As a man, he couldnât accept being seen as weaker.
Jennifer shot him a glance.
Her initial intent was to show concern, but his competitive spirit was unexpectedly ignited.
*
At Nathanâs 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 partnersâ backs, positioning themselves as additional weight while also helping to set the water balloons from several large buckets nearby.
âAre you ready?â Lucinda asked softly.
Both men nodded in agreement.
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Following Lucindaâs example, Jennifer placed a water balloon under Hilliard on the floor tiles.
The first push-up commenced.
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, Nathanâs and Hilliardâs arm veins bulged, their muscles exerting maximum effort.
Nathan quickly realized this task was far more challenging than he had anticipated.
Lucindaâs idea was certainly formidable.
The first push-up alone had already tested them significantly.
But there were still ninety-nine water balloons left!
Taking a deep breath, Nathan quietly asked, âHoney, what if I canât do a hundred push-ups today?â
Lucinda stifled her laughter, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
âLook at you, struggling with just the first balloon.
It seems you really need to work out more.
In that case, we wonât go back to the hotel tonight.
Weâll book the swimming pool all night, and we wonât leave until youâve completed the challenge.
â
Nathan and Hilliard exchanged silent glances.
They had to accept 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 almost completely flattened.
Then, with a loud pop, the first water balloon under Nathan burst.
And the splash of water cooled him off a bit.
Nathanâs arms trembled slightly as he regulated his breathing.
Popping the balloon required significant effort.