Brawler's Weakness

<p><strong style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>There's only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods. </strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>As the Bolts' newest hire Maisy is optimistic enthusiastic and a goddess at manifestation.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Everything I'm not.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Known as Brawler I'm a gruff quiet rough-around-the-edges NHL defenseman. I haven't dated in decades. I've never been married and my daughter's a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don't know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>With my daughter Lola egging me on I finally ask Maisy out.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>But I don't want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don't know how to tell her that. Even if she's not ready for me.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>If I'm being honest I'm not ready for her either.</strong></p>