Chapter 5 Eli #2
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 me being impossible, 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?”
I hold back a laugh at his tone, flex just a little harder, not looking at Max but feeling his gaze on me anyway. “Don’t be jealous,” I say, my voice light and sing-song. “Plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.”
Max steps in, close enough that the heat from his arm brushes mine. “You’re bending your wrist—keep it straight.” His hands hover just beneath mine, ready to catch the weight if I falter.
Luke lets out a low whistle. “Now that’s some attentive coaching.” He grins at me, then adds, “Nice form, Santa. Exactly like that, baby. Just like you stroke yourself.”
I bite back a laugh at his words, while Max glowers over at him.
“Luke,” Max says slowly, the warning in his voice clear.
“What?” Luke spreads his hands in mock innocence. He set down his light dumbbells at some point, I must have been distracted. “I’m just appreciating the technique. You should be proud—Santa’s killing it.”
I tilt my head toward Luke, flashing him a grin. “Always nice to be appreciated.”
Max’s fingers curl slightly under my wrists as he steadies them, the contact warm and possessive. “Eyes forward,” he murmurs, low enough that only I hear it.
Luke drops to the bench and leans his elbows on his knees, watching us as though it’s his favorite new reality show. “See, Calder? That’s how you keep the wrists straight and make it entertaining.”
Max doesn’t take the bait, but the muscle in his jaw jumps. He adjusts my form again, unnecessary, slow, and I can’t help but stare up at him.
I smile sweetly. “I told you, Calder. Plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.”
Luke smirks. “Guess you’re just gonna have to share, Calder. Because I want some of that Christmas cheer.”
Max’s hands finally leave my wrists, only to press lightly at my elbows, guiding me through the last rep as if Luke doesn’t exist. But his jaw clenches, and the sound he makes in response isn’t verbal…more similar to a quiet growl that thrums right through me.
Luke hears it, too. His grin widens, and he leans forward on his elbows, loving every second of the show we’re putting on. “Easy, Calder. You’re starting to look as if you want to keep Santa all to yourself.”
Max doesn’t respond right away, just adjusts my form with slow, deliberate precision, his fingers lingering long enough to make my pulse kick. I slide my gaze over to Luke, and he winks at me.
“Eyes forward,” Max repeats. “If you’re not training, Luke, you can leave.”
Luke leans back on the bench, one arm draped over the bar behind him, settling in. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere. Eli needs me. So, while you train him, I’ll have to settle for being the audience. For now.”
Max steps just enough to the side that his shoulder blocks part of Luke’s view of me. The move is subtle, but it’s pure territory-claiming. “Find another show,” he says, voice calm but edged.
Luke’s smirk only deepens, eyes flicking from me to Max, cataloging every reaction. “Why would I, when this one’s so fun to watch?”