Page 70 of Scoring Chance

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.

Tyler came out of the smaller room and looked around. “Everything good out here?”

“Yeah. Everyone looked ready.”

He stopped a few feet from me. “Thanks again for helping out. I’m not sure what I would have done on my own.”