Page 39 of Scoring Chance

I ignored them but it wasn’t like I could leave. They trapped me in my zone.

“Amelia’s a great girl. Madi loves working with her,” Erik said as he eyed me. “I know Nikolay thinks of her as a sister. You’ve got quite a few of us to get through.”

I was well aware. Madi was protective of her therefore Erik was, plus Elena and the Russian. Not to mention, I wasn’t even certain I’d won Amelia over yet.

“She’s too good for you, Aston,” Malkin said with a shake of his head.

Yet another fact I knew better than anyone. My mind liked to run through every reason why I didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as her. She was gorgeous, kind, hardworking, and genuine. She should be with a man that could give her the world. Someone who could be with her every day and give her the love and attention she needed but would never ask for. I knew most of the guys struggled with getting close to their spouses because they didn’t want to drag them into our world, but so far it seemed to be working out.

The Pride made a huge difference.

We might not have been available all the time, with long practices and constant travel, but at least the women were always there for each other.

It was one of the few things that made me not feel so guilty for wanting Amelia in my life. I couldn’t give her my undivided attention for seven, or more, months of the year, but I could offer a permanent position with the Pride.

Amelia deserved normal, but I was a selfish man. I wanted her and after watching her take my side last night I knew I needed to let her know.

“Who’s too good for Aston?” Murray came to a stop in front of us.

Malkin answered him, and the three of them turned to watch me. “He’s right. You’re not worthy.”

I sighed and looked up to the ceiling. “I’m well aware.”

I didn’t need them to tell me I wasn’t good enough for Amelia. She was beautiful and kind and went out of her way for people. She was also still hurting from her ex’s betrayal. I couldn't push her before she was ready or I’d risk losing her.

Schultz slapped his stick on the ice. “Ha! He admits it.”

He looked like a kid in the candy store. Great, it was a matter of minutes until the entire team knew.

“I’d never deny it, but I would appreciate if you held off on spreading the news until I have a chance to talk to her.”

He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Malkin and Murray before nodding. “Fine. You’re little secret is safe...for now.” He let out an evil chuckle and skated away.

Murray shook his head and followed him as the whistle blew again. We started running plays and my attention zeroed in on the puck. Everything else could wait.

I block each shot, ending the game with a shutout. Even though it was just practice, it felt good to prove to the guys that I could. Coach Abrams smiled when I went back to the bench to listen to Coach Romney’s final words.

“Keep up what we’ve been seeing this week and the Falcons won’t know what hit them tomorrow.”

I grinned thinking about playing Wisconsin’s team. They were pretty good a few years back, but hadn’t made it to the playoffs since I’d been in the league. It should be an easy win, but Coach didn’t let us say that. We had to earn every single point, and if we ever forgot about how much work went into being a championship team, he was quick to remind us. That usually meant suicides for an hour or two, and no one wanted that.

It kept us humble, at least on the outside.

“Now go stretch and ice. Morning skate is at nine.”

He dismissed us, and we filed back into the locker room. I striped off my gear and headed to the showers. By the time I got back and dressed, most of the guys were in the locker room. Last night, things took a turn after Amelia told Josh to lay off me. I actually had fun hanging out with them. In order for things to continue to get better, I had to make the effort. I looked around while trying to gather my nerves. I felt like I was back in elementary school suddenly.

“Hey.” I cleared my throat as more of them turned toward me. “If any of you guys want to come over tonight and hang out, I’ll grab food.”

I let the offer hang in the silent room.

Hartman was the first to react. “Yeah, sure.”

Schultz hit Murray on the chest. “We’ll be there.”

One by one more guys confirmed, and I tried to play it cool, not getting overly excited.

“Cool. Be by around six.” That would give me an hour or so to order food, pick it up, and clean my apartment before they got there. I honestly hadn’t expected anyone, let alone the majority of the team, to agree. I was listening to Coach Abrams and trying to make an effort to build bridges. It worked a little too well.