Page 106 of Behind the Bench

Standing there, behind the bench, is our entire team. They’re cheering and hollering like a bunch of neanderthals, but it’s a scene that will be engraved in my heart for years to come.

I drop my stick and bury my face in my hands, trying to hide the pure joy—and maybe a little embarrassment—from the guys.

Lincoln grabs my hand and lifts it into the air like he’s announcing the winner of a boxing match.

“She loves me too! Let’s fucking go!”

The guys erupt into another fit of cheering and fist pumping. I turn to stare at the obnoxious man beside me.

I love him, but Lincoln Scott is a dead man for this.

He looks down at me and laughs at the scowl that covers my face. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.”

Ripping my hand away from his, I shake my head and go to make my escape. I’ve only taken two strides when I feel his hand on my arm, yanking back toward him.

In such a dramatic fashion, he drops his gloves and wrapshis arm around my waist as he pulls my hips flush to his. Dipping me backward, he leans down and plants another kiss on my lips before pulling me back up.

The team begins their hollering again from the bench, but it's all background noise at this point. I’m too distracted by this man holding me. His smile is genuine and it steals my breath.

He pulls his signature move and tucks a loose piece of hair behind my ear. Leaning in, he whispers, “I love you, Coach.”

THREE MONTHS LATER

We’re a month away from playoffs and our team is struggling. We’re still in position to advance, but if we don’t start winning consistently again, we’re going to end up a much lower seed than we should be.

Lincoln, Hunter, and I have been trying to figure out what’s off with the team. Every time we try to fix something, nothing changes. We win a game, lose two. Or, we’ll have a two goal lead and end up losing in overtime. It’s not like us.

Things with Lincoln and me are still great, which is a good thing. If things were off with himandthe team, I’d probably lose my mind. We’re both pretty grumpy these days with the team’s failures, but we’ve made it a rule in our relationship to turn off the work switch at eight o'clock each night. It’s impossible to leave our work at the rink, so we came up with this rule after we spent many sleepless nights up late worrying about work.

On days we don’t have games, we’ve been sticking to this rule and it’s been amazing. I think every couple should purposefully set aside time to be together if possible. Even ifwe’re just sitting together watching a Netflix show, knowing our attention is focused on only each other has had such a positive effect on our relationship.

I’ve just spent the last fifteen minutes venting to Sadie about the team’s struggles. Lying flat on my back on her bed, I stare at the ceiling fan as it spins. “Something’s just not working and I can’t freaking figure out what it is. It’s driving me mad!”

Sadie flops down onto her bed next to me and stares at her ceiling fan with me. “Maybe they need to do some team bonding. It’s been a while since you guys have done something, right? Wasn’t it around New Years?”

She’s right. The last time the team did something that wasn’t hockey related was probably back in January. We found an amazing laser tag place and had a little competition. It was the biggest laser tag facility I’d ever seen and the layout was badass. The guys had a great time. I won the sharpshooter award for best accuracy. Just saying.

I wonder if we should try to plan something like that again. With playoffs so close, I’m not sure something like that would be the smartest idea, though. “Yeah, we did that hardcore laser tag. I know the guys try to have team dinners, but rarely is everyone able to show up. Someone is always missing, or has something planned with their family. But maybe we need to make it a priority. I’m willing to try anything at this point.”

Sadie shoots off the mattress, and in two seconds flat she’s straddling me.

“Listen, Sadie, I love you, but not like that.”

She shakes my shoulders. “No, you weirdo! I just had the best idea!” She lifts one of her legs and gets off of me, but stays close to me as she waits for me to respond.

“Well, are you gonna tell me or…” I sit up and cross my legs so we’re face to face.

Sadie bounces on her knees, more excited than I’ve seenher in a very long time. “Okay, well, Hunter and I have this amazing idea. And before you react, let me explain. You know that place I went to for sunrise yoga?”

I nod and she continues. “Well, it’s kind of like a hair salon, but instead of renting chairs, they rent out their space to different yoga instructors and fitness classes.”

I’m not really following and my face must reveal my confusion because she starts explaining better. “Okay, well, Hunter and I talked to the owner, and he’s willing to let us try out a new yoga class I’ve been dying to teach. Two words: Goat. Yoga.”

The idea has me falling over, full on belly laughing. Once I pull myself together and wipe the tears from my eyes, I sit up to see Sadie eyeing me, clearly unimpressed.

“I’m sorry, Sadie. I love you, and you truly are an amazing yoga instructor, but goat yoga? I know you love goats but…is that even a thing?”

Sadie puts her hands on her hips, and I know I’m about to get an earful. “As a matter of fact, it is. Goats are highly intelligent animals and they bring something to the experience that doesn’t come with a typical yoga session. They will nuzzle into the participants or even climb on their backs. The goats bring laughter, joy, and a lightness to the session. Think of it as pet therapy with the added physical benefits of yoga. It can help reduce stress, ease tension, and quite frankly it might just be an amazing time. I bet the guys would love it.”

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