Tyler came out of the smaller room and looked around. “Everything good out here?”
“Yeah. Everyone looked ready.”
He stopped a few feet from me. “Thanks again for helping out. I’m not sure what I would have done on my own.”
“Where is your assistant?”
His eyes darkened. “He’s been interviewing with a team in Los Angeles. He got stuck out there an extra day, so he’s missing tonight’s game and practice tomorrow.”
A bubble of hope formed in my stomach. “Did he get the job?”
Tyler huffed. “I haven’t heard for sure, yet. He seemed pretty confident about it though.”
I should’ve felt bad for him. Losing an employee was hard, but maybe this could be my opening. “Well, I hope it works out for the best.”
I couldn’t say I wanted to be considered. Not yet. First, I’d prove myself by making sure tonight went flawlessly. Tyler needed to see my ability for himself before asking for anything.
“Let’s head out. I usually stay in the tunnel during the games. You can join me if you’d like.” There was something in his tone that made me think he knew how much I’d like to join him. Maybe his assistant wasn’t much of a fan, but he knew how important it was for me to be close to the action.
“Of course. Thanks.”
He shot me a smile before leading the way out to the ice. The national anthem just finished so I stood back and took in the arena from the player’s perspective. This was the first time I was at the bench during a game. Even though the Pride had amazing seats, it was different from this angle. The crowd seemed louder, the lights were brighter, the ice was slicker, but the biggest difference was the energy. It practically vibrated through me. I could feel the team’s adrenaline and the excitement from them and the audience.
I was beaming when Derrek went to the goal. This was the first time I’d get to see him play in person. Pride swelled in my chest as he took his position and the referee dropped the puck. I couldn’t decide what to watch, the movement on the ice or my goalie. My eyes bounced back and forth not wanting to miss a second of either.
My hands were fisted in front of me, and my shoulders were locked with anticipation. This was the most stressed I’d been under since I graduated college.
By the end of the first period, the Fury scored twice and their opponents, the Blazers, hadn’t made it past Derrek.
I headed back to the training room ahead of the guys and grabbed a massage gun so I could get started on Noah as soon as he came in. Only a few of the players came through, needing ice or to be retaped. Noah cringed as he stepped in, rubbing the spot on his lower back.
I stepped around him and pulled up his jersey, moving to the spot I knew was hurting him. “Are you doing okay?”
He nodded. “I’ll just need to take an ice bath after.”
One thing about working with athletes was knowing when they were lying and when they knew their limits. Noah was young, but smart about playing. Tyler let me know who to watch out for, and he wasn’t one of them. It was good practice to know when to admit you were injured and when to play through the pain. His career would last a lot longer if he continued to listen to his body.
“I’ll make sure it’s ready for you.”
“Derrek’s looking good.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“Yeah, he’s focused tonight.”
“I wonder if it has to do with a certain someone in the audience.”
I pulled the gun away and dropped his jersey. “You better point her out to me,” I said in mock outrage.
He turned, laughing before patting me on the shoulder. “Thanks for your help.”
I nodded and checked on the other guys in the room. Once everyone was out, we went back to the ice for the second period. As the guys extended the gap to three points, I should have been able to relax, but thinking about how important this was to Derrek had my stomach in knots. He had a fire in his eyes, and I overheard a few guys on the bench mention a shutout. That would be impressive if they could pull it off. Derrek would be on cloud nine with his first in his NHL career, and I’d be here to see it.
I cheered as the guys shot on the goal, but restrained myself again when I noticed Tyler’s lip twitch. I knew I should remain professional but it was a little hard when the guys were playing better than I’d ever seen.
At the end of the second period we went back to the training room, but Tyler took care of the three players that came in. Noah didn’t come back so either he was feeling better or he got pulled aside for an interview.
Only twenty minutes stood between the Fury and a shutout. I could see the Blazers fatigue and knew the guys had gotten in their heads. As long as no one got cocky, they could keep the score and have a shutout on the books.
With three minutes remaining, the Blazer’s coach pulled their goalie, as if having an extra player on the ice would help with the five point deficit.
I shook my head and smiled. They just had to keep the puck out of the goal for—I checked the time—two minutes and seventeen seconds. I held my hands in front of my face, blocking my smile as I watched the guys cut back and forth.
One minute left, Erik broke away and scored on the empty net.
The clock ran down but the Blazers put in zero effort. The game was over and they accepted it. Finally, the buzzer sounded and the guys flooded the ice. Tyler and I high fived, and he was finally smiling like a fan.
“That was amazing.”
He nodded. “Let’s get the baths filled before they get grumpy.”
I doubted we’d be dealing with any unhappy guys tonight. That was an amazing game and they would be flying high for the rest of the night. I had a feeling celebratory pizza was in our future.
23
Derrek
That was the greatest game of my life. Not only were the guys in sync and executing plays with precision that was sure to make the coaches cry with pride, but I felt completely confident. I could see the shots coming before they had a chance of passing me. The defensemen were always in position and ready for the rebounds I sent their way.
It was the kind of game that relit the flame and passion in a player. It was reassurance I was doing what I was meant to be doing with my life.
Knowing Amelia was watching from behind the bench may have a had a tiny influence on my attitude. I wasn’t trying to show off, but in the back of my mind I reminded myself she was there and cheering for me. What man wouldn’t perform better under those circumstances?
I showered and changed back into my suit as the guys were discussing dinner plans.
“Aston? You up for pizza?” Reese shouted from across the room.
I smirked. “Am I ever not?”
He laughed and the rest of the guys agreed to meet at our favorite spot. I walked into the training room, watching Amelia as she spoke with Tyler. I wasn’t sure why she was here and where Silas, the normal assistant, was but I was glad she was in our arena where she belonged.
After a moment, she shook Tyler’s hand and headed toward me. Once her eyes met mine, she beamed and ran over. I caught her in my arms and squeezed her to me.
“You were so great tonight, Derrek. I can’t believe how well you played.”
My pride grew a bit more with her praise. “Thanks. I’m glad you were here for it.”
She stepped back and noticed my bag. “Are you already done?”
“Yeah, we’re heading over to The Pie. Does that sound okay?”
She nodded with a wide smile. “I’ve been thinking about it since the first period.”
I put my arm over her shoulder and led us to the elevator and out to my car. “So, how did you end up assisting tonight?”
She got into the passenger seat and waited for me to get in on the other side before starting her story. “Madi picked me up from the airport and on the way back, Tyler texted her asking if she could come in. She had me reply saying that I would be there.”
I glanced at her as we pulled out of
the garage. “Why?”
“She knew it was something I would want to do.” She sighed. “I really like working with the Cougars, but if I had the option, I’d much rather be with the Fury.”
I reached over pulled in her hand in mine. “Me, too.”
Her smile turned shy as her cheeks reddened. “Well, it turns out that Tyler’s assistant is interviewing in LA.”
My eyebrows shot up. “No way. I didn’t hear anything about that.”
She pumped her shoulders up. “I guess he hasn’t told many people. Anyway, after the game Tyler told me he was really impressed with me and how well I worked with you guys. He asked if I would be interested in the position if Silas ends up quitting.”
I squeezed her hand and grinned. “No way! Did you tell him yes?”
She bobbed her head eagerly. “Yes! It’s not a done deal, so I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but wouldn’t that be amazing?”
“It really would be.”
Her excitement seemed to burn out for a second. “Are you sure? You wouldn’t be bothered I’d be around more? We’d be seeing a lot of each other.”
I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed it. “That sounds amazing, Amelia.”
She relaxed and when we stopped at a red light, she leaned across the console toward me. I turned my head just in time to capture her lips. She sighed and leaned back with a smile. “I’ve been waiting four days to do that.”
I knew I was smiling like a hopeless fool, but I didn’t care. Knowing she missed me as much as I missed her was comforting. “You know, I think having you there tonight was my lucky charm.”
She giggled. “That was all you.”
I shook my head. “No, Amelia. Knowing you were there and that you believe in me was the motivation I needed to stay focused and kill it tonight.” I glanced at her and smiled. “It’s been so long since I’ve known I had someone in my corner cheering me on.”
She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’ll always be cheering you on, Derrek.”
I parked behind the restaurant and went around to open her door. Once she was out, I pulled her in for another kiss. Her arms drifted up to my shoulders, wrapping around and lowering me to her.
I smiled against her lips and ran my thumb along her jaw. She sucked on my bottom lip before deepening the kiss again.
“Get a room!”
The call broke us apart, and I glanced over my shoulder to glare at Grant and Olli walking by. They both laughed and waved. I shook my head and looked back at Amelia, loving the blush on her cheeks.
“So, they all know,” she said with a sigh.
I chuckled. “They knew when I got to practice on Saturday. I’m pretty sure one of the wives spread the news.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Madeline Romney Murray.”
“Oh no! Full name.” I took her hand and fought the laugh that was begging to escape. When we walked into the restaurant and headed back to the room they normally reserved for us, cheers broke out.
I glanced down at Amelia to see how she was handling our reception, but she was clapping while smiling up at me.
“Here’s our night’s MVP.” Hartman stood from his seat in the middle of the table and the cheering grew louder.
My cheeks ached from smiling, but I couldn’t help myself. This was the first time in over a year and a half that the guys were supporting me. No one threw out backhanded compliments or jabs. There wasn’t a single glare being aimed at me.
I stepped forward, accepting the open seat between Amelia and Erik. “Thanks guys.”
If I told them how much this meant to me, I knew I’d lose control and get emotional which was the absolute last thing I wanted to do after finally gaining their respect.
Hartman waved his hands getting everyone to quiet down. “I know we’ve been tough on you and we haven’t always been fair, but I speak for the rest of the team when I say thank you for giving us your all. Thank you for stepping up and leaving your ego at the door. It’s an honor and a pleasure playing with you.”
I glanced around and smiled at all the guys nodding their agreement. “Thank you, guys. You don’t know how much that means.”
Amelia squeezed my leg under the table. One person knew, and I couldn’t believe she stuck around. I would be grateful every day that the woman I’d never deserve saw something good in me and decided to fight to get me to see it too.
I leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Thank you, Beautiful.”
She turned with wet eyes and kissed me gently on the lips. That set off another round of cheers. She ducked her head against my shoulder while I laughed. I took a mental snapshot of this moment. I wanted to remember everything about what I felt, who I was with, and the amazing woman in my arms.
I’d never understand how I got this lucky, but I would never take it for granted .
24
Amelia
Three weeks later
Nikolay stared down at the menu like it held the answers to the universe. I watched him, waiting for him to explain why we were here, alone.
When he called and asked me to meet him for lunch, I thought he meant him and Derrek or him and Elena. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever picture the two of us together without our usual buffers. I was tempted to call Yula just to have an ice breaker.
I could feel the tension coming off him in waves. He was more uncomfortable with this than I was.
“Nikolay?”
He glanced up.
“I appreciate you inviting me to meet you. I know we don’t spend much time together, and I want to get to know you better.”
He made a grumbling sound that I couldn’t decipher.
“Would you maybe let me in on why we’re here?” I offered a smile in hopes he wouldn’t take offense.
He cracked his neck in a very threatening Russian way. I refused to show fear though.
This was the man that loved pancakes more than any adult should. I found that out one morning when I was cooking breakfast for myself. Apparently, Elena was too healthy to indulge, and he’d only tried the traditional Russian variety, so I decided to share. Oh boy. That was a mistake. He became an addict from his first taste, and now demanded them weekly. At least. I still hadn’t shown him he could add things like chocolate chips or fruit yet. I knew the moment I did I’d be his personal pancake slave, and I wasn’t ready to give up my life yet.
“I need to ask you a question.” His voice was a low rumble like he didn’t want anyone to overhear.
I leaned forward. “Okay.”
He sighed and dropped his eyes to the table. “Do I have your permission?”
I stared at him not knowing what he meant. Was this a lost in translation sort of thing? That didn’t happen often, usually slang terms were involved, but this was pretty straight forward.
“Permission for what?”
I’d been the assistant trainer for the Fury for only three days now. I doubted I had any influence over whether or not he could play. He wasn’t even injured.
“To marry Elena.”
My stomach dropped and I was pretty positive my eyes were opened wider than possible. “Are you serious?”
He looked around, but no one was paying us any attention. The small cafe he chose was nearly empty at this time of day.
“Yes.”
I gasped and started bouncing in my seat. “Oh my gosh. This is the most exciting thing ever!”
His eyes scanned my face. “Is that a yes?”
I threw up my arms. “Of course, it is, Nikolay! You know I love you. I can’t wait for you to be a part of our family.”
He finally relaxed and nodded once. “I asked your father, but he told me I had to get your permission too.”
I shook my head. I was pretty sure Dad was joking, but Nikolay wasn’t the best at picking up on sarcasm yet. I was working with him.
“You and Elena are so great together. I’m so happy for you two.”
He gave me a fraction of a normal human smile. “Thank you.”
“So, what are you planning? Have you gone ring shopping yet? Oh, you have to let me go with you. I know exactly what she wants. When are you thinking of having the wedding? Are you going to do it while your mom and Yula are here or wait until we can get your other sisters here? Oh, maybe we can all go to Russia. That would be exciting!”
He stared at me, his mouth slightly open. “Too much.”
“What?”
He shook his head and mumbled something in Russian. “You are too much.”
I smirked. “Thanks, I’ve been told that before.”
He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. I was pretty sure Elena taught him that. When he opened his eyes, he stared me down. “I don’t have the ring. You can come with me. I don’t know about the wedding. Elena will decide.”
I clapped. “Perfect. Should we go?”
He looked down at the menu. We didn’t order so we were fine to leave. I nodded hoping to convince him. He sighed and slid out of the chair, and I jumped up to follow him.
As soon as we were outside, I started in. “Okay, she wants an oval. Those are a little harder to find, so it might take some time, but it will be worth it. I’m not sure what will look better, stones surrounding it or a band with diamonds. We’ll have to see. I know she likes both options. It’s a good thing we wear the same size because I can try them on and you’ll know how they look.”
I glanced over at him and realized he was several steps behind me staring at the sky. “You coming?”
He groaned. “Do you ever stop?”
I giggled. “No.”
I walked back and looped my arm around his. “Now come on. There’s a store up the street that might have something.”
I dragged him along already planning their perfect wedding in my head. I couldn’t believe my sister was getting married. To a large, scary Russian hockey player. I never would have believed it if I didn’t see how in love they were.
One day, maybe it would be me and Derrek.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed Derrek and Amelia’s story!
Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9) Page 16