Page 11 of Scoring Chance

I checked my watch again. “Crap I’m down to eighteen minutes. Get out of here so I can get to work!”

They laughed before walking down the hall. I opened the first box and smiled at my secret cheat. I’d kept my clothes on the hanger and put a trash bag around them so they remained in place during the move. I only put them in the box because it was easy for me to carry. I went through the first seven boxes, filling my closet, then opened the remaining ones containing my folded clothing and put those in the drawers of the dresser. I only had two remaining boxes of mementos and decorations, so I spread those items around the room before breaking down the boxes and folding them near the door.

I had five minutes to spare, so I grabbed a pair of dark skinny jeans and a gray oversized sweater. I changed and pulled my hair into a messy bun on the top of my head. I was overdue to wash it, but that was why dry shampoo had been invented.

With a minute left I slid into charcoal-colored ankle boots and went to the living room. “Ready?”

Nikolay looked up from his phone with a frown. “You’re done?”

I nodded over my shoulder. “Go check it out.”

He and Elena shared a dubious look before heading to my room.

“No way.” I smiled when I heard Elena gasp. A few moments later they walked out. “Not bad, sis.”

I stood and faced Nikolay. “Told you.”

He gave a tiny smile. I might have confused the microscopic movement, but considered it a victory.

“Let’s get going.” He led us to the door where he picked up Elena’s jacket and held it out so she could slide into it.

I couldn’t resist. I covered my heart with my hands and sighed. “You two are just too much.”

He glared at me as he put on his own coat. “Do you ever stop?”

I beamed up at him. “Never.”

He shook his head and walked out. Elena giggled with me while we followed him to the elevator. I was determined to win him over. I just had to be myself and I’d wear down the brooding hulk. He might not love having more women around, but I could show him it wasn’t all bad…as long as I remembered to keep plenty of food available.

5

Derrek

I pushed through the crowd to the kitchen at Madi and Erik’s penthouse, waving and nodding to the few people that acknowledged me, to make a plate of the Thai food. When I looked around for somewhere to sit the sense of not belonging heightened. Almost the entire team was there and of course, the Pride was scattered throughout. I looked around for any of the other single guys or rookies but didn’t see Josh, Mikey, or Lance. Normally, I could fake it and sit with the guys. I could let their comments slide off me. But after my conversation with Coach I was tired. I was so sick of being left out, teased, and ostracized. I was here to support Elena and her sister, but that didn’t mean I had to endure a night of being harassed. It would be easier to keep from saying anything to the guys with a little distance.

The balcony was lit up, and I saw several heaters on, so I made my way outside and took a seat. I was the only one dumb enough to brave the cold, but it wasn’t too bad. There was seating for at least a dozen, and I figured people would begin filing out here soon enough. There just wasn’t enough room for everyone inside.

I finished the curry and was working on the Pad Thai when the music grew louder. I glanced over to see one of the doors open and a woman step out. She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her hands over the sleeves of her thick, puffy coat.

She sighed and looked around, freezing when she saw me.

“Hey.” I smiled in what I hoped was a friendly, non-threatening manner. Hanging out on my own in the dim light probably scared her.

“Hi.” She took a few steps toward me and gestured to the seat across from me. “This taken?”

“No.” I took her in while she sat down. Her long chestnut brown hair reached her waist and her dark eyes looked tired. My gaze drifted down to her full lips. They were dark pink and looked so soft. They curved into a smile. I met her eyes and realized she’d caught me checking her out.

“I’m Amelia.” Her voice was softer than it had been before. It made me lean forward so I could hear her.

“So, you’re Elena’s sister?” I shouldn’t have been surprised. She was just as beautiful as her sister. Now that I knew, I could see the resemblance. Although, she didn’t seem to have the same easy confidence her sister had.

“Yeah. I’m the new girl.” She sounded a bit annoyed, and I realized I’d managed to already say something wrong.

“Sorry, I was just making the connection. I didn’t mean to—”

She cut me off. “It’s okay. I’m being oversensitive.”

“I have an older brother. All growing up I was known as Bryce’s little brother. I know how annoying that is, and I shouldn’t have done it to you.”