Page 49 of Full Strength

He was quiet for a moment, then his smile returned much gentler this time. He put his arms around me, pulling me closer to him until I was almost in his lap. “Addi, you have us. All of us are your family.”

I smiled and nodded. For the first time since meeting them, I actually felt those words were true. Sure, they told me that dozens of times but this is the first time that I really believed them.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Thank you for being willing to be in my life.”

I smirked. “It has been kind of challenging.”

He threw back his head laughing. “Some would say it’s a privilege but I guess I can see it from your point of view.”

He quieted as I held my hand up to his face, grazing along his jaw with the tips of my fingers. His smile disappeared and his eyes darkened. In a fluid motion, he twisted me until we were face-to-face. He pushed a strand of hair back behind my ears.

I swallowed pushing everything out of my mind except for him and me in this moment. I leaned forward and he met me halfway. His lips brushing against mine. This was slower and softer than in the back room of the salon. We were taking our time. Exploring each other.

Minutes passed or it could’ve been hours before Grant pulled away from me. “I should go.”

I shook my head brushing my nose against his then kissing him harder. He gave in for a few more minutes before he pushed me back, holding onto my shoulders.

“I have a game tomorrow. I really need to get going.”

I pouted, which I know was an immature move, but I really didn’t want him to leave. My mind raced with ideas of us one day not having to say goodbye to each other at the end of the night. I stood up before helping him off the couch. He led us to the door before turning and gazing down at me.

“Thank you for tonight, Addi. I’ll see you later, okay?”

I nodded and he gave me a kiss on the forehead, on the nose, then on the lips.

“Will I see you tomorrow before the game?”

I ran through my schedule in my mind. “I don’t know. It’s going to be close, but if I can get someone to cover for my last half hour, I should make it by pregame.”

He nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After one last, quick kiss I closed the door. I was so grateful that he wasn’t the type to push me to change my schedule or throw fits when I couldn’t make it to things. Some of the other girls struggled to find a balance between their own lives and the team schedule, but Grant never had a problem. He understood and respected that I had a life before he came into it and there were still things I needed to do, too. I just hope that whatever life had in store next would include him.

15

Grant

Addison texted me to let me know the salon was slammed and she didn’t think she would see me before the game. I was happy for her though. Someone leaked the details of the photoshoot and they were already starting to book out. I knew this would be good for them, I just hoped it ended up benefitting Addi more than causing her stress.

“You ready?” Hartman handed me a water bottle and sat next to me.

“Sure. St. Louis hasn’t ever been too much trouble for us.”

He nodded, looking as calm as ever. “Sorry I couldn’t help yesterday. I heard the guys say it was fun.”

I smiled. “It was, except for the pants they gave to me and Nikolay for the last part.”

I should have stolen those and burned them based on principle.

He chuckled, looking around the room. “Thanks for inviting him.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Sure, Mom.”

He shot me a look that was probably an attempt at being intimidating but it didn’t exactly work. “I just appreciate you reaching out to the new guy. It’s not easy.”

I hit his leg. “I know. I remember when I got here. That’s why I asked.”