Page 8 of Full Strength

I shrugged. “That I’d gone behind her back, and maybe even contacted her ex.”

He cringed. “You didn’t do that, right?”

“What? No, of course not. I don’t even know his name.”

“Then you just need to tell her that.”

“I can’t. She told me she wants me out of her life.”

He laughed and I almost punched him. “If I’d listened to Madeline every time she said something like that to me when we first met, I never would have healed.” He shook his head. “Sometimes women push back when they think they need to protect themselves. It’s our job to let them know they’re safe with us. You need to explain to Addison that you were trying to look out for her.”

I hated how right he was. It was annoying when someone your age acted like they were so much wiser and more experienced than you. But he was right. I cared too much about Addison and Eli to let them walk out of my life.

He looked to the section where the Pride sat. “You need to fix this before too much time passes. The longer you wait the bigger it becomes.”

I nodded and followed him off the ice. I changed out of my gear and hurried into the training room. I wanted to stretch and get out of here as soon as I could.

I took a mat and sat next to Murray and Brassard. Murray looked up first and shook his head. “Today sucked.”

I didn’t bother replying, there was nothing to say.

“Yeah, looked like someone had their mind somewhere else.” Brassard backed him up.

“He’s got girl troubles.” Hartman called out from the front of the room. Great, now everyone was looking at me.

Olli shook his head with a smile. “How’d you manage that? You don’t even have a girlfriend.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. He knew the situation better than anyone else here so he knew that was a sore subject for me. I was ready to move things forward but Addison was hesitant.

There were a few chuckles, but Murray and Brassard turned to me. “You hurt Addison?” Murray asked.

I rolled my eyes and reached for my toes, hiding my face.

“He made a mistake, but it's easily fixed. Just a classic case of miscommunication.” I appreciated Erik’s help, but that didn’t seem to relieve anyone else’s worries.

“Addison has become one of Kendall’s closest friends.” Hartman said with a clear warning in his tone.

A few of the other guys nodded and I wanted to run from the room. We’d only known Addison for a few months, but she’d quickly became a part of the Fury Family. Great. My own team was turning on me.

“I’m aware. I know she’s basically a part of the Pride now-”

“She is, not basically.” Olli said. Again, super helpful.

“I was trying to help her and there was a misunderstanding. I’ll try talking to her later.”

All eyes were on me. A few of the guys nodded and went back to their stretching, but a few looks lingered not exactly giving me the warm and fuzzies. Man, things could turn on you fast. They were supposed to support me, their teammate, but Addison had definitely won them over. I hurried without talking to anyone and left to shower before anyone else. I didn’t need to hear any more about how I screwed up. The only thing to do now is find Addison and pray she’ll talk to me.

I didn’t have to look very hard. Some of the women had migrated down to the team room and were lounging on the couches. I walked by and stopped when I heard baby laughter. I spun around and walked in, scanning quickly for Eli.

Lucy had him bouncing on her knees and he was giggling and waving his arms around. I sighed and leaned against the door. There was nothing better than that sound. I’d missed that little guy more than I probably should.

“Oh hey, Grant.” Kendall was the first to notice me, and Addison turned to look at me.

“Hi ladies.”

I received a few smiles and nods in response, but all I cared about was Addison’s reaction. She hadn’t turned back or run away, that was a good sign, right?

“Addison, can I talk to you?”