As a man, he couldn’t ept being seen as weaker.


    Jennifer shot him a nce.


    Her initial intent was to show concern, but hispetitive spirit was unexpectedly ignited.


    *


    At Nathan’s instruction, the pool staff sprang into action to prepare the water balloons, totaling two hundred.


    The news that these balloons were for the men to burst during push-ups stirred excitement among many, prompting them to hide around the pool to sneak a peek at the impending challenge.


    The four exited the pool, and Nathan and Hilliard promptly assumed the push-up position.


    The setting sun painted half the sky red, and the residual warmth of the day lingered, making the floor tiles warm under their palms.


    Lucinda and Jennifer settled onto their partners’ backs, positioning themselves as additional weight while also helping to set the water balloons from severalrge buckets nearby.


    “Are you ready?” Lucinda asked softly.


    Both men nodded in agreement.


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Following Lucinda’s example, Jennifer ced a water balloon under Hilliard on the floor tiles.


    The first push-upmenced.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Their arms bent, pressing down with their full body weight, yet the water balloons proved remarkably tough.


    As their bodies nearly touched the floor, the balloons stretched but showed no signs of bursting.


    Straining in this position for several minutes, Nathan’s and Hilliard’s arm veins bulged, their muscles exerting maximum effort.


    Nathan quickly realized this task was far more challenging than he had anticipated.


    Lucinda’s idea was certainly formidable.


    The first push-up alone had already tested them significantly.


    But there were still ny-nine water balloons left!


    Taking a deep breath, Nathan quietly asked, “Honey, what if I can’t do a hundred push-ups today?”


    Lucinda stifled herughter, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.


    “Look at you, struggling with just the first balloon.


    It seems you really need to work out more.


    In that case, we won’t go back to the hotel tonight.


    We’ll book the swimming pool all night, and we won’t leave until you’vepleted the challenge.


    ”


    Nathan and Hilliard exchanged silent nces.


    They had to ept defeat in the bet.


    Nathan inhaled deeply, pursed his lips, and persisted with his push- ups, using his core strength to lower his body.


    The intense effort nearly pressed his waist to the floor.


    The water balloon beneath him was almostpletely ttened.


    Then, with a loud pop, the first water balloon under Nathan burst.


    And the ssh of water cooled him off a bit.


    Nathan’s arms trembled slightly as he regted his breathing.


    Popping the balloon required significant effort.