"Come on, Jess, you’ve got this! One more rep!" Claire called out, her voice cutting through the thumping bass of the workout playlist. Jess groaned, her arms trembling as she lowered the barbell, sweat dripping down her temples. The fluorescent lights of the small studio glinted off the mirrored walls, catching the determined glint in her hazel eyes.

Claire, the instructor, was a force of nature—toned and lithe, her dark ponytail swinging with every movement. Her fitted tank top clung to her curves, revealing the faint outline of muscle beneath her smooth, sun-kissed skin. Jess, on the other hand, was softer, her cheeks flushed pink with effort, her athletic leggings hugging her hips in a way that made her self-conscious but also oddly empowered. They’d been friends since college, though Claire had always been the one dragging Jess into her latest fitness obsession.

As Jess finally dropped the barbell with a clatter, Claire grinned and tossed her a water bottle. "Not bad for someone who swore they’d never touch weights," she teased. Jess rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling—until she noticed the new guy in the corner, his gaze lingering a little too long on Claire. Something about the way he watched her made Jess’s stomach twist.