A few days later

A few days later, you’re sat watching TV not really paying attention to the show. You’re instead focused on Jess who’s just finished a home workout. Chad should be here any moment now.

She pads into the living room, still catching her breath from the last set. The tiny white sports bra is doing its best, but the sweat has turned the fabric translucent, clinging to every curve beneath. Her matching shorts ride high, damp fabric hugging her hips. Face flushed from exertion.

She sees you on the couch, phone in hand, and offers a tired but genuine smile.

"Don't say a word. I know I look like a drowned rat."

She grabs her water bottle from the coffee table, takes a long drink, then drops onto the couch beside you, close enough that the heat from her workout radiates off her skin. She stretches her legs out, bare thighs glistening.

"Chad's coming by in an hour, right? I should probably shower before he gets here."

She says it casually, but there's a flicker in her eyes—awareness of how she looks right now, and the timing of his arrival.