Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9)

by Brittney Mulliner

  “We’re going to do some rotator exercises,” Madi explained as I wrapped a band around the frame of a squat platform.

  Olli stepped over, and I placed a rolled towel between his elbow and ribs, bending his arm at a ninety degree angle. I handed him the band, and Madi went over the instructions, telling him to pull his hand toward his right side and back in front of him.

  The action worked his deltoid and would tell us a lot about the severity of his injury. He did three repetitions before I saw his lips tighten. I made a note in the binder and wondered if Madi caught it.

  “That’s good.” She stopped him at eight counts, and he dropped the band from his hand.

  We were pushing him for his first session, but I was happy with how much he could do. He was a fighter and I knew he’d push himself as far as he could to get back to his goal as soon as possible. I was happy for him. His injury could have taken him out for the season, but luckily, he didn’t dislocate it. That also meant Derrek’s time was limited.

  It was a tricky balance. Maybe it was a good thing Derrek and I were just friends. I might not be able to separate my feelings as well if we were more.

  Madi led Olli through the next exercise, wall push-ups, while I watched.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Olli bristled as he rested his palms flat against the wall.

  “Do ten reps,” she challenged him, and they faced off with a silent stare.

  He broke first and bent his elbows, slowly leaning forward. He pushed back and repeated the movement four times before I saw the first cringe.

  “Stop,” Madi ordered.

  Olli glared at her. “I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re clearly not. We’re not going to keep going and make things worse. I know some of these seem too easy or even dumb to you, but you should know better. It takes simple movements to build back your strength and motion.”

  He dropped his chin to his chest and sighed. “I know.”

  I almost laughed. He was pouting at her now like a child.

  “Can’t we just be done?”

  Madi shook her head. “Do you want to be back on the ice in three weeks or six?”

  He groaned and started on a new set. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I turned away from them and pulled it out. Darrin, from the Cougars, was calling.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Amelia. I know you’re not supposed to come in today, but I need some help. Any chance you could come to the arena?”

  I glanced at Madi. She had her palm against Olli’s and was slowly pressing his hand back.

  “Let me check on my schedule and get back to you.”

  “Great, thank you.”

  “Sure, I’ll call you in a few.”

  I hung up and approached them. “Madi?”

  She took her attention off their hands. “Yeah?”

  “Darrin said he needs help today. Do you need me to stay?”

  She shook her head. “No. I can finish this out and clear your schedule at the clinic. Go ahead and get over there.”

  Olli looked between us. “Who’s Darrin?”

  “The Cougar’s head trainer. She’s been helping out over there while they’re short staffed,” Madi explained.

  “So, you’re leaving me for them?” Olli asked with mock offense.

  I chuckled and shrugged. “They need me more than you do.”

  He scoffed. “Yeah they need a lot of help.”

  “I’ll see you guys later.” I grabbed my bag as they said their goodbyes and headed back to the elevators.

  “Amelia.” I turned to see Chloe walking toward me. I hadn’t seen her much since she’s been so busy planning the team fundraiser.

  “Hi.” I gave her a hug before stepping back. She was suddenly showing, and I tried to hide my shock.

  “I know. I popped last week.” She rubbed her belly with a wide smile.

  “You look so cute.” It was true. She made pregnancy look easy. She was all glowy and looked like a model in a tight black dress that showed off her small bump.

  “Thanks. Where are you off to?”

  “The Cougars need extra help today so I’m heading over.”

  Her smile grew. “That’s great! Madi mentioned you’ve been working with them. I’m glad they realize what an asset you are.”

  I could feel my cheeks heating at the praise. “It’s just temporary, but I’m grateful for the exposure.”

  “I wish we needed help on the team. We’d hire you in a heartbeat.”

  I knew she was trying to be kind, but I was honestly happy that the Fury didn’t have an open spot. I wanted to earn my way. I knew I got the position with the basketball team because of Madi, but I was proving myself to them. Once I had more experience, I would feel better about working for the team, but right now it would feel like a hand out.

  “Maybe one day.”

  She nodded and patted my shoulder. “I’ve got to find Romney. I’ll see you later.”

  I waved and hurried off. The basketball arena was only a few blocks away and luckily the weather was accommodating so I could walk without freezing or getting stuck in snow.

  17

  Derrek

  I paused next to the training room when I noticed Olli and Madi. I watched as he huffed over having to do stretches, and I moved in closer when he finally relaxed.

  “How’s it going?” I called out as I set my bag in the corner. I arrived early to practice for some time in the gym. I planned to increase my workouts while I was playing. I needed to improve my endurance and make sure my legs didn’t tire out.

  They both paused and looked over to me. Olli’s hair had fallen in his face, curling with sweat. “She’s driving me insane.”

  Madi rolled her eyes. “He’s being a baby.”

  I chuckled and approached them. Last season this would have never happened. Olli would have thrown me out of the room if I was dumb enough to think about coming in. Things had improved though.

  “You better listen to her, or I’ll be in for the rest of the season,” I teased before sitting down on a mat and stretching.

  He glared at me. “That’s all the motivation I need.”

  I shook my head and laughed with Madi. “I might have to have you come to these sessions. He’ll work twice as hard.”

  “And probably not complain at all,” I agreed.

  Olli ignored us and threw his sling over his head. “Perfect. The last thing I need is the two of you ganging on up me.”

  Madi scoffed. “Hardly.”

  She grabbed the ice pack next to her and tapped it onto his shoulder. “Leave this on for twenty minutes.”

  Olli didn’t argue as he stood and walked out of the room. I expected her to follow, but she stayed sitting on a bench across from me.

  “How are you doing?”

  Her question surprised me. “I’m fine.”

  She smiled gently. “The guys aren’t giving you a hard time about stepping in, right?”

  I shook my head. “No, they’ve been great.”

  She seemed pleased. “Let me know if Erik ever does.”

  Yeah, like I was going to run to his wife anytime he got on me. That wouldn’t go over well.

  She seemed to hesitate before standing and stepping closer to me. She sat down next to me, and I paused mid quad stretch.

  “Can I ask you something personal?”

  I nodded feeling a bit trapped.

  “You and Amelia are close, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You guys spend a lot of time together.”

  It wasn’t a question, so I just waited for her to continue.

  “I feel like I should be asking what your intentions are, but it isn’t really my business.” She almost seemed to be talking to herself, until her eyes met mine. “I really like her.”

  “Me too.” I was growing more confused by the second.

  “She’s an impressive individual. Not only is she smart, talented, and gorgeous but she’s kind. She cares more about t
hose around her than herself. It’s something that makes her good at her job, but it’s also a downfall.” She let out a sigh. “I’m just worried she’s going to get hurt.”

  I stared at her, wondering what she knew that I didn’t. “What do you mean? Who would hurt her?”

  Her eyes bore into mine. “You, Derrek.”

  It felt like she just slapped me. “What?” I practically yelled.

  She didn’t flinch.

  “Why do you think I’m going to hurt her? I care about her.”

  She nodded. “That’s what worries me.”

  I shook my head. She wasn’t making sense.

  “How do you feel about her?” She searched my face like she was expecting something.

  “I just told you. I care about her.”

  “As a friend?” She pushed.

  I shrugged. “Yeah.”

  “Anything more?”

  Why was she asking? Of all people I didn’t think Amelia’s boss would be the person to bring this up. Then again, Madi was in the Pride. That relationship always came first.

  “I’m not sure,” I answered honestly.

  “Do you want to be more than friends?”

  Yes. Of course, I did. She already listed how great Amelia was, so I didn't have to. Amelia had ignored the gossip about me and got to know me on her own. She refused to let other people influence her opinions. She worked hard, but still managed to support her friends and family. She was there for me every single time I needed her. I’d gotten used to her being around over the last few weeks. I liked spending time with her. I was definitely attracted to her.

  None of that mattered without one crucial piece. Most of the time she treated me like a friend, so I followed her lead.

  I let out a sigh and nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

  Madi seemed surprised by my admission.

  “Wrong answer.”

  I jumped at the sound of Nikolay’s deep, Russian accent. I closed my eyes and wished for the ground to open and swallow me whole. This was the absolute last thing I needed.

  I turned to see him stomping across the room toward us.

  He towered over me with his hands on his hips. “Stay away from her.”

  I shot a look at Madi but she just scooted away and stood. “I’ll see you later.”

  I glared at her retreating back. That traitor. Did she set me up?

  “Nikolay, I respect that you’re protective of Amelia. You’re her almost brother-in-law, but that doesn't change how I feel.”

  His eyes narrowed to slits. “She’s too good for you.”

  I laughed. “I’m well aware.”

  He shook his head and his shouldered relaxed. “As long as you remember that. Don’t even think of hurting her.”

  That was fair. “I won’t. If I ever do, you have permission to hurt me accordingly.”

  He was silent for a moment before cracking a smile. “I will, but last time I talked to her she said you two were friends.”

  I nodded. “I haven’t told her how I feel.”

  His eyes ran over me. “Chicken.”

  A bark of laughter escaped my mouth. “Yeah. I am.”

  “Don’t be stupid. If you don’t tell her, she’ll never know. She could find someone else. Someone who doesn’t make your mistake and miss his chance.”

  That thought felt like a punch to the gut. He was right. I knew I wasn’t the only one to see how amazing she was, and now she worked with the basketball team. I bet they were all eager to get a chance with her.

  I dropped my head and stared at the mat. I couldn’t let that happen. I needed to show her how I felt before it was too late.

  “I know.”

  He nodded once and walked out of the room.

  I slid on the double breasted suit coat over my high waisted, wide slacks. The gray fabric had thin navy blue pinstripes, and my look was completed with navy suspenders and a gray fedora.

  I had my hair parted and slicked to the side, looking as dapper as I could. Chloe had sent three rolling racks of themed suits down to the locker room earlier this week so none of us had an excuse for not dressing up.

  I was grateful one of the more subtle suits fit. There were a few flamboyant zoot suits in the mix, and Olli, Nikolay, and Hartman got stuck wearing the flashy ensembles. I checked the mirror one more time before heading out. I asked Amelia if I could pick her up, even though Nikolay was bringing Elena. I wanted this to feel like a real date.

  After the heckling from Madi and my teammates, I decided it was time to tell her how I felt. I tried to prepare myself on the short drive to her apartment, but by the time I knocked on her door my bravery was gone. It wasn’t like I could shout it out to her the second I saw her. I needed to wait for the right moment.

  She opened the door looking like she’d stepped back in time. She was wearing a white, satin dress with a navy belt that flared out at her slim waist. She smiled and twirled making the dress poof out around her.

  “It’s the best spinning dress.” She giggled as she went around again.

  I laughed and watched, appreciating her beauty. Her long brown hair was curled and pinned up so it barely skimmed her shoulders. She looked stunning.

  When she finally stood still, I reached for her hand and lifted it to my lips. “You look amazing.”

  She blushed and ran her eyes over me. “You look quite dashing yourself.”

  “Are you ready?”

  She nodded and stepped out, locking the door behind her before dropping her keys in a tiny blue bag.

  By the time we got to the arena, most of the team had already arrived. We joined the throng of people. I took her hand and led us through the crowd toward the center where I saw some of the guys.

  “There you are,” Chloe said with a relieved smile. “I have you working the games for the next hour.”

  I tried not to groan. I knew we were here to help raise money, but I wanted to enjoy the night with Amelia.

  “Don’t worry. Once you’re done you have the rest of the night off.”

  She said it like I would be allowed to do anything other than make small talk with the donors and guests. I pushed the thought out of my head. That was what the night was about. I’d have to be grateful for any time I had with Amelia. This was first and foremost a work event.

  “Go on. I told her I’d help with the auction,” Amelia said with a sweet smile. I nodded and squeezed her hand before walking away.

  I nodded at the guys and said a few quick hellos to fans as I made my way to the game area. There was a bingo area, a roulette table, and a jumbo bowling game. It seemed like a random collection, but the crowds that were gathering didn’t seem to mind.

  Noah waved me toward the bowling game. “Hey, help me reset the pins.”

  I stood across from him and waited for Grant to explain to the next person how to play.

  “Having fun?” I asked him.

  Noah shot me a smirk. “Oh yeah.”

  I sighed and checked my watch so I could start my countdown.

  I rotated helping at the three games until Erik tapped me on the shoulder. “You’re out. Go have fun.”

  The hour passed quickly, but I was more than happy to find Amelia and spend the rest of the night with her.

  I wandered through the crowd, looking over the heads of those around me for her. I’d nearly given up when I spotted her near the food tables with her sister. I cut through, keeping a smile in place for those who greeted me and wrapped my arms around her from behind when I was close enough.

  She squealed and twisted around to face me. “There you are!”

  I chuckled and released her. “Yeah, I’m done for the night.”

  Elena shot me a smile. “I’m going to find Nikolay. He should be done too.”

  “I saw him back near the auction tables.” I pointed to the far corner of the room.

  “Thanks,” she called over her shoulder as she hurried away.

  “Have you been having fun?” I asked and picked up a glass of some
thing bubbly off the table.

  “Yeah, but I’m glad you’re free now.”

  I downed the sparkling cider and took her hand. “Do you want to dance?”

  Her eyes widened. “Sure.”

  She followed me to the dance floor. I turned and placed my hands on her waist as she reached up to my shoulders.

  “I missed you.”

  She smiled. “What do you mean? You were only gone an hour.”

  “I haven’t seen you much lately.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “I was just at your house a few days ago.”

  I cocked an eyebrow. “That was last week.”

  “I’m sorry. Things with the Cougars have picked up. I’ve been working there more than the clinic.”

  “Really? I thought you were just working home games.”

  She pulled her bottom lip through her teeth. “It was at the beginning, but they have me coming to the team workouts too.”

  “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

  She nodded, but didn’t meet my eyes.

  “What is it?”

  Her shoulders sagged. “It’s just a lot. I know Madi and everyone at the clinic support me working with the team, but it feels like I’m betraying them.”

  “This is what you want to do. They knew this was your end goal. You shouldn’t feel bad about working toward that.”

  She finally peered up and smiled. “Thanks. I guess I just needed to hear someone else tell me that.”

  I stared into her eyes, feeling the urge to kiss her, but something told me to hold back. She was looking at me with trust and appreciation. Was she still healing from her past? Was she ready for us to become more than friends? I wanted her, but I couldn’t lose her.

  Everything around us disappeared. My eyes dropped to her lips and I swallowed. I wanted her. My heart begged me to tell her how I felt. How much she meant to me, but the echo of the guy’s comments came back to me. I wasn’t good enough for her. She deserved the very best, and I had too many issues. I was bitter and impulsive. I couldn’t risk hurting her.

  Her eyes dropped as we swayed to the music, and I leaned down and kissed the top of her head. That would have to be enough for now.