Page 70 of Open Net

I glanced around, but no one seemed to be paying attention to us. “Olli hasn’t asked me to go.”

That was the real reason I couldn’t go. I’d do it for him if he asked, but he hadn’t. I didn’t know what that meant. Did he assume I was planning on going like we always had? Did he think it would be awkward, so he didn’t ask? Did he just not want me to come?

She blew out a breath and turned toward Olli. Her sights were set on him, and nothing could stop her. I tried to grab her arm, but she slipped through my grasp.

I watched in mild horror as she berated Olli. He shrunk into himself, almost holding Jackson up as a barrier. She was at least six inches shorter than him, but he cowered. She was intimidating when she got wound up and it looked like she wasn’t cutting him any slack.

Addison came up next to me. “What’s that about?”

“The annual charity gala the team is hosting next week.”

“Why is she yelling at him?”

I sighed. “I just told her he hasn’t asked me to go with him.”

She sucked in a breath. “Poor guy didn’t even see it coming.”

Grant turned, joining our conversation. “Is she going to get mad at everyone that doesn’t have date?”

He seemed panicked. Erik and Reese suddenly joined in too. “Oh yeah man.”

Reese nodded. “You’ve got to have a date.”

Grant’s shoulders drooped. “What do I do?”

Erik shrugged. “Do you have any girl friends you can ask?”

Grant shot him a look. “When would I have time to make friends?”

Reese smirked. “See if any of the girls have a friend you could go with.”

Grant glanced at Addison for the briefest moment. If I hadn't been watching him, I doubt I would have caught it. If I was going to be forced into this, so was she.

“Actually, Addison was just telling me she’s never been to a fancy event like this. Wouldn’t it be fun if she came?”

I stared at Erik and Reese hoping they would catch on. I knew they’d seen the attraction between Grant and Addison.

“Yeah, Addison you’d love it,” Reese said “We all get over dressed and there's a red carpet. Plus, all you can eat food.”

“You would have so much fun,” Erik said, nodding.

I wanted to hug them both. Grant looked from them to Addison before swallowing. “Do you think you’d like to go with me?”

I bit my lip as her eyes sparkled, peering up at him. She looked over at Noah who was bouncing Eli. “If I can get a sitter.”

I waved her off. “My mom would love to watch the boys.”

She shot me a look that told me I’d be paying for this later.

Grant turned to face her head on. “I know we just met, and you don’t know me from Adam, but you trust Emma, right?”

She glanced out of the corner of her eye but finally nodded. “Then you know I’m a decent guy if she thinks it’s a good idea.”

I eyed Grant. “He’s definitely a decent guy, at minimum. Sometimes he’s even a good guy.”

She almost smiled at that but seemed determined not to crack.

“I promise I’ll take care of everything.” Grant said sounding a little overly eager. “I’ll make sure you have a pretty dress to wear, and I’ll get us a limo if you want.”