Page 68 of Scoring Chance

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?”