Page 13 of Shut Up and Jingle Me
He sets his weights down and crosses the room, not hurrying but not wasting time either. “You’re doing it wrong,” he says to Luke, his tone calm but edged. “You’re going to get my player injured.”
Luke steps back without argument, winking at me as he goes.
Max moves in, too close, too much heat radiating off him. His hands slide under the bar, fingers brushing mine, and his knees bump against my sides as he leans over me. The scent of clean sweat and late fall air fills my head.
“Your form’s off. You’re going to strain your shoulders like that.” He adjusts my hands. “Lift.”
I push the bar up, and his hands follow, not touching but close enough that I can feel the promise in them. Every time the bar lowers, his chest nearly grazes mine, his stance bracketing me in place. The way he’s standing over me is not the way most people spot for the bench press, and we are getting more than a few looks. He’s practically in my lap.
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying it. A little too much.
“You should have at least put on workout clothes before trying this,” he mutters, glancing at my outfit as if it’s the real offense here.
And still, he doesn’t stop straddling me.
I beam up at him, pure sunshine. “Thisismy workout gear today. I’m spreading Christmas cheer like glitter—you never really get it off.”
One of his brows kicks up. “That supposed to make me feel better about it?”
“Nope,” I say cheerfully, lowering the bar again. “Just trying to make sure you leave herefestive.”
Max’s mouth presses into that thin, unimpressed line he does when he’s trying not to react. I know it, and Luke definitely knows it, because from somewhere just off to my left, Luke mutters, “Careful, Calder, he’s fragile. Handle with care.”
Max’s eyes flick to him, sharp. “You’re still here?”
Luke grins as though he just won something. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere. This is the best entertainment I’ve had all week.”
Max ignores him, at least outwardly, and focuses on me. “Tighten your form,” he says, his voice dropping lower, trying to shut Luke out. “You’re locking your elbows.”
I arch a brow. “You sure you’re not just distracted by all this holiday sparkle?” I release the bar on the rack and give the suspenders a little snap for emphasis, grinning when his jaw ticks.
He doesn’t rise to the bait, just adjusts his stance, guiding my fingers back to the bar and curling them around the bar. “Push,” he orders.
I do, biting back a smirk, because yeah, Luke was right. Max is watching. And not just my form.
When the bar’s safely racked, he steps back, giving me just enough space to sit up. “You done?” he asks, but it sounds more like a challenge than a question.
Luke leans against the next bench over, still wearing that devil’s grin. “Not even close. We were just getting warmed up.”
Max looks between us, then down at my outfit again. “Then you’d better change.”
I hop off the bench, brushing past him with a bright, “Sorry, Calder, the Christmas spirit doesn’t come with a dress code.”
Luke snorts, and I catch the faintest mutter from Max, something about mebeingimpossible, before I head toward the free weights, smile glued in place.
I grab a set of dumbbells and drop into a curl without giving Max the satisfaction of looking his way. He’s still close enough that I can feel him there, like a warm, annoyed shadow.
Luke follows, all casual swagger, and plants himself beside me. He picks up a lighter set, glancing at my form before leaning in with a grin. “That’s how you do it, baby. Just like that.”
I snort. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Nah,” he says, eyes glinting. “I’m half in love. You’re doing so good.”
Max’s head snaps our way, brows pulling tight. “Are you even supposed to be in this gym, Luke? I thought it was just for the Hockey team.”
Luke grins wider, clearly enjoying himself. “I’m obviously here on a buddy pass.” He winks over at me, and I swear Max growls.
“With Eli?”
