Meanwhile…
The sound of shoes skidding across the shiny court floor cut through the air, accompanied by the rhythmic bounce of a basketball. Balls were scattered around as Max attempted another shot—only to miss.
Each time he failed, he grabbed another ball from the large basket and tried again. And again. And again. He had lost count of how many times he had done this, but by now, sweat had completely soaked his white shirt and dampened his hair.
"Shit!" he cursed loudly after missing yet another three-point shot. Frustrated, he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.
"Someone's in a terrible mood." A familiar female voice broke through the silence of the empty court.
Max turned his head toward the sound and huffed. "What did I ever do to you for you to keep tracking me down—even here?" he grumbled. "Lily, tell me, do you have a crush on me?"