Page 43 of Full Strength

“He doesn’t expect us to sit in these does he?” Nikolay asked and I shook my head.

“I really, really hope not.”

Walker pointed to a spot next to the mirror and pointed. “Nick, you’ll be here.”

Nikolay practically growled. He hated when people called him Nick. He thought it was lazy and American. He wasn’t wrong.

“Grant, you’ll be on the other side.” I followed the direction and stood on the other side of the mirror.

An assistant handed each of us a comb. “You can use these as props.”

He left before I could make a sarcastic response. I started hitting the comb against the palm of my hand watching a red spot develop.

“Perfect, I love the mysterious vibe you’re giving off.” I glanced up and realized the photographer was speaking to me. “Look back down!”

I widened my eyes before looking back at my hand. If this was working for him, I wasn’t going to fight about it.

“Nikolay, I want you to look at me.”

There were what sounded like a hundred clicks before he paused. “Ariel, go cuff the shirts.”

I flinched and almost pulled back when she stuffed her frigid hand up my sleeve and started rolling. I wasn’t a cuffed kind of guy. Neither was Nikolay. That was more up Erik’s aisle. He was the one that was into fashion. I lived in sweats and team shirts. The rare times I broke out of that was for an event. I was all about function and comfort, both things this outfit sorely lacked.

“Grant, lean your elbow on the shelf and look off like you’ve just seen the most beautiful woman.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant, until I noticed Addi across the room. I felt my lips curl on their own.

“Perfect.”

I heard the camera clicking, but focused all my attention on the beautiful woman that was quickly claiming my heart. Despite her attempts to push me away, I saw her. I saw who she really was. Selfless, genuine, caring. She stepped in and took care of Emma when she was the only one that truly knew what Emma was facing. The group sucked her in and held on because everyone could see she was special. She was a fierce protector and that was all we needed to know to decide she was trustworthy. There was never an awkward time of her getting used to being around famous athletes. From the first time I met her in the hallway after practice, I knew she was special. Spending the night getting to know her at the charity gala was one of the best times I’d ever had. I loved that we got to spend time together with our friends.

She fit. With the Pride, with the team, and with me.

I was never one to believe in love at first sight. I still don’t, but maybe there’s such a thing as knowing you belong in someone’s life from the moment you met.

That was how I felt about her. It was why I kept fighting. It was why I didn’t accept it when she told me to stay away. It was why I apologized. It was why I did things to help her even when I knew it would upset her. She belonged in my life, and I’d do everything I could to keep her there.

“That’s a wrap!” The photographer shouted and the room broke out in applause. I joined in relieved we were done and I could get out of the most uncomfortable outfit I’d ever been in.

I shook hands as I walked back to the changing area. It seemed now that the shoot was over, the crew was free to slip into fan mode. They started asking for pictures and autographs. Even the wardrobe girl that hadn’t cut me any slack walked up, suddenly shy, and apologized before asking for a selfie.

I went through the motions until everyone seemed satisfied and hurried back to change before anyone else caught me.

I stepped out and glanced to the side where Addi was waiting, feeling a million times happier in my shorts and t-shirt.

“Feel better?”

“Oh yeah.”

She smiled. “Thank you again for doing this. You saved my job today.”

I stepped forward, wrapping her in my arms and rested my chin on the top of her head. “I’d do anything for you.”

“After seeing you in those jeans, I believe you.”

I rolled my eyes and stepped back. “Do you have to stay?”

She sighed and nodded. “I’ve got to make sure they have everything they need and get the salon ready for tomorrow’s clients.”