My Hockey Alpha Neighbor

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With some cajoling, Aiden convinces me to accompany him back down to the rink. Fans on all sides call out to get our attention as Aiden leads me back to the crowd of his teammates. I feel a bit embarrassed by the attention, but I’m bursting with too much pride to focus on that right now.

As soon as Aiden and I return to the team, they start cheering for him and slapping him on the back. A few teammates share excited smiles with me- it’s not much, but it certainly feels like a start to some kind of acceptance. Even I feel swept up by the excited energy as they all begin to chant.

“Freeze! Freeze! Freeze!”

Soon enough, the whole audience is whipped into a frenzy of chanting. I can’t help but chant along. Aiden wraps an arm around me as I do, looking like he’s on top of the world.

1 feel inspired by the spirit surrounding us. I lean up to whisper in Aiden’s car. He tips his head so that I can reach him.

“Why don’t we host a celebration at our place?”

Aiden’s eyes light up with even more excitement, which is enough to dash any concerns I might have. He nods enthusiastically and turns to face his team.

“Afterparty at my place!” He shouts, His call is immediately met with joyous cheering.

The next hour is a whirlwind of activity as the tearn cleans up the locker room and gets ready to go. Aiden suggested that I wait in the car with a personal driver until he’s ready to go so that I don’t need to face the horde of fans alone, and I readily agreed.

Aiden’s private driver takes us home quickly. When we arrive, we only have a few minutes before the first wave of teammates shows up. Aiden and I frantically clean up the house and whip together any snacks we have.

The party starts soon after that. Aiden’s home, which is normally a peaceful and quiet space, feels with the sounds of laughter and carousing. Although I enjoy the peace and quiet, tonight, it’s a welcome change.

I get to finally meet some of Aiden’s teammates in a more controlled setting. All of them are respectful of me. It seems as though I’ve earned some of their trust after playing mediator with Aiden.

Eventually, the team decides to put on some highlights from the game on the TV. Everyone relaxes on Aiden’s large sofa and enjoys our snacks. Everyone is clearly in high spirits. Despite how out of place, I should have felt, the celebratory energy helps me to feel included and accept it

About two hours into the celebrations, I hear the doorbell ring. Aiden and I exchange a surprise look-all of the members of the team have already arrived. For a moment, I feel a spark of worry – could this have something to do with the strangers who have been following us?

Aiden seems to sense my worry. He insists that he go greet the guest at the door. My worry is east when a few moments later, Aiden reenters the room with the owner of the team, Robert Whitlock.

The team quickly subdues the roughhousing. Even Coach Bower looks somewhat embarrassed by how loud they had all been. The team owner is an older nun whose very presence demands respect. Despite the sudden, nervous energy, the team owner chuckles.

“At ease, gentleman, Robert jokes with a smirk. There is a quiet chorus of chuckles in response to his joke. The coach stands up from where he was sitting to shake Robert’s hand.

“You did a good job out there, Henry,” he says, with a smile. He turns toward the silent crowd of hockey players. “And you all did, too, I can tell that you’ve all been working very hard. You did a great job.”

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The team cheers again. Despite how powerful and authoritative, the team owner is, he fits in with the party swimmingly Everyone begins to mingle and socialize with clips of the game, playing on the news in the background. Even the newscasters seemed shocked by how well the Freeze performed.

Π

I’m in the middle of introducing myself to another one of Aiden’s teammates when someone to have on my shoulder. To my surprise, I turn to see Robert smiling at me.

“Do you mind if I speak with you for a second, Carol?” He says, Shocked, all I can do is nod.

Robert me aside, a knowing glint in his eyes. Carol, I wanted to thank you for all of your help..” He says. He grasps my hands and smiles sincerely. “Thanks to you and your bargaining skills, the sponsor has agreed to double their sponsorship for the

next match.

My jar almost drops in shock. “Really?!” I say. I manage to collect myself and clear my throat. “Amen- that’s great news, sir. I’m just happy that I was able to help a little.

“A little?” He chuckles. “You’re far too humble, Miss Miller. In fact, I believe that kind of work deserves compensation. I

I raise my hands and shake my head quickly. “Oh, no, there’s no need for that.” I said quickly. “I’m the one who stepped in unexpectedly-I wouldn’t expect you to pay me when I don’t even work for you.”

“But you could,” she says, with a twinkle in his eye.

to thank

My heart leaps. I suddenly realize why the team owner decided to pull me aside, of all people. He doesn’t just want to

he wants to hire me. I feel my heart leap.

ΠΕ

–

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The owners of major athletic teams like the Statford Freeze are wealthier and more influential than I could possibly imagine. The Whitlock name is especially notorious for carrying money and power. My mind can’t help but wander as I think about all of the opportunities this could lead to

Unfortunately, reality comes back as it always does, I know that want to jump at this opportunity because my boss has been making me so uncomfortable recently. Still, it would be disrespectful to quit my job so suddenly we had a good reason. Besides, as much as I respect Robert, accepting a job isn’t something that could be done so lightly.

“I’ll think about it, I tell him, my voice tinged with regret that I can’t accept the offer now. “Unfortunately, for now, I have my obligations. I deeply appreciate your offer, sir.”

Robert nods with understanding. “Of course,” he replies. “I’m sure you are a very responsible employee, and I wouldn’t want to just pull you away like that. Just know that the door is always open if you change your mind.”

The party continues for a few more hours, even lasting into the wee hours of the morning. Robert is the first to leave, followed shortly after by Coach Bower. Eventually, Aiden decides the party is going on for long enough.

“All right, come on right, boys,” Aiden calls out over the crowd think you’ve all partied and played hard enough for one night. Go home and rest – I know you won’t need it.”

A couple of Aiden’s teammates, boo and hiss teasingly, but they all have smiles on their faces, Aiden’s teammates collect themselves and pile out of the house one by one, even thanking me and Aiden on the way out.

“You didn’t have to kick them out,” I say to Aiden, as a door closes behind the last of them. “I wouldn’t have minded if you wanted to keep partying

Aidenshakes his head with a playful smile. “Oh no, I can promise you I sent them away for purely selfish reasons,” he says flirtatiously. “Tcan’t help it. I want you all for myself.”

My face immediately flushes, despite myself. I pretend to consider Aiden’s words. “Hm. I don’t know, I’m kind of busy tonight…” I say teasingly Aiden gasps in muck-offense and grabs me around the waist.

tome “Oh, no you’re not!” He declares. I let out a peel of laughter as he carries me toward our bedroom. “You and I need son

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alone time after that consage, fest”

Tonight has been perfect in every possible way. My face hurts from how hard I’ve been smiling for hours now. There’s still

and Aiden and I have already agreed to deal with my family situation tomorrow. For now, plenty to worry about, of course I’m happy to see that tonight really is just for the two of us.