Page 34 of Full Strength

I slumped down and let the realization of how horrible I’d treated him repeat in my mind. He’d done something completely selfless and so generous and I didn’t even say thank you. I pulled my phone out of my bag and pulled up our messages. What should I say? He had a game today, so I probably shouldn’t distract him. But I didn't want to wait any longer than necessary. Thinking of the flowers he’d sent, I typed out a simple message and hoped he would see it at the right time.

11

Grant

“Thank you. I’m sorry.” I read the text aloud for the hundredth time. What was she saying thank you for? Paying her rent? Probably. I saw the text as soon as I got back to the locker room after the game. I had a text from my parents congratulating us on the win, and a missed call from my brother, but I froze when I saw Addison’s name.

“If you say that one more time, man, I’m going to hurt you.”

I twisted as I stretched and smirked at Noah. “What’s wrong, Malkin? Colby turn you down again?”

Most of the guys knew Noah already bought the engagement ring for his girlfriend, but he’d been too nervous to ask her yet. We joked that she just kept saying no and this was his cover.

He glared at me. “No. I told you, I’m waiting for the perfect moment. There are a few things that need to come together first.”

I shook my head. “There’s no such thing. You just need to ask her before she starts to think you never will. You don’t want her moving on to someone without commitment issues.”

“I do not have commitment issues.” He growled.

It took all my self-control not to laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you have another week or two before she walks.”

“Whatever. Why don’t you just focus on responding to her?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“We all saw you when you checked your phone. You looked like a kid on Christmas morning and you’ve been repeating the same four words through the entire warm down.”

I didn’t realize anyone noticed. I shrugged. “I'm just not sure what they mean.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Thank you. I’m sorry? I think that’s about as clear as it can get.”

“But what is she thankful for?”

He shrugged. “Don’t ask questions. Just accept the apology, make your own, and move on.”

I hated to admit that the rookie was right. He might be young, but he was much more mature than half the team. I normally would have mocked anyone his age that was thinking about marriage, but he and Colby were different. They were old souls and you could see how well they balanced each other and loved each other. I was a bit jealous he’d figured things out so young.

“So, I should just text her back-”

“No.” He cut me off before I could finish. “You need to see her in person.”

I dropped my chin to my chest. Finding her on a whim was nearly impossible. She was always busy and her schedule was never consistent. Maybe Emma could help me out with that.

“Thanks for the tips.” I stood up as he nodded and walked back to the locker room to change. It was late and as much as I wanted to stop by her place with another chocolate cake, I wanted to do this right. I had a feeling in my gut that this was a pivotal moment for us.

I’d find her tomorrow.

* * *

“What are you planning to do?” Emma asked after I told her I needed to find Addi.

“I want to talk to her and make sure things between us are good.”

“Good idea. I want you two to work it out, but you both really need to work on communication.”

I shook my head. “I’m not the one that doesn’t express myself. She bottles things up and days later lets me in.”

“Well, she’s working through a lot. You’ve got to be patient.”