**IV: Liam and Blake**
**Liam**
“C’mon dude, you can do it!”
“I’m doing it.”
“Just two more!”
“Ugh!”
Liam grunted, letting himself fall back onto the mat, chest heaving as he sucked in desperate breaths of air. He closed his eyes for a moment, then wiped an arm across his sweaty brow and looked up at Blake. She grinned down at him.
“You’re evil,” he said, laying back on the mat, eyes closed, “Working out with you was a mistake.”
She stuck her tongue out, “Baby. You’ll thank me later. Now get up—my turn.”
Liam took a few deep breaths, then reached up and gripped the bar, pulling himself upright with tired arms. He did enjoy how Blake stole a few glances at his arms as he did so, however. Once he was clear, she sat down on the mat, then laid down and situated herself before gripping the bar and starting her exercise.
Liam watched her movements as he recovered from what she’d put him through. Despite his complaints, he was glad he’d come to the gym with Blake. She was…”impressive” didn’t seem enough to describe her. More than once, Liam had found himself a bit envious of her discipline and level of fitness.