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Katie, you just upset the sixth seed.

Max

This is legally classified as “boyfriend attendance required.”

Katie

Pretty sure that’s not an actual law.

Max

It is in theatre.

Katie

Theatre people really do just make things up with confidence, don’t they?

Max

She can be taught.

I shake my head, still smiling like an idiot.

The District line platform at Earl’s Court is crowded with the usual hubbub of London commuters, but after the last six hours, I barely notice any of it.

My legs ache. My shoulders ache. I’m fairly certain muscles I didn’t even know existed ache. But it’s all worth it.

I shift my gear bag higher onto my shoulder just as my phone buzzes.

Max

Train is arriving. Near the middle carriage. Hope you didn’t have to wait long.

Katie

Nope. I only beat you by a couple minutes.

A minute later, the train pulls into the station with a rush of warm air and screeching brakes. Passengers spill out onto the platform in waves, and then I spot him stepping off one of the farther carriages.

From across the station, I can already see that there’s a faint shadow of stubble along his jaw. His navy-blue T-shirt stretches tightly across his shoulders and chest, the fabric pulling every time he adjusts the strap of his backpack.

The director’s comment about him needing to “fill out” for the role has clearly hit a nerve. The difference compared to the man I met in Orlando is noticeable. That shirt is dangerously close to becoming a casualty of The Winged God.

The second his eyes find mine, his whole expression brightens.

“Well,” Max says as he finally reaches me, slightly out of breath. “There’s my quarterfinalist.”

Warmth blooms low in my chest. “You made it.” I drop my bag and slide my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. His body relaxes immediately against mine. “I like that you smell like theatre,” I mumble against his shoulder.

“And you smell like tennis.”

I pull back just enough to look up at him. “That’s not exactly sexy.”

“It is to me.” He presses a kiss on the top of my head. “I’m really proud of you, Katie. I know I texted it already, but seeing your name in the quarterfinal lineup . . .” He shakes his head slightly, as if he still can’t quite believe it. “That’s brilliant.”

My stomach flips all over again hearing it out loud.

“And I did receive the green light to take Friday off. I’ll be there, shouting louder than Zoe.”