Page 51 of Scoring Chance

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 those 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.”