“And how long have you been in the NHL?”
“I was drafted at eighteen, but I was on the farm team for Detroit until I got traded here at the beginning of last season.”
She gave me a half-smile. “So, you’ve been in the league for three years, active for one and a half?”
“Yeah.”
She bobbed her head as if thinking it through.
“What?” Her silence was driving me crazy. I needed to know what was going on in her mind.
“I’m just trying to understand your perspective,” she said gently.
“What do you mean?”
“I can tell you’re frustrated, and I’m trying to put myself in your shoes, but it’s tough.”
This was the first time someone listened to what I was saying and seemed to care rather than blowing me off. I was intrigued by what she would say next.
“What do you mean?” I set my uneaten food down on the seat next to me.
She sighed quietly. “I don’t want you to get upset. This is the first time we’ve met so I don’t even know if I should say anything. It’s not my place.”
I blew out a breath. “Please just tell me. It’ll be nice to have an outside perspective.”
“Okay, here’s how I see it. You’re young and fairly new to the league.”
I opened my mouth to interrupt but she held up a hand and pleaded with her eyes to let her continue. I leaned back and waited.
“I’m also new to my career, so I’m trying to picture myself in your shoes. I understand wanting to prove myself and establish myself in the industry as someone great to work with. I want to be known as one of the best. I want to be sought after. I understand that drive and desire.”
I nodded. She matched my thoughts exactly.
“But I know it takes years of experience to get there. I know there are things I still need to learn. There are people I have to meet and work with. They have expertise they can share with me. They can train me and make sure I don’t make the same mistakes they did. I’ll keep pushing myself and working hard to get to the position I want, but I also know I need to be patient. I can’t just walk into a team’s training facility and demand they hire me. I might be good at what I do, but I haven’t earned that yet.”
She watched me, but I didn’t give her a reaction. I was still letting the words sink in.
“I’ll be honest. I haven’t seen you play, and I don’t know your stats. You’re probably an amazing goalie. You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t, but you still need to go through the fire. You have to learn from others and respect that there are guys that are better and more experienced than you. You have to respect that your time will come if you stay dedicated and work hard, but right now is the time for you to learn.”
I shuddered as a chill ran through me. I didn’t like what she was saying. I didn’t want her to be right, but it was impossible not to agree. She was annoyingly spot on. I didn’t know how or why she knew exactly what to say to get me to hear her words, but I felt like my soul was shaken. Coach said something similar, but hearing it from her seemed to resonate. She was unbiased, a complete outsider, yet her words connected. Had I been spending so much time trying to prove myself that I’d become insufferable? This wasn’t who I wanted to be.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped.” She moved to stand but my hand shot out, and I grabbed her knee, holding her in place.
“No. I’m just processing.” I looked down at the ground and relaxed when she didn’t leave. “I’ve been really struggling with this for a while. Then I meet you, a complete stranger, and you say the exact thing I need to hear in a way that I can’t help but agree with.”
She reached forward and took my hand in both of hers. “I think it’s easier to hear it from someone you don’t know. There are no personal feelings involved, no bias.”
I stared at our hands for several seconds before meeting her eyes. She smiled and squeezed my hand. “Sorry for getting so heavy the first time we met.”
I ran my free hand over my face and blew out a breath. “I feel like you reached into my soul and shook it.”
She let out a slight chuckle. “That sounds harsh!”
I matched her smile. “It kind of was.”
She pursed her lips in a challenge and I found myself drawn to them. I wanted to know what it felt like to kiss them. I couldn’t though. She probably thought I was unstable. I leaned back, pulling my hand away.
“Why are you out here? Isn’t this your party?”
She looked at me like I caught her stealing, and cringed. “Madi and my sister were so excited about throwing me a party and introducing me to everyone, so I didn’t say anything, but I kind of hate parties.”
I barked out a laugh. “Then you joined the wrong group of people.”
“Really?” She sounded dejected.
“Yeah, the Pride is notorious for celebrating every little thing with a big dinner or party.”
She dropped back into her chair, resting her chin on her chest. It was a funny sight with her puffy jacket pushed up around her face, covering the bottom half.
“At least you won’t be the center of attention at the others.”
She shrugged and dropped her eyes.
“You can always hide away with me,” I offered.
Her eyebrows raised, and I laughed. “Promise?”
“Definitely. Anytime you want to escape, I’ll go with you.” At least, until she hears what the team says about me and decides to stay away.
“Thank you.” She seemed genuinely relieved.
“Amelia! There you are. We have a cake for you.” We both turned to see Madi walking toward us. “Hey, Derrek. What are you guys doing out here?” She raised her eyebrow suggestively, and I wanted to run.
Amelia was blushing and jumped to her feet. “We were just talking.” She glanced back at me and waved before hurrying inside.
Madi gave me a knowing smile and followed behind her. Once the door was shut, I let out a groan. Of course, the first woman I met that actually got to know me for me and I felt a connection with had to be a part of the Pride. It was only a matter of time before they turned her against me.
I stood up as a wave of panic washed over me. I just shared my deepest thoughts and fears with a stranger. Someone close to the Pride and Nikolay and soon the rest of the team. Would she tell them what I said? I couldn’t imagine the torment they would put me through if they knew. I rubbed my face and picked up my plate. I needed to leave before things blew up in my face.
6
Amelia
I was really beginning to like my job. It had only been three days, but it was so much better than the clinic at school and the internships I’d done. Once Madi walked me through how to set up a machine or wrap an injury, she let me do it on my own. No one watched over my shoulder. There wasn’t anyone taking notes or breathing down my neck. I got to use what I’d learned and put it to practice.
It didn’t hurt that the basketball team was my first group of clients. I was in charge of getting six of them through a basic exam. They’d been injured within the last six months and their coaches wanted them to get checked out as they geared up for the second half of the season and playoffs. Some of them wanted massages or electric stimulation to loosen up the injured area, but all of them wanted a clean bill of health.
“I don’t recognize you.” My second client watched me closely as I placed monitors on his chest before I started the treadmill. He was an attractive man with dark skin, hair trimmed short, and an easy smile. I knew he was one of the stars of the team, but I pushed that out of my mind. Every single one of these guys was famous, rich, and handsome, but right now they were my patients. Nothing more. Back in school, I treated most of the football, volleyball, and baseball players. I learned quickly if I wanted to get my job done I had to ignore who they were and focus on what they needed me to do.
“I’m new here. This is my first week.” I glanced up at him as I hovered over the start button making sure he was ready. He gave a
single nod, and I started the test.
“Where did you come from?” He was just starting to jog, but his voice remained level.
“Houston.” I watched his form, focusing on his left knee. He tore his ACL back in October but he didn’t seem to be favoring at all.
“But you’re not still a fan, right?”
I chuckled and increased the speed. “No, I’m a Utah fan through and through.”
He laughed, gaining the attention of those around us. Despite the fact he was in a full-out run, his breathing was under control and he didn’t seem fazed. His stride never wavered, and I made a note before slowing him down to a walk.
“How are you feeling?”
“Knee’s great.”
“No soreness or mobility issues?”
He shook his head, doing deep lunges as the treadmill moved forward at a slow pace. “I’m feeling good.”
I stopped the machine and marked his chart. “Good to hear. Do you want to see one of the massage therapists?”
“Nah, I’m fine. Does this mean I’m cleared?”
I walked him back toward the lobby so I could grab his teammate. “Yeah, you’re good to go. I’ll send this over to your coach later.”
He offered his hand. “Thanks.”
I shook it as I smiled. “No problem.”
He walked through the doors, and I glanced around for my next client. “James?”
Another giant of a man made his way toward me. “That’s me.”
He gave me a dimpled smile, and I could feel my cheeks heat. I returned his smile, then read his chart. He injured his wrist in September, and his coach was worried it affected his range of motion.
“I’m Amelia. Let’s take a look at your wrist.” I led him to two chairs with a small table between them. “Go ahead and take a seat.”
He sat across from me and laid his right wrist on the table.
“Is this your dominant hand?” I asked as I lifted it and put my palm against his so it looked like we were high-fiving and pushed gently to see how far back it could move.
“Yes, it is.”
I nodded and wrapped my hand around his fingers and turned until his forearm was twisting.
“Don’t you think you should at least buy me lunch before holding my hand?”
I’d heard plenty of one-liners in my time, but that made me laugh. “I should have told you how pretty you were first,” I teased back.
He chuckled and let me continue to move and manipulate his hand. It seemed fine to me, but if his coach had concerns I wanted to be thorough. “Do you have any pain?”
“No. It was stiff for a few weeks, but it’s been back to normal for a while.”
“Okay, stand up for me.” He followed my instructions as I had him place his palm flat on the table and press down. I watched for any reaction, but he gave nothing away.
“Has it affected your shooting?”
He raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “No, you can check my stats.”
I smiled and made notes that he had full range and no pain. I didn’t understand where the concern came from, but if he was being honest, he seemed fine to me.
“As long as you’re feeling good, I’ll clear you.”
He gave me another breathtaking smile and followed me to the front. “Thanks doc.”
I almost corrected him, but he was already walking away. I picked up the next chart and paused. This was the MVP of the team. Even people that didn’t follow sports knew this player by name. He was also included on all the magazines’ lists of the hottest people in the world year after year. I gulped as intimidation washed over me, but I pushed it away. He was just another patient. He deserved my full attention just like everyone else.
“Kevin?” I called out and watch him unfold himself from the chair. He approached me, pushing his long brown hair out of his face. He flashed the smile that got him on the cover of countless magazines as he strode across the lobby toward me.
“Hi Kevin, I’m Amelia.” I mentally patted myself on the back for managing to sound professional.
“Hi Amelia.” His voice was so rich, so smooth. I wanted to lean closer, but I resisted. Barely.
“Follow me back.” I read over his chart as I led him to the E-stim machine. The notes said he was in a car accident a month ago that they managed to keep out of the news. He wasn’t seriously injured but had tweaked his back and received regular massages and treatments to work on relaxing the muscles.
“You can go ahead and take a seat.” I gestured to the padded massage table and set down the chart.
He slid onto the table and pulled off his shirt in one graceful movement. I swallowed and forced my eyes to remain on his face. “Great. Do you prefer to sit or lay down?”
“Laying down, if that’s okay?” His eyes met mine, and I swear they sparkled.
A nervous sound rose from my throat, and he took that as confirmation, turning to lie on his stomach with his face in the headrest. I closed my eyes and thanked the powers that be he wasn’t going to be watching me the entire time.
“There were notes about the placement you prefer, but let me know if I’m off.”
He agreed and I moved to the machine and picked up the first set of sticky pads with disconnected wires hanging loosely from the bottom.
I felt along his spine to the middle of the Thoracic vertebrae. I rubbed my fingers over the first spot. “Here?”
He grunted in response. I could feel how hard the muscles were and knew I’d found the problem area. I placed the next six patches with quick, precise movements. I couldn’t keep touching his back if I wanted to stay professional.
I started the machine on the lowest setting so he could feel the placement “How does that feel, Kevin?”
“Perfect.” I could hear the smile in his voice and felt a little too pleased I’d done that.
“Great. I’ll keep turning it up until you tell me to stop.”
I knew he’d been through this almost a dozen times so I didn’t bother overexplaining things. He was aware of what he could handle.
“Right there.” He sounded more relaxed than when he first sat down.
“Alright, I’ve got it set for twenty minutes. I’ll be back in a few to check on you.”
“Thanks, Amelia.” My heart sped up like I was running at a full sprint. Hearing him say my name with that smooth, deep voice was too much. I hurried away and went to the break area to catch my breath.
“Are you doing okay?” Madi asked as she leaned up against the counter, facing me.
I nodded. “Sure. I’m halfway through.”
I could see amusement in her eyes. “Enjoying the clients?”
“So far, yeah. They’re a fun group.”
She grinned and walked away leaving me to my freak out. I told myself to shake it off, then walked to the front desk to pick up my next chart. Since Kevin would be set for a while, I decided to get a jump on the next guy.
“Tony?”
Another attractive man with dark skin and buzzed hair approached me, and I slid back into professional mode. I couldn’t let myself lust after patients. It was wrong and incredibly inappropriate.
“Hi, I’m Amelia.” I looked up at his wide smile and offered my hand.
“Nice to meet you.” His large hand enveloped mine while I swooned a bit at his deep voice. Ugh. Why did I get all the attractive guys?
“Tony, it looks like you had a knee injury. How are you feeling now?” We walked to an empty table, and I waved him to sit so I could test his reflexes.
“I’m okay now. I worked with Madi after my surgery, and she made sure I was one hundred percent before she let me play again. She’s a lifesaver.”
I smiled at his praise. So far, anyone that had worked with her in the past had only wonderful things to say about her. It made me even more confident about my decision to come here. There was so much I could learn from her, and I knew she’d be an invaluable reference when the time came for me to move on.
“That�
��s great to hear. She’s pretty incredible at helping athletes recover.”
He nodded and watched me tap on his reflexes, smirking when his foot shot up involuntarily.
I placed my hand just above his knee and lifted his calf, feeling for anything off as I moved his lower leg up and down then side to side.
“You’re pretty strong for a little thing,” he said in a teasing tone.
Some people might have been offended, but I wasn’t ignorant of my petite size. “I was a gymnast most of my life. I’m stronger than I look.”
He chuckled. “I believe you.”
We chatted back and forth while I finished his exam, but it was apparent he was in good health. “You’re all set.”
“Thanks, Tiny.”
I sent him a teasing glare before he waved and walked through the exit. It wasn’t the first time I’d earned a nickname based on my size, but it was definitely the first time it came from an NBA player. I didn’t mind at all.
I hurried back to Kevin and saw there were still three minutes left in the session. “How are you feeling?”
“Good, can you turn it up for a few minutes?”
I increased the intensity and added two more minutes to the time, then picked up his chart to add my notes of the treatment.
“Was that Tony calling you Tiny?”
I chuckled, slightly embarrassed he overheard. I shouldn’t have been surprised. Tony’s deep voice carried, and we walked right past the room Kevin was lying in.
“Yeah, he said he was surprised at how strong I was and then came up with that name.”
I nearly melted at the sound of Kevin’s laughter.
“I’m going to have to teach him how to talk to pretty women.”
My jaw dropped, and I was grateful once again that he was looking at the ground so he couldn’t see the effect his words had on me.
“Since I’m his captain, I feel a bit responsible.” He leaned up on his elbows and met my eyes. “Can I make it up to you sometime?”
A shirtless Kevin Adams was asking me out. Was this a prank?
I swallowed and forced a smile. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
I barely contained the giggle bubbling in my throat before he lowered his head again. My shoulders dropped in relief.
Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9) Page 4
