Page 140 of Just Let Go

“You mean I finally started listening to my coach?” Grady stood and faced the other man.

Brian gave him a wry grin. “Something like that.”

“Figured it was about time,” Grady said. “Hoping I can redeem myself next weekend.”

“You keep skiing like you have been this week, and I think you just might.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Brian started for the locker room door.

“Coach?” Grady called out.

He turned around.

Grady’s eyes found the floor. “Look, I wanted to apologize. Officially. I behaved badly for a lot of years, and I always thought I’d float through. I disrespected you, and I am sorry for that.”

Brian stuck his hands on his hips and gave Grady a quick once-over. “You mean that, don’t you?”

“I believe I do, sir.”

The coach lifted his chin, peering down at Grady as he did. “Apology accepted.”

“Thank you, Coach.”

“What’d they do to you in that little town?” Brian asked.

Grady laughed. “I guess they made me want to be a better man.”

Slowly, Brian started shaking his head. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Sir?”

“When Grady Benson actually fell in love.”

“No, sir, I’m not—”

“Whoever she is, she’s good for you,” Brian said. “That’s when you hold on. Both hands. Don’t let her go.”

If only it were that easy.

“You going out tonight?” Brian’s question felt like a test—one Grady was confident he could pass.

“No, sir. I’m heading to the hotel to get some rest.”

“Good answer.”

But it was in these times, when he was on his own, resting, that Grady’s mind started working him over. During the day, it was easy. There were people everywhere. Coaches, Happy, other skiers. But now? When he was in his suite staring at the dark ceiling? The only thing he could think about was Quinn and how different he wished everything could be.

He’d tried texting her. He’d even called her twice, but the calls went straight to voice mail. She didn’t want to talk to him—obviously.

And while he should take the hint, he couldn’t get Brian’s advice out of his head.Hold on. Both hands. Don’t let her go.

If only there were someone to tell him how to hold on to someone who didn’t want to be held.

CHAPTER

36

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