Her gaze shot to mine. “What do you mean?”
“Being your friend has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. You let me open up to you when I was a total stranger. Something about you told me I could trust you from the moment I saw you. You’re absolutely gorgeous inside and out. You’re patient and kind and loyal.” Her eyes started sparkling with moisture and my gut sank. “I’m messing this all up.”
I caught a single tear as it slid down her cheek. “Amelia, I like you so much more than just a friend.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You do?”
I nodded, grateful she was letting me get everything out. “I’m so sorry that it took me losing you to tell you.”
She sighed. “I thought you knew how I felt and after the gala I thought there was no way you’d feel the same.”
“Why?”
She looked out the window. “I kept waiting for you to make a move or tell me. Anything to let me know I wasn’t going crazy.”
I mentally slapped my forehead. “I really am an idiot.”
She smirked. “You kind of are.”
“I just didn’t want to push you. I know how terrible your last relationship was and I wanted to take things at your speed. I could feel something between us, but…” I shook my head. “I’m an idiot.”
“I really appreciate you being conscious of that and not pushing me, but I tried to give you signs I was ready.”
I dropped my head. “Guys aren’t really known for picking up on those.”
Her hand brushed down my arm until our fingers were interlocked. “I’m an idiot too, if we’re keeping track. I should have just told you how I felt, but I was scared.”
“You don’t have to be afraid of me. You can tell me anything.”
“I know that.” She huffed, then gave me a teasing smile. “Now.”
I leaned forward, pulling her into my arms over the center console. I hated the dumb thing between us, but having her close again was better than nothing. When I pulled back, her eyes locked on mine before dipping down to my mouth. My heart picked up like I was facing a shootout in double overtime. Her hand rested on the back of my neck, making my skin light on fire. I smiled and leaned forward claiming her lips with my own.
There was no hesitation as her other hand traced my jaw and she opened her mouth to me. She sighed as I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck and into her thick hair. This was the moment I’d been dreaming of, but the reality of having her in my arms was better than anything my mind could make up. This was perfection.
I pulled away, failing at catching my breath while I showered her with kisses on the corner of her lips, her nose, her chin before leaning back and resting my forehead on hers. She looked a bit dazed, panting, and pride swelled in my chest.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to do that.” My voice came out gruff.
She leaned back in her seat and ran her eyes over me. “Me too.”
She titled her head up to kiss me one more time, gently. I felt then how much she cared for me. I knew.
We sat in satisfied silence, holding hands and grinning at each other. I decided I wasn’t ready for this to end. “I know it’s late, but have you had dinner yet?”
She shook her head. “No, I was planning on grabbing something at home.”
“Can I take you out?”
A wide grin broke out on her face. “Los Gatos?” Her voice was so hopeful there was no way I could tell her no, not that I wanted to.
“Of course.” I drove us the short distance to our favorite restaurant, never letting go of her hand, even as we walked in. It was our first appearance as a couple and I wanted everyone to know she was mine.
“There are my favorites.” Tina held her arms out for us when we walked in. “I haven’t seen you in quite a while. Why have you not come back?” She made a tisk sound at us before taking us to a booth.
I slid in across from Amelia and smiled up at the woman. “I’m sorry, Tina. We’ve been busy.”
She pursed her lips but didn’t comment. “I’ll go get your waters.”
Amelia giggled once we alone. “I have a feeling we’ll be asking for forgiveness for a while.”
I nodded over the menu. “Evidently we can’t go longer than a few days without eating here.”
She beamed. “I have no problem with that.”
Coming here more often with her? Yeah, I wouldn't mind that either.
After we ordered, she leaned forward with a very serious expression. “I have a question for you.”
I was a little nervous but leaned forward and nodded.
“Are you my boyfriend?”
I couldn’t stop the grin that took over my lips. “Only if you’ll be my girlfriend.”
She looked up, pretending to think about it. “Okay. Deal.”
I let out a contented sigh. I’d missed how easy it was to be around her. I couldn’t believe I’d come so close to losing her because I was too afraid. I’d thought I didn’t want to push her, but I realized I also didn’t want to push myself out of my comfort zone. It was hard enough facing the rejection of the team, I wouldn’t survive hers. I’d been scared to lose what we had. As much as I wanted to be in a romantic relationship with her, I was willing to take whatever she gave me.
“Can I ask you something?”
She popped a chip in her mouth before nodding.
“Can we promise not to hold back again? If either of us wants to ask something, we’ll talk to each other.”
She swallowed and smiled. “Yes, please. It’s so easy to talk to you and I don’t want to lose that, but that has to go both ways.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” I reached for a chip at the same time as her, and she swatted my hand out of the way, taking the one I was going for.
“That was rude.”
She giggled. “I’m your girlfriend now. You can’t get mad at me.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
She nodded emphatically. “Oh, I’m positive it is. It also means that what’s yours is mine.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I think that comes with marriage and it works both ways.”
She shrugged. “Fine you can borrow my sweats and hoodies too.”
I groaned and let my head fall back. “Or you can just keep some clothes at my place.” Honestly, the thought of her in my clothes made my heart race almost as much as it had when we kissed. She could have anything she wanted if it meant she was with me.
She pursed her lips and picked up a chip waving it as she spoke. “Nope. Not going to work.”
I pulled the salsa toward me, keeping it out of her reach. “Are you sure about that?”
She eyed the bowl then me. “Give it back.”
“Agree to not steal my clothes.”
She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. I mirrored her until we were hovered over the middle of the table. “Never.”
Her distraction worked and she had the bowl back to her side of the table with a cocky smirk.
I laughed and watched her. She was going to keep me on my toes, but I would take her crazy antics over not having her in my life any day.
22
Amelia
The four day road trip was the longest I’d been gone with the team. The first two days were fun. Tony, Chris, and a few other players invited me to explore Miami with them for a few hours on Saturday. Watching those guys spend money was an out of body experience. It started out entertaining. They would point to things and the sales members would run around adding it to their piles. Champaign was always offered, too, since they didn’t waste their time in mere mortal stores. Oh no. They only went into the best designers’ stores. By the end of the mini spree they had each spent several thousand dollars without blinking.
I couldn’t help but compare them to the hockey team. The Fury players trained harder than any group I’d ever been around. Their sport was more physically demanding and the risk of injury was much greater
than basketball. They also played through the pain. I wasn’t about to call anyone a baby, but Tony came to the training room if he stubbed his finger.
I had more respect for the hockey guys and their humility the longer I was around the Cougars. These guys made on average more than three times what the Fury players made, and they were eager to flaunt it.
Tony attempted to buy me gifts in several stores, but I threatened him until he backed off. He asked what happened between me and ‘the idiot’. I decided not to tell him we got together quite yet. It wasn’t any of their business, and I didn’t want to open myself up to their teasing. Chris was still bitter about losing Madi to a hockey player. I didn’t need to reopen that wound.
“See you guys tomorrow.” I waved to the players closest to me on my way out to the passenger arrival area of the airport. Madi offered to pick me up so I didn't have to keep my car at the long term parking lot. I hurried out to meet her and spotted her car easily waiting at the curb, and I waved before opening the door. “Hey.”
She smiled and helped me push my bag to the backseat. “Hey, how was your flight?”
“It was fine. I’m just glad to be home.” I sighed and fell back against the seat.
“I bet. Four days with a bunch of guys.” She cringed. “That doesn’t sound all that fun.”
I shook my head. “It got old really fast.”
“I know at least one person was missing you.” She winked before starting the car and leaving the airport behind.
“Aww.” I put my hands over my heart. “I didn’t know Erik had such a soft spot for me.”
She giggled with me. “You know he likes you, but I meant your boyfriend.”
I scrunched my nose. “That sounds so weird!”
“Don’t worry. The shock has worn off and everyone is totally supportive of you guys.”
I eyed her and frowned. “You’re teasing.”
She nodded. “Yeah, well not completely. I think some people are still absorbing it, but no one has said anything negative to Derrek. Just a lot of threats to treat you right.”
I rolled my eyes. “I have enough bodyguards. Between Nikolay and the Cougars, I’ll be surprised if Derrek’s still breathing at the end of the month.”
“Did you tell those guys?”
“No, I kind of want to enjoy it first. I know I’m in for endless teasing once I do.”
She laughed. “Yeah, they’ll be ruthless, but you can take it.”
We were almost to downtown when her phone dinged. “Can you check that?”
I picked her phone up from the cup holder and read the text. “It’s from Taylor, he said he needs help tonight at the game. Are you available?”
Her lips twisted into a grin. “You are.”
“What do you mean?”
“Taylor’s the Fury’s trainer. I think you met him at the arena before. You can work with him tonight.”
“Isn’t that a conflict of interest or something?”
She shrugged. “Text your boss and ask.”
“Why don’t you just help? He asked you.”
“Because I’m not the one that wants to be a team trainer. Wouldn't you rather work for the Fury?”
I nodded slowly. As much as I liked the Cougars, I’d really rather be with my family. “Yeah.”
“Then text him back and tell him you’ll be there.”
Before I did, I made sure it was okay with Darrin. He said it wasn’t a problem so I told Taylor I would be there tonight. “Just when I thought I was going to be able to watch a game.”
She smirked. “You’ll have a million chances to watch with us. This might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.”
I gave in, and she dropped me off at the arena with the promise she’d drop my bags off with Elena. I went down to the training room, feeling out of place for the first time. I was usually here with one of the girls. I stepped into the room, surprised that the lights were off. I turned them on and went to the attached office.
Tyler was standing next to a massage table. He glanced up as I walked in and greeted me with a warm smile. “Hey Amelia. I’m glad you could come.”
“Thanks for letting me. I know you asked Madi—”
“I would have asked you if I had your number. I’m grateful you were able to be here. I wasn’t sure if the Cougars were back yet.”
“We just landed a few minutes ago.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You’ve got to be tried.”
I shrugged. “I’m good.”
He watched me for a second before nodding. “Great. Here’s a shirt for you. The guys should start coming in soon. We’ll get them taped up and monitor warm ups before they head out to the ice for the pre-game.”
That was similar to what I did for the basketball team. “Sounds good. I’ll go change.”
I hurried to the attached bathroom the guys used and changed out my shirt in one of the stalls, grateful no one was there yet to catch me. Once I was back with Tyler, we began setting out supplies.
“Would you mind going into the gym and getting out the foam rollers and massage guns?”
“Of course.” Luckily, I’d been paying close attention when I came with Madi to work with Olli, so I had a pretty good idea of where the equipment was stored. I checked two cabinets before finding what I was looking for.
I set things out and made sure the mats were cleared so the guys had room to stretch as Hartman walked in.
“Hey Amelia.”
I smiled. “Hi, Hartman. How are you?”
He stopped a few feet from me and started doing small jumps on the balls of his feet. “Good.”
I heard he wasn’t much of a talker before games so I just smiled and left him to his routine. I peeked my head into the office. “Tyler, the guys are starting to arrive. Where would you like me?”
“You can hang out in there. If I get a line, I’ll call for you.”
“Sounds good.”
I went back to the mats as Hartman began to march in place. Erik and Reese walked through the open door and wore matching smiles when they saw me.
“Hey there.” Erik’s teasing smile made me narrow my eyes.
“Hi Erik.”
“How’s the boy toy?” Reese said with a smirk and I shook my head.
Those two were trouble when they were together.
“Start stretching.” I tried to sound authoritative, but judging by their smiles, I knew they weren’t intimidated. Although, they did listen to me.
At least, I thought they had, but when I turned and saw the glare on Hartman’s face, my shoulders sagged. It was him they were scared of.
They started in on the same routine as Hartman. More and more players filed in. A few of them went straight to Tyler first, but it was a lot less than I was used to taping with the Cougars.
I watched as they warmed up, making sure none of the guys were favoring a leg or side. Hartman was in a corner doing burpees, but Erik and Reese finished the same routine and were on the ground stretching. I figured Hartman needed more cardio to get pumped up for the game. He was by far the most dedicated athlete I’d ever known. He treated his body like a machine. He was disciplined with his diet and exercise, and Kendall let me know he was superstitious about game day, too. He had to wake up at the same time, eat the same meal, and wear the same tie to the arena. I wasn’t one to knock it. Back in my gymnastic days, I’d been neurotic about my routine on competition days. With so many things out of my control, I had to focus on the things I had a grasp on.
“Amelia. What are you doing here?” I turned and smiled at Derrek. He was one of the last to arrive.
“I’m helping Tyler tonight. Where have you been?”
“A meeting with Coach.”
“Well, get to work. You’re behind.”
He smirked at my attempt at being bossy and started jumping in place.
I tried not to admire his muscles barely contained in his tight compression shirt. I was well aware of his amazing physique and didn’t want
to get caught staring. I was here as a professional after all.
He winked at me, and I turned away shaking my head. Noah was on the mats with one of the massage guns, trying to reach his back.
“Noah, let me help.” I hurried and sat behind him, taking it from his hands. I ran it down his back. “Tell me where to go.”
“Down.” I went lower. “To the left.” I was just a few inches above his waistband when he tensed and nodded.
I worked over the area until he relaxed. “Right there. That spot’s been giving me problems. It feels better now.”
I scooted until we were facing each other. “Can you stretch to your toes?”
He leaned forward, wrapping his fingers over the top of his shoes. I ran my fingers over his back and to the triggering area. It was tight but I didn’t feel anything I would worry about. “We’ll do this again between periods. I don’t want it to lock up on you.”
He agreed. “Thanks, Amelia.”
I nodded and stood up. It felt good to actually help a player, to use my training and hopefully prevent an injury.
Working with the Cougars was an amazing opportunity, but it felt different being here. These guys were my friends. I glanced over at Nikolay who was scowling while finishing his warm ups. Some of them were family. I loved that I was making a difference with them.
This was where I wanted to be. These were the athletes I wanted to work with. If only there was a permanent position available.
I didn’t ask Tyler why he needed help tonight, but I assumed his assistant was out sick. I’d have to check in with him and see if that was right.
“Time to get dressed,” Coach Rust yelled into the room as he passed. Most of the guys jumped up and filed out to the locker room, leaving only a handful still with me.
Derrek slid up next to me. “Are you going to be at the bench?”
I shivered at his proximity. “I’m not sure. Tyler hasn’t told me yet.”
He bent lower until his breath grazed my neck. “See you soon.”
I nearly sighed as he walked around me, but I could feel the rest of the guys’ eyes on me, and I didn’t want to give them any ammunition.
Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9) Page 15
