Page 1 of Full Strength

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Grant

I knew I’d screwed up when Addison texted me on my way to pick her up. All she said was that she couldn’t come. No explanation. No apology.

We might not have known each other for very long, but I knew her well enough to know that a clipped response was a bad sign. She usually wrote long texts with details and emojis.

There were no smiling faces or shoulder shrugs in this text.

“Where is she?” Emma looked worried. I wanted to assure her everything was fine, but I couldn't lie.

“At home, I think.” I tried to play it off like it wasn’t a big deal. Like Addison bailing on Olli’s return to normal party wasn’t a huge shock. Like I hadn’t pushed away one of Emma’s friends, making her stay away instead of supporting Emma and Olli.

Her eyes narrowed and she took a step toward me. Emma wasn’t normally an intimidating person, her blonde hair and easy smile made her too loveable, but right now I wasn’t feeling any love. “What did you do?”

I blew out a breath. “I’m not sure.”

That was the truth. I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d done wrong but I knew I’d done something. I’d heard from the guys on the team that this was common in relationships. Their girlfriends or wives were upset and they had no idea why. All they need to know was that they were in the wrong. They always were.

I used to laugh and shake my head when I heard about the punishment they were facing. Dish duty, sleeping on the couch, an expensive credit card bill. I’d avoided all of that. Women were drama and I didn’t need that in my life. A career in the NHL had enough ups and downs and twists and surprises for me.

“You better fix this, Grant. You might be family, but Addison is too. Don’t screw with her.”

I nodded and took a step back. I hadn’t asked for this. I was perfectly happy being the single guy, the one that gets invited to a couple’s trip alone. I was comfortable in my routine. My quiet existence.

Until Olli crashed at my house and Emma introduced me to Addison. We were friends. Just friends. At least that’s what we’d agreed to but my body reacted to her in a way that was entirely unique to her. My stomach didn’t clench when I saw Emma or Chloe or any of the women from the Pride. Those women were my friends. Addison was more. Well, she could be more if either of us were brave enough to take the next step.

I didn’t want to push her though. I was fine going at her pace. Not only was she the more relationship-experienced one, but she also had Elijah to think about. I knew her son came first, and I respected that. She was an amazing mother and I had no interest in taking time away from her that she could be spending with her baby. But when he was asleep....I wouldn’t mind some Addi time of my own.

After making the rounds and congratulating Olli on his progress with his recovery and moving out of my guest room, I left. I needed to fix whatever I’d done. Beg for forgiveness, grovel if needed. Addi might only be a friend, but I cared too much about her to let her walk out of my life. I was determined to fix this.

I got in my car and headed to her apartment. I needed something though. A peace offering of sorts. I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. What did she like? Ice cream, chocolate, smoothies, cake. It was only eight so most places would still be open I just needed to decide what would be best.

I pulled into a grocery store and hurried in. I knew what I was going for, a double chocolate bundt cake. She’d had one a few weeks ago and said it was life changing. She savored it for almost five days. She had more restraint than anyone else I’d met.

Now that I was armed, I headed to her place. I parked and stared up at her apartment for a moment. There was a light on in the living room, so at least she was awake. What if she had someone else over? Maybe that was why she couldn’t come tonight. That made me feel better for about three seconds before I realized that guest could be a male.

I shouldn’t feel like punching a wall. We weren’t dating. She was free to have anyone over she wanted. Male or female.

I blew out a breath. The not knowing was worse, so I got out of the car holding the cake and walked up the stairs to her door. I knocked quietly in case Eli was already asleep and waited. I heard footsteps and the lock turning. She opened the door a few inches and sighed when she saw me.

“What are you doing here?” She opened the door fully and I was relieved to see the kitchen and living room were empty.

“I brought you cake.”

She eyed the dessert for several seconds before waving me in. Good thing I’d thought ahead. I was fairly certain it was the only reason she hadn’t shut the door in my face. I’d really done something bad. If only I could figure out what it was. I wanted to apologize and end this fight, or whatever this was, but I didn't know what I should be sorry for.

She led us to the kitchen and turned with her arms crossed over her chest. “What is it, Grant?”

I slid the cake toward her on the counter. “Emma missed you tonight.”

Guilt washed over her face, but it only lasted for a second. “I’m seeing her tomorrow.”

“Why didn’t you want to come tonight? Is Elijah okay?”

She nodded, “He’s fine.”

“Then why?”