shit.”

“Then why are you asking how long I’ll hold out?” I ask, incredulous.

Corbin shrugs, feigning innocence. “I didn’t mean how long before you and Sabrina fall into bed together. Obviously, that’ll happen on the eve of never, because she has taste.”

I flip him the bird before I pick up the weight again. “With friends like you…”

“You’re lucky to have us,” Rowan says with a smirk.

“Then what the hell are you talking about?” I ask as I move to shoulder presses.

“How long before you give in? You know…” Corbin says, moving his fist in an obscene gesture, already mocking my defeat.

I stare him down. “Are you really this immature?”

“Of course,” he says without hesitation.

Rowan tips his chin toward me, deadpan. “Just accept defeat gracefully and start prepping excuses. It’ll save you embarrassment later.”

“It’s a miracle you two are allowed to raise children,” I say, with a heavy sigh to rival Parker’s. “The maturity level in this gym is astounding.”

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