Page 37 of Full Strength

She had my heart, mind, and soul. I’d give all of myself to her without asking for anything in return. I needed her. If she needed time or space, I’d move to the other side of the world. I was hers to use, need, or leave. I accepted that. I was at her mercy. My heart was no longer my own.

Her lips pushed against mine and I melted. My hands instinctively found her hair and I intertwined her hair through my fingers. She sighed as her hands ran up my chest before wrapping around my neck.

If only I could freeze this moment. I wanted to live here, right here, forever.

She opened her mouth to me and I responded on instinct.

“Grant.” Her voice came out as mere whisper. I pulled back enough to kiss her cheeks, forehead, nose, and one last kiss on her lips.

“Yes?”

She giggled and tilted her head up so I had better access to her lips. The realization that she wasn’t running away or pushing me away felt better than winning a championship game.

A knock sounded at the back door and we separated just in time. Ronny poked his head in with a knowing smile. “Sorry to interrupt, but Steve is back and is insisting that he gets his haircut today. He said he wants to talk to you.”

I looked from him to Addison. “That creepy guy wants to talk to you? Why?”

She patted my leg and stood. “He’s not creepy. I think he’s just lonely. I’ll go see if anyone can fit him in and be right back.”

I watched her walk away. Ronny hung back giving me a wink. “You’ve got lipstick on your neck.”

My hand jumped up and started rubbing before I paused. “Addi doesn’t wear lipstick.”

His smile grew. “Just checking. I knew if I asked her if you guys got a little action in the backroom she’d lie. But you, my new friend, are an open book.”

I leaned back in my chair and shrugged. “I’ve got nothing to hide.”

He looked back toward the salon before stepping further into the room with me. “I’m glad you’re around. I know Addi isn’t the easiest person to get to know but she’s so worth it.”

I smiled. “I agree.”

“She told me about what you did. I’m on your side. I’m really glad you did that for her. I’m a little hurt she didn’t come to me or Camille, the owner, but she thinks it means she’s failing as a mother.”

I nodded. “I probably should have talked to her about it, but when I saw that bill and knew there was something I could do.” I shrugged. “I couldn’t stop myself.”

“You’re a good man, Grant.”

“Thanks.” Usually I’d be hesitant around someone so open, but something about Ronny felt familiar. He seemed like the type of person who became friends with everyone he met.

“Any chance any of the guys on the team are single?” He asked with a smirk.

It shouldn’t have made me laugh, but I did chuckle. “There are a few single guys, but I don’t know of any of them being out.”

“Your radar doesn’t go off around any of them?”

I laughed harder. I appreciated how casual he was about his sexuality. “I’ve never really thought about it, but no one jumps out in my mind.”

He pouted. “Fine.”

The door swung open and Addison hurried in. She eyed both of us and narrowed her eyes. “What are you two talking about?”

Ronny patted her on the top of the head as he walked out. “Nothing to worry your sweet head over.” He kissed her cheek then left us alone.

12

Addison

I was grateful I was able to get Grant out of the salon yesterday without him being seen by anyone but Ronny. I wasn't ready to share our relationship. We needed more time to figure us out before sharing it with the world. Not that I minded him surprising me with lunch, and a bit more. I never in a million years would have expected things to go the way they had. Kissing him was better than I could have ever imagined. It was the perfect mix of natural and full of spark. If Ronny hadn't interrupted, I may never have stopped.