Open Net

by Mulliner, Brittney

  “I just got here.”

  Addison was grinning at Hartman like a star struck teenager.

  I said, “This is my friend, Addison.” I paused, waiting for her attention. “Addison, this is Kendall’s boyfriend, Wyatt.”

  Hartman offered his hand to shake. “Nice to meet you, Kendall told me about you and your cute son.”

  I was pretty sure Addison was freaking out inside, but she held it together. It was hard for me to remember these guys were a big deal. I rarely hung out with people that weren’t somehow involved with the Fury, so I didn’t see these reactions all that often.

  “Nice to meet you, too,” Addison said. “Your girlfriend is so sweet. She brought us the most amazing iced chai lattes the other day. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”

  Hartman smiled proudly. “She has a gift.”

  He turned back to me and took the baby carrier from my hands. “Now let me see my little man.”

  He set down the car seat and struggled to release Jackson from the buckles. I bent over to help but he waved me off. “I can figure this out.”

  Addison and I shared a look and I covered my smile behind my hand.

  “Looks like you can’t, Cap.”

  I didn’t notice Grant come down the hall until he was standing next to us. He smiled as he watched Hartman struggle.

  “You try.” Hartman gave up and stepped back.

  Grant bent down, easily unbuckling Jackson and pulling him out, all without waking him up. He held him against his chest and smiled cockily. “See? Easy.”

  Hartman didn’t take the failure well. He turned to Addison and eyed her car seat. “Can I try with your baby?”

  She laughed and set the seat down. “You just need to squeeze the center.”

  We watched with amusement as the big, strong captain attempted to unbuckle the tiny strap. “Ugh.”

  Before damage could be done to the baby or the carrier, Grant stepped forward and with one hand released Elijah.

  Hartman glared at him before reaching down and pulling out the baby. “What’s his name?”

  “Elijah.”

  Watching these two guys who were brutal on the ice cradle infants was one of the sweetest things I’d ever seen. I could tell Addison agreed. Her gaze hadn’t left Grant, even though Hartman was cooing to her son.

  “Grant, this is my new, single friend Addison.”

  He smiled at her and I watched her melt a little more.

  I grinned. I had a feeling a little crush was developing. Not that I could blame her, the guys were handsome and talented and holding a baby. It was every woman’s kryptonite.

  I’d have to remember to tease her later.

  “Hey, who’s here?” Erik called out as he and Reese walked toward us.

  They both gave me a hug before introducing themselves to Addison. They demanded a chance with the babies and soon all four of them were arguing over who was getting the most time. I shook my head and laughed until I saw Olli and Noah coming down the hall. I froze and Addison appeared next to me.

  “You’re okay,” she said. “You knew this was coming.”

  I nodded. She was right, but that didn’t explain the anxiety I got whenever I saw Olli. It wasn’t like we were estranged or even really fighting. It was this awkward grey area that neither of us had navigated before. He stopped on the outskirt of the group and smiled at me.

  “You came,” he sounded a little shocked. My breath caught when he stepped in front of me. I fought the impulse to reach out to him. I could see the fear lurking in his eyes. Was he worried I’d reject him? I dropped my head to cover my smile. His hope reminded me of when we were first dating. How eager he’d been.

  I nodded and Addison stepped forward. “Thanks to me. I’m Addison.”

  He shot me a confused look before shaking her hand. “I’m Olli and this is Noah.”

  She nodded. “Nice to meet you both.”

  “How do you know Emma?” Olli asked.

  She turned and shot me a questioning gaze. I hadn’t told Olli what I’d been going through. Part of me didn’t want him to worry, and the other part felt a bit betrayed that he hadn’t noticed there was something wrong sooner. I shook my head. I needed to tell him on my own.

  “We met at the hospital when we were both there for checkups,” Addison said.

  I appreciated her stretch of the truth. It wasn’t too far off.

  “So that’s your little guy?”

  She smiled and nodded. “That’s Eli.”

  Grant, who was currently holding him, moved forward so Olli could see him.

  “He looks like you.” Olli said in a hushed voice.

  “Thank you.” She beamed.

  That was her favorite thing to hear. She told me that as much as she’d loved her fiancé, seeing his true side when things got hard made her realize he wasn’t the right man for her. She was relieved Eli took after her with almost white blond hair and blue eyes.

  Grant watched her as she spoke, like he was memorizing every word she said, every move she made. Maybe the crush went both ways. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of my new friend ending up with someone as great as Grant. I never thought he would be the type to settle down, but I’d learned over the past few years that once a guy met the right woman all bets were off. I certainly never expected him to like children but there he was, a baby hog.

  Olli cleared his throat. “Hey, Reese can I see my kid?”

  Reese shook his head. “Get in line.”

  Olli frowned. “Why don’t you get your own?”

  Erik laughed. “Yeah, make me a nephew.”

  “Don’t I get a say in that?” Chloe’s voice filled the hall. I turned to see her coming toward us with Kendall and Lucy.

  Erik shook his head. “No, it’s been decided.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes and snuggled up to her husband to get a look at Jackson. “How’s my perfect boy?”

  Kendall introduced Lucy to Addison and they immediately began talking. I loved how easily Addison blended in with the group. It was like she was meant to be with us. I stole another look at Grant, and he caught me. I raised an eyebrow, but he pretended to ignore me and turned away.

  I was meant to meet Addison for a reason. She’d already helped me so much, but maybe there was more to it. Maybe she needed me too. The matchmaker in me couldn’t wait to talk to the girls and see how we could set them up.

  Finally, Olli got Jackson and I watched his countenance change. He relaxed and a smile emerged on his lips. I doubted he was aware of it.

  It broke my heart that I was keeping this from him, but I knew I had to. At least for now.

  Chloe wormed her way through the group and stood next to me. “Everything is set with the gala next week. I just need you to call the photographer and confirm he will be there at five sharp.”

  I nodded and added a reminder on my phone. “I’ll make sure he’s there.”

  Her eyes danced. “Do you have a dress?”

  I shook my head.

  “Emma!”

  I dropped my gaze when everyone turned to look at us.

  “It’s in one week,” Chloe whisper-yelled.

  “I’m not going.” I whispered back.

  “Why not?”

  “Because things are strained right now. I can’t just smile and pretend everything is fine. I’m sure people will understand if I’m not there.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “That’s ridiculous. You need to come.”

  Actually, I didn’t. It wasn’t a requirement for me, just Olli. Plus, most people knew I’d just had a baby. They wouldn’t mind. I knew my absence would be most noticed by the team. I didn't want to make things worse, but I really didn’t feel like I had it in me to smile and pretend for the sake of the media.

  “Emma, please?” she wheedled. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I really want you there.”

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

&
nbsp; 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.”

  Her eyebrows drew together. “Is this prom?”

  He shrugged. “If you want it to be. I know I seem desperate, but I am. Chloe will make my life miserable if I don’t have a date, or worse, she’ll set me up with someone.” He cringed. “You seem like a nice, normal person.”

  He looked to me for confirmation and I nodded.

  “See,” he said, “you’re all I’ve got. I don’t know any other women to ask.”

  Reese scoffed and Grant glared at him. Addison watched their interaction with skepticism written on her face.

  “Please, Addison,” Grant said. “You’re beautiful and I would be honored if you would allow me to be your date.”

  She seemed to soften immediately. “Okay.”

  Grant pumped his fist and wrapped her in a hug. “Thank you.”

  She blushed and pulled out of his embrace. “No limo, but I do expect the food to be excellent. If not, you owe me a burger afterward.”

  His eyes lit up. “A woman after my own heart.”

  I wanted to join them in their talk of plans, but someone tapped my arm. I turned to see a very humble Olli. Jackson was snuggled against his chest and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that image filled my heart to near bursting.

  “Can I talk to you?” he asked.

  I followed him down the hall a bit, out of earshot of the rest of the group.

  He sighed, finally lifting his gaze from the floor and meeting my eyes. “I’m an idiot, Emma. In so many ways.”

  I couldn’t disagree, so I remained silent.

  “It’s not that I expected you to come with me to the gala with me asking, and it’s not that I don’t want you to be my date, but…” He trailed off.

  I didn't know what to say. I had no idea how he was going to finish that sentence.

  “I was too ashamed to ask you,” he continued. “I didn’t feel worthy of you or your time. I didn't want to burden you anymore than I already have.”

  I understood what he meant, and as much as it hurt that he hadn’t come to me sooner I knew he was being honest. We were in an awkward position. Neither of us knew what to do. We were figuring this out together.

  As much as I didn’t want to go and face the media and public, I knew I had to. For us. He was trying lately, and I wasn’t going to turn him down. We had to each make sacrifices to make us work.

  “So?” I said.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “So?”

  “Are you going to ask me or keep giving me reasons why you haven’t?”

  He smiled and stared down at our son. “Your mom is making this hard on your daddy.”

  I smiled too and waited. He took a deep breath and gazed deep into my eyes. “Will you please be my date to the gala, Emma?”

  I pretended to think about it. “Well, I did just force Addison to go, so it would be cruel of me to skip out on her.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Is that the only reason?”

  I hesitated. “No, Olli. I want to go with you.”

  His smile grew, reaching his eyes. “I know this doesn’t mean anything more than one night.”

  “You’re correct,” I interrupted.

  “But it’s a start and I’ll take it.”

  I nodded and started to turn.

  “Emma?”

  I let out a small sigh and turned around.

  “Thank you for coming.”

  I wanted to tell him Addison forced me, but I knew that was a lie. She encouraged me, but I wanted to come. I wanted to take steps toward repairing us.

  18

  Olli

  I felt like a teenager going on my first date. I wiped my sweaty palms on my tuxedo pants and knocked on the front door. It felt strange picking Emma up from our house rather than getting ready together.

  Janice opened the door with a smile. “Don’t you look dapper.”

  I smiled and stepped in, with Grant following me. Since Janice was watching Jackson and Elijah, the girls decided it would be easier to get ready together and have us pick them up from one place.

  “The girls should be down in a second,” Janice said. “The boys are in here.”

  She led us to the living room where the babies were laying on their backs on a blue blanket. They both had smiles and Elijah was cooing.

  I bent over them and smiled. “Hi handsome boys.”

  Grant got on his knees next to me and started playing with Eli. I dropped my tie on Jackson’s forehead and slid it over his nose, making him smile bigger. It was the greatest thing I’d ever seen. He made a few gurgling sounds like he was trying to laugh.

  “You think that’s funny?” I repeated it over and over, loving the sounds he was making.

  “Hey.” I stood up and turned to see Emma and Addison smiling at us.

  “Wow.” Emma w
ore a burgundy gown with sleeves that hung off her shoulders. She looked stunning. “You’re beautiful.”

  She blushed. “Thank you. You look very handsome.”

  I stepped toward her and kissed her cheek lightly, not wanting to mess up her makeup. Her eyes widened but she didn’t protest.

  I took her hand and slipped it through my arm. “Are you ready?”

  She jerked her head toward Addison with a sneaky smile.

  I glanced over to see Grant staring at her friend like he was seeing the sun for the first time. He was frozen, mouth open and everything, staring at Addison in her purple dress.

  If the poor guy wasn’t going to say anything I would. “Addison, you look gorgeous.”

  She smiled. “Thanks Olli.”

  Grant nodded. “Yeah, wow. You look absolutely amazing.”

  He walked forward and held out his hand. When she placed hers over his, he lifted her hand up and she spun. “Wow.”

  She wore a light purple gown that left her back exposed. Her short blonde hair was somehow pinned up in a fancy twist.

  The two women both looked like goddesses.

  “You look very nice too,” Addison told Grant.

  He shook his head. “Nice isn’t a word I’d use to describe you.”

  She blushed and pulled her hand away, walking past him to her baby. “You be a good boy okay? Mommy loves you.” She knelt down to place a kiss on his forehead before making her way back to us.

  “Ready?” Grant asked each of us.

  “Yeah.” I led the way back to the front door. “Thank you, Janice.”

  She smiled. “You guys have fun tonight.”

  Addison paused at the doorway. “If anything happens please let me know.”

  Janice hugged her. “Everything will be just fine. I promise, but if something does happen, I will call you.”

  Addison seemed to hesitate, but relaxed.

  Grant opened the back door for her and she slid in before he scooted in next to him. I noticed Addison watching the house as we drove away. “Nervous to leave him?”

  She nodded. “I work from home, so this is the first time I’ve ever left him.”