Well. You don't know this, but my lore about the story of Rassía is getting to the 18th part of it's main lore, plus tons of side stories, and no ending in sight. I bring this to the conversation, because you can justify the way your characters think in different manners in other parts of the story. It might seem to you the "sudden" attraction of Dani to Max and vice versa as a Deus ex machina, but it doesn't have to be.
For instance: at the 4th part of my story, Rassía met Malena. At the end of that part I gave a "key" to the reader that Rassía might feel something for her, but that's evident until the end of the 9th part. And at the 11th part you get Malena's perspective, so the event of the 19th part are not odd; the reader is expecting that.
So, what I mean, you already built the foundation for the relationship between Dani and Max... that's pure and raw hormonal attraction. But you can keep construction in the psique of the by why they were attracted, plus the evident animal side. Maybe Max reminds Dani to someone. Maybe Dani represents a motherly figure to Max. Maybe the shyness is appealing to Max because he was an introvert and had to grow past it because of the failed marriage. Maybe the Superman syndrome of Max is appealing to Dani because she was in a toxic environment and she desire to be saved... The sky is the limit.
If you need to sit and eat a magic brownie with sativa, do it. You need to let your mind fly free. I'm not that kind of writer, but that's because I'm too controlling and a potential dictator... but that's me.
In any case, as Platanito said: "Es tu puto chiste, es tu pedo, no mi pedo". I'm by you and you know I'm always ready to give ideas, if they're needed.
And, of course, I prefer classic Dani. Chiquita, enjutadita. Toda bonita y tiernita. She reminds me on an ex I really loved but I'm glad I left, in body and personality. So I wouldn't change her because as flawed as she is, she can be improving, always. But that's me.
And, of course, lizard tits FTW!