Page 104 of Mr. Edwards

“Carlee.”

“You want to chat about Carlee?” he asks, arching a brow. He looks me up and down again. “What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.” Christ, I should’ve led with that. “It’s Grayson… Grayson Edwards. Carleewasmy fiancée.”

I know we’ve never officially met, but I’ve been present when Carlee and Reece have talked on the phone, and I know she’s mentioned me.

“Your fiancée?” I’m surprised in the few years she’s been back here, she never mentioned our engagement. That knowledge makes me feel uneasy.

“Yes.”

“Hmm, interesting. I thought you looked familiar. Carlee’s screensaver on her phone is a picture of the two of you.”

“It is?” That means something, right? The glimmer of hope that Emma gave me earlier, shines a little brighter.

He bites back a smile, scratching his head. “Maybe forget I mentioned that. She’d probably kick my ass if she knew I told you.”

“I’ve witnessed her ninja skills firsthand, so I don’t doubt it,” I say, chuckling.

“We call her killer around here; she’s taken down some of my biggest guys.”

“Really? I’m not surprised. If nothing else, that information may help me get some of my street cred back.”

This time he laughs. “I was sorry to hear about your accident, but I’m glad to see you’ve recovered well.”

“I heard you brought Carlee to the hospital that night.”

He clears his throat. “Yeah, yourfriendkicked us out.”

Reece probably thinks Ashton’s a douche like Carlee does. I bow my head because I can’t fault my best friend for having my back, even if it was misguided.

“He thought he was helping,” I say, shrugging.

He nods, but the pinch in his brows speaks volumes. His eyes dart to the girl behind the front desk, who’s hanging on every word of our conversation. “Do you want to chat in my office?”

“That would be great.”

He leads us into a spacious room toward the back of the gym. One of the first things I notice when I step inside is all the framed certificates. They virtually cover the entire back wall. This man is extremely accomplished, no wonder Carlee is so well trained.

Off to the right is a sizeable floor-to-ceiling, glass cabinet, that’s overflowing with medals and trophies.

“Take a seat,” he offers, gesturing to the chair in front of me. He rounds the desk, seating himself on the other side. “What is it you want to discuss?”

“I want to win Carlee back, and I was hoping you could help me.”

“You want her back? Don’t you think you’re a few years too late?”

I gaze down at my lap. “I didn’t know how to find her until today.”

“Hmm. What happened between you two anyway?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I proposed, she said yes, and then she disappeared. She never gave me an explanation. It blindsided me.”

“Hmm,” he hums again.

“She never gave you any indication as to why?” I ask.

“Nope. I didn’t even know you proposed. She unexpectedly turned up here one day… she was a mess. I just presumed you guys had broken up.”