Page 6 of Body Check

Shrugging, I try to downplay it. “I studied.”

It’s not like I’ve been able to do much else. My seven-week-old niece, Ainsley, is adorable, but she only sleeps if someone holds her. I’ve spent a lot of time with her strapped to my chest as I vacuum or wash dishes or study. Noise doesn’t bother her, thank goodness, but as soon as I stop moving, she starts shrieking.

Was I planning on moving cross-country, living with my brother and his husband, and starting a new job seven weeks after giving birth? No. Am I going to make the most of it? Absolutely.

I look over at the last man. There’s something familiar about him, but I’ve already looked over the roster, and there aren’t any players who were part of the Dragons or the Austin organizations.

I was lucky to intern with the Austin Aces while I finished up my DPT degree, and after two and a half seasons with Colorado, I was ready to move on. Luckily, the Grizzlies were hiring, and one of my brother’s exes works for the team, so I networked my way into an interview.

I earned this job on my own fucking merit, though, and I won’t let anyone tell me otherwise. Sports in general, and hockey in particular, are a good ol’ boys’ club, and it all comes down to who you know. I won’t stand for anyone insinuating I didn’t get this job fair and square, simply because Robby put in a reference for me.

Speaking of… The assistant equipment manager enters the lounge, a bright smile stretching his face. His dark blond hair is styled away from his eyes, highlighting his strong features. He’s always been attractive; I can see why my brother fell for him all those years ago.

“Hey, Meels.” He squeezes my shoulder. “So glad to have you here.”

“Thanks, Robby. Happy to be here.”

The last man in the room—the one who stared at me with the horror on his face—scoffs. Now, he looks between me and Robby with undisguised interest.

“You all better be on your best behavior for Amelia,” Robby says sternly. “Or I’ll make sure your blades are extra dull.”

I glare at him. “You don’t need to threaten them. I’m sure they’ll learn I’m scary enough on my own. And they don’t need dull blades. That’s a surefire way for them to wind up on my exam table.”

He laughs. “Yes, ma’am.” He nods at the unnamed man. “McKittrick, do you have some time to review the work orders?”

Jason McKittrick. The team captain. He’s thirty-seven and nursing more injuries than anyone else on the team. Name a body part and he’s probably tweaked it. That’s what happens when a guy competes at the highest level of the sport for nearly twenty years, plus a lifetime of hockey before that.

McKittrick’s eyes hold no warmth as he glares at me. “Yeah, that’s fine.” He addresses Robby, though his eyes are locked on me. “I’m available.”

Derek clears his throat. “Right. Well, we should get on with the tour.”

We continue through the facility. I meet the administrative staff, the logistics team, the coach, and GM. There are players in the hallways, too—Seb Henry, one of the goaltenders, Adam Sinclair, a defenseman, and Parker Jenkins, a young forward in his second year with the organization.

Everyone is polite. Everyone treats me with respect. It’s the bare minimum, but it’s refreshing nonetheless.

Derek and I return to the medical wing, where we’ll spend most of our time. There are three physical therapists on staff, plus him as the head athletic trainer. We have a row of cubicles, where we can sit to enter notes and review treatment plans. He has an actual office with a desk and a door. Rounding out our space are the four private exam rooms, where we treat players before and after games.

Next door is the team doctor’s space, where Dr. Hudson can stitch the players back together, take x-rays, and start IVs when needed. There’s even a dental suite where Dr. Kerrigan does emergency dental work, if called upon.

I make it through my first day with little issue. There’s no game tonight, so I shadow Derek while he works on Larsson’s ankle and Sinclair’s wrist. He lets me take the lead on Reynolds’ shoulder, and we work together on Jenkins’ elbow.

At five o’clock, there’s a knock on the open door to the treatment room, where I’m organizing supplies.

“Hey, Meels,” Robby says. “How’s the first day?”

“Pretty good.” I’m respected and supported by Derek and the rest of the team. “You?”

“I’m great. Want to grab a drink?”

I pause. I should get home, relieve Tyler and Brandon, and let them have some much-needed time alone. On the other hand, it’s my night with Ainsley, and I need all the relaxation I can get before another sleepless night.

“Sure. Where’re we going?” I ask.

“There’s a pub nearby we like.” He takes my jacket off the hook by the door, holding it open for me.

“You don’t have to flatter me,” I tease. “I’m not going to sleep with you.”

Robby’s loud laugh catches the attention of some passing players. Including, I notice, McKittrick.

“Trust me, babe, you’re not my type.”

“I know your type,” I taunt back. “Still scarred by it, in fact.”

He dated my brother for a year and a half, but given how many times I walked in on them naked in the small apartment Ty and I shared in Austin… Suffice to say, I’ve seen enough of my brother’s bare ass.

Not that he and Brandon are any better at keeping their bedroom activities confined to the bedroom. I think it’s a fault of Tyler’s, and not necessarily his partners.

Never did I think I’d share an exhibitionism kink with my brother. Just the thought makes me gag.

“Come on,” Robby says, sliding his hand into mine. “I want to hear about everything you’ve been up to.”