Chapter 1
Bailey’s arms shook on the last rep, veins standing out, sweat running into his eyes. Shoulders retracted, he told himself. Drive through the heels. Brace the core to avoid a stall. Jess stood over him, hands hovering just under the bar, never touching it.
“Come on, one more,” Jess said, voice low and steady. “You got this. Push.”
Bailey gritted his teeth and drove it up. His chest burned. The movement was smooth and controlled despite the fatigue. Jess stayed right ther