Scoring One Night (Blue Ridge Mountain Hockey #4)

Melanie

I smoothed my skirt and took a deep breath, gazing up at the glowing sign. My heart raced with excitement. Tomorrow would be my first day as the physical therapist for the Blue Ridge Mountain Devils hockey team—the dream job I'd poured my soul into earning.

I bit my lip. "I don't know, Soph. Maybe I shouldn't drink tonight with work starting in the morning..."

Then I sneezed. Twice.

Ugh, what was I doing here? I had spent my life working my ass off to prove to everyone that I was smart. That I could be great at anything I put my mind to.

"You sneezed, ! That means you so want to celebrate. One drink won't kill you." She flipped her chestnut waves. "You've earned this!"

My thoughts churned. I wanted to celebrate, but I also needed to make a good first impression. "I guess one drink wouldn't hurt," I relented, pushing open the heavy wooden door.

The bar was bustling with Thursday night energy. Ladies' Night. Laughter and clinking glasses echoed off the stone walls, intermingling with the steady beat of rock music. We wove through the crowd and snagged a high-top table.

"I'll grab us some drinks!" I called over the noise. "The usual?"

Sophia shot me a thumbs up as she plopped onto a stool.

I loved Sophia. She was tough and the best person to be on your side when you were in a bind. She also reminded me that life was fun, too.

If it weren't for her, I'd be at home going over my medical books until I fell asleep at the dining room table, again.

I made my way to the bar and noticed some of the Devil's players at the end of the bar. I did what I always did with the prospect of interacting with people I barely knew; I rehearsed conversation topics in my mind to avoid any awkward moments. Even though my friend Daisy's brother Jackson was on the team, I'd managed to steer clear of a lot of interactions with players so far.

And I intended to keep it that way—besides, the team had a strict no fraternization policy. The last thing I needed was to jeopardize this incredible opportunity with a few charming smiles and biceps that could crack walnuts.

I ordered two local IPAs, drumming my fingers on the bar's glossy surface as I waited. Tomorrow would be the first time I officially met the players as their PT. My stomach flip-flopped with nerves and anticipation.

Deep breaths, Mel , I coached myself. You've got this.

Beers in hand, I returned to our table. Sophia raised her glass, eyes sparkling with pride. "To Greene, the most badass physical therapist the Blue Ridge Mountain Devils have ever seen!"

I clinked my glass against hers, laughing. "I haven't even started yet, Sophia. For all we know, I could be a total disaster."

"Impossible," she snorted. "You've worked your sexy ass off for this. It's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, my friend."

I took a long swig, savoring the hoppy bitterness on my tongue. Sophia was right; I'd spent countless late nights studying, sacrificed my social life, and pushed through every obstacle. Even the issue I refuse to tell anyone about, even Sophia.

No one could find out I had a learning disability.

Because if they found out, they'd never look at me the same way again.

It's the reason I wanted to help people with their physical disabilities, because few people helped me with my disability growing up.

I was left to tough it out myself.

While working for hockey players wasn’t helping the disabled, it was one step closer to my dream.

"Remember when we used to sneak into this place with fake IDs?" Sophia mused, glancing around the bar with a nostalgic smile.

Sophia always said she grew up with a family of entrepreneurs. But her father basically did any odd job he could find. Some of them legal, and some of them... not so legal.

She was the one who stumbled upon the fake IDs. I didn’t ask where they came from at the time, but I suspected it was one of her father's side businesses.

Now her dad drives limos around. Which was strange as we lived in a small mountain town, far away from most people who would rent a limo. I suspected there was more to the limo business than Sophia was telling me.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Don't remind me. I was convinced we were going to get arrested every single time."

"And yet, here we are." She spread her arms wide, nearly knocking over her beer. "Two mature, responsible adults."

"Well, one of us is," I teased, dodging the crumpled napkin she tossed at my head.

As we slipped into our familiar banter, I felt the tension in my shoulders begin to dissipate. Sophia always knew how to pull me out of my own head and remind me to live a little. Maybe one night of letting loose was exactly what I needed before diving into my new role.

I raised my glass again, grinning. "To taking chances and kicking ass."

"Hear, hear!" Sophia cheered, clinking her glass against mine.

I took another sip, warmth blooming in my chest. Tomorrow, I'd be Greene, professional physical therapist. But tonight? Tonight, I was just a girl celebrating with her best friend.

I drained the last of my beer and pushed away from the table. "I'll grab us another round."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Look at you, party animal. I like this side of ."

Rolling my eyes, I weaved through the crowded bar toward the counter. As I waited for the bartender's attention, a familiar face caught my eye. Jackson, Daisy's brother, was laughing with a group of guys I recognized as his teammates. I'd seen the other guys at parties before, but we'd never really interacted beyond polite small talk.

One of them, a tall guy with tousled dark hair and a jawline that could cut glass, glanced my way. I couldn't remember his name, but I knew he was a hockey player on the Devils.

Our eyes met briefly, and I felt a jolt of... something. Attraction? Curiosity? Before I could decide, the bartender appeared, and I quickly placed my order.

Balancing the beers, I carefully made my way back to our booth. Sophia leaned in conspiratorially as I slid in across from her.

"Don't look now," she whispered, "but I think you caught someone's eye over there."

I risked a glance over my shoulder. The dark-haired guy was still looking our way, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Some of the Devils are here," I informed Sophia, trying to keep my voice casual. "I saw Jackson."

Sophia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, well. How did I not notice how cute they were before?"

I shot her a warning look. "Don't even think about it, Soph. I start working with these guys tomorrow. The last thing I need is for my best friend to flirt with them and make things weird."

"Who said anything about me?" She smirked. "I saw the way tall, dark, and handsome was checking you out."

I shook my head firmly. "Absolutely not. There's a strict no-fraternizing policy. I can't risk my job before I even start."

Sophia held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I get it. Professional is back on duty."

But even as I laughed off her teasing, I couldn't help but sneak another glance at the player. He'd turned back to his friends, but I could have sworn I saw his gaze flicker in my direction once more.

I took a long swig of my beer, pushing the thought aside. No distractions, I reminded myself sternly. Tomorrow was the start of everything I'd worked for. I couldn't afford to let anything—or anyone—jeopardize that.

Clearing my throat, I turned back to Sophia. "So, how's cooking school going? You're graduating soon, right?"

Sophia's face lit up. "Oh my gosh, yes! I can't believe it's almost here. Just a few more weeks, and I'll officially be a culinary mastermind."

I grinned, feeling a swell of pride for my friend. "I never doubted it for a second. You've always been a whiz in the kitchen."

"Speaking of which," Sophia said, draining the last of her beer, "I think it's time for a refill. You in?"

I hesitated, glancing at my watch. It was getting late, and I needed to be sharp for my first day. But the buzzing energy of the bar and the promise of one last celebratory drink with my best friend were too tempting to resist.

"One more," I agreed, standing. "But then I really should head home."

We made our way through the crowded bar, weaving between groups of laughing, chatting patrons. As we approached the counter, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned, my breath catching in my throat as I found myself face-to-face with the dark-haired player from earlier. Up close, his gray eyes were even more striking, seeming to pierce right through me.

"Hey there," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm Aspen. I couldn't help but notice you from across the bar."

Normally, a line like that would cause me to roll my eyes—that line was as old as my grandparents. But there was something about him that made my stomach flutter.

"," I replied, hoping my voice sounded steadier than I felt. "And this is my friend Sophia."

Sophia flashed him a dazzling smile. "Lovely to meet you, Aspen. I see you've brought some friends?"

I glanced behind him, noticing two more players I recognized from the team roster. The blond flashed a charming grin, while the tall one nodded in greeting.

"This is Liam and Teddy," Aspen introduced, gesturing to each in turn. "We were just about to grab another round. Care to join us?"

Every molecule in my body screamed at me to say no, that this was not a good idea. Yet, as I gazed into those panty-melting gray eyes, I wondered what would some harmless flirting really do?

Would I get fired over it? No.

Come on, , you're too smart to screw this up.

But why risk it? I opened my mouth to decline, but Sophia cut me off.

"We'd love to," Sophia answered for both of us, looping her arm through mine. "Lead the way, gentlemen."

I shot Sophia a look that was half exasperated, half worried. I knew I was treading on dangerous ground.

Hopefully, with my best friend by my side, I wouldn't make any stupid decisions. Even though the warmth of the alcohol caused me to nod my head with Sophia's words.

Aspen slid into the booth first, patting the seat beside him with a playful grin. "Plenty of room here for you, ."

I hesitated for a moment, but the buzz of alcohol and Aspen's infectious charm propelled me forward. As I settled next to him, our thighs brushed, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

"You both look familiar," Teddy said as he slid into the opposite side of the booth.

"You probably know us through Daisy. She's our friend, and we used to all live together."

All the guys nodded.

"Oh yeah, I remember her birthday party when she locked herself in the closet," Liam said.

"Then I guess you know Lydia, too." Aspen stared at the center of the table.

"Oh yeah. Did you know that her crazy new neighbor had the nerve to blow up her front yard and then pretend it was an accident?" Sophia said, shaking her head.

Liam and Teddy glanced at Aspen, who gave a tiny chuckle.

"Wow. That is crazy. But you know, maybe it was an accident. Were you there?" Aspen winced and glanced over at me.

"I wasn't. No," I said and wondered if Aspen knew something about the incident.

Suddenly, Teddy and Liam started to inch out of the booth.

"Oh, look at the time. I think we should be getting home. Got practice tomorrow. Right, Aspen?" Teddy asked as he stood.

Aspen's eyes widened in surprise before he turned his gaze to me. "Yup, sure do. Uh, I guess it's time to say goodbye."

I was about to scoot out to let him out of the booth, but Aspen leaned in closer, his arm draping casually across the back of the booth behind me. I caught a whiff of his cologne—a heady mix of sandalwood and citrus that made my head spin. "It was wonderful meeting you, ."

"Yes," I murmured, surprised at how breathy I sounded.

Across the table, Sophia cleared her throat loudly. "Yes, nice meeting all of you."

I reluctantly tore my gaze from Aspen, meeting Sophia's pointed stare. With a sigh, I got up and let Aspen through.

I watched them head toward the door before turning back to Sophia.

"I think it's time we head out, too. I just ordered an E-Ride to come get us."

"Great. I'm going to use the restroom before heading out." I bit my lip as I noticed Aspen head back toward the restroom hallway.

"Okay, I’ll be outside waiting for the car. Come out when you're done."

I nodded and made my way to the back of the building. No one was in the hallway, so I went into the ladies' room and washed my hands. Looking at myself in the mirror, I shook my head. This was silly.

Aspen was a Devil's player, and I was working for the team. The last thing I should be doing was hoping to run into him on the way to the bathroom.

I felt like a teenager with a crush.

Ugh, I was being crazy.

Before I could change my mind, I turned and left the restroom, pushing through the crowd until I reached the cool night air. That's when I saw the taillights of the E-Ride car fade into the distance as I stood there, my heart sinking with each passing second. Sophia didn’t wait for me. I couldn't believe it.

I fumbled for my phone, my fingers trembling as I tried to open the app to request another ride. But of course, my luck being what it was, the battery chose that exact moment to die. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Here I was, the night before starting my dream job, stuck on a sidewalk in the middle of the night.

"Need a ride?"

The voice startled me out of my thoughts, and I spun around to find Aspen standing there, his hands shoved into his pockets and a soft smile on his face.

"Oh, no, I couldn't ask you to do that," I stammered, my cheeks heating up at the memory of me following him toward the bathroom like a puppy. "I'll just wait for another E-Ride."

Aspen shook his head, taking a step closer. "I insist. I already ordered a ride, as the guys left without me." He chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair. "Besides, I'd feel better knowing you got home safe."

I hesitated, torn between the desire to accept his offer and the nagging voice in my head, reminding me of the no-fraternizing policy. But the thought of waiting out here alone, with a dead phone and no guarantee of another ride, made the decision for me.

It was only a car ride. Nothing more.

"Okay," I said softly, offering him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Aspen."