Page 52

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 him and the 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 if we’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 seen her 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.”

I never thought of it like that. When I picture goats, I picture them head-butting each other out of the way at the petting zoo to get to the kids who are feeding them. Goat yoga actually sounds pretty fun.

“I stand corrected. That sounds pretty awesome, Sadie. You already talked to the owner about running a class in his building?”

Sadie nods vigorously and clasps her hands together in a pleading motion. “I did! I have his availability in my email. Can we do it? Please, please, please?”

At this point, I’m desperate to fix whatever is going on with the team, and if some team bonding with goats is what it takes, who am I to stand in the way?

“Let me text Hunter and Lincoln. I know Hunter will be on board, but it’s Mr. Grumpy Coach I’m worried about.”

She hops off the bed to grab her laptop. “I’m sure you could bribe him with a little sexy time,” she says. “If you know what I mean.”

I grab my phone from her bedside table and open our text thread. “You know…I may have to stoop to that level on this one.”

“You poor thing.”

We both laugh before I shoot off a text to Lincoln and Hunter.

Maybe we need to do some team bonding? The stress of the playoffs may be getting to the guys. There’s a lot of pressure on all of us to succeed this year.

Lincoln

Not a bad idea, Montgomery. Got anything in mind.

Actually, I do. Goat Yoga.

Hunter

HELL YEAH!

Lincoln

I’m sorry… did you say goat yoga?

I sure did. It actually has a lot of benefits and I think it could be a great idea.

Lincoln

Is that even a thing? Would we have to go to a farm?

Hunter

It’s totally a thing. Sadie already talked to a guy about using his space for a class. This is brilliant, Ellie.

Lincoln

I don’t know you guys… Sounds a bit crazy to me.

Do you trust me?

Lincoln

You know I do.

Then it’s settled. We’re doing goat yoga.

Hunter

This is the best day of my life.

Lincoln

You need to get out more, Hunter.

I can’t believe I agreed to goat yoga. This is probably the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m standing here in a greenhouse-looking studio, trying to figure out where the hell Sadie found four goats for this shit. She’s some type of miracle worker.

Ellie walks up next to me wearing a pair of high-waisted yoga pants that have me wishing we were alone so I could sink my teeth into her glorious ass. She bumps her shoulder against my arm. “Told you this wasn’t a bad idea. The guys are having a blast and it hasn’t even started yet.”

Looking around at the team, I see that every single one of them is laughing or has a smile on their face. Damn, I hate when she’s right.

“Yeah, yeah. You were right. For once.”

She fake gasps. “Lincoln Scott. Can you say that again? I don’t think I heard you.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “Keep it up, Coach. I’ll make you pay for that smartass later.”

Ellie pats my shoulder. “It’s cute you think that should scare me.” She leans in to whisper in my ear. “When really all it does is make me wet.”

Her words immediately go straight to my dick. I do my best to adjust myself and try to think of something to settle the big guy down. Algebra. Our scary GM, Jerry. Jerry doing yoga. Yep, that works.

Ellie laughs and then takes one more look around. “Where’s Niko? It’s not like him to be late. He’s usually the first one here.”

I didn’t even notice that he wasn’t here yet and the fact that he’s nowhere to be seen has me worried. Hunter walks up as I’m pulling out my phone to call Niko.

Wait a second, is that a puppy?

Ellie’s squeal nearly knocks me off my feet. “Oh my gosh, Hunter! Please tell me that’s your puppy!”

Hunter rubs the Bernese Mountain Dog’s head with a goofy grin on his face. “He sure is. Guys, meet Gordie. I figured he might enjoy some goat yoga himself.”

Ellie rushes over to Hunter and steals the dog right out of his arms. She looks over at me with her own set of puppy dog eyes.

Ellie and I have been discussing the idea of moving in together this summer. It doesn’t make sense for us to live separately when we’re together every night and every day at the rink. She’s hesitant to pull the trigger because Sadie still hasn’t found steady work. That’s my girl, always putting the people she loves first .

“Those puppy dog eyes aren’t going to work on me, Montgomery. It’s not happening.”

She hands the puppy back to Hunter and juts out her bottom lip. Gordie really is adorable. Hey, I’m not a psychopath. I think dogs are great. I just don’t love the idea of waking up all night with a puppy or cleaning up after them.

Before she guilts me into buying a damn dog, I look at Hunter and change the subject. “Have you heard from Niko? I was just about to call him.”

He nods toward the entrance. “Here he is. Looks like he brought Sophia.”

I look over to the door and see a disheveled Niko come through the door, Sophia in his arms. I’ve never seen Niko look so flustered before. He’s always calm, cool, and collected. His demeanor now isn’t showing any signs of those.

“Sorry I’m late, guys. I had another nanny quit on me. I hope it’s okay I brought Sophia.”

The last thing this guy should be worried about is childcare for his daughter, but all season he’s been having a hard time finding a steady nanny. I can’t wrap my head around it. Who wouldn’t want to nanny for a rich hockey player with a gorgeous house and kid?

Sophia gets so excited when she sees the goats behind us. “Daddy, look! Goats!”

Niko smiles and rubs his hand down her hair. She looks at him and grabs his cheeks with her tiny hands. “Can I go say hi to the goats, Daddy?”

Niko looks at us in question.

Ellie reaches her hand out. “Of course you can, sweetie. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Wayne. He’s that tiny black goat climbing on Sadie right now.”

She walks away, hand in hand with Sophia, and Niko runs a hand through his hair. His hair looks messier than I’ve ever seen it. I have a feeling he’s been running his hands through it all day .

I clasp him on the shoulder. “You okay, Captain? I’m sorry you can’t find a reliable nanny.”

He releases a deep sigh. “Yeah, I’m okay. My parents were unavailable today and I really hate having to rely on them so much. They’re retired. They should be enjoying their time together, not taking care of a five-year-old.”

We stand talking for a few minutes, and are interrupted by a high-pitch whistle that silences the entire room.

“Good morning, Bobcats! My name is Sadie and I’ll be leading you through an exciting session of goat yoga today. And if it’s okay with her dad, Sophia here would love to be my assistant today.”

The entire team looks back at Niko. He’s standing next to us, eyes widened and clinging to Sadie like she’s the only person in the room.

I nudge him with my shoulder. “Cap? Is it okay if Sophia helps Sadie today?”

Niko shakes his head, clearing whatever fog he seemed to be in. “Yeah, yeah. Of course she can help. As long as it’s okay with you.”

Sadie shoots Niko a smile that could bring any grown man to his knees. Except me. The only place you’ll find me on my knees is in front of Ellie.

“Of course she can help!” She claps her hands two times and tells everyone to get in their place.

Niko grabs my arm as I go to find a mat. “Is that the same Sadie from Thanksgiving?”

I nod my head. “Yeah, she’s Ellie’s best friend and roommate. You didn’t recognize her?”

He shakes his head but keeps his eyes glued on Sadie. “I had a lot going on with Sophia and her mom that week. But damn. How can I not remember how stunning she was?”

I laugh and leave Niko to stare at Sadie in peace. I find an empty mat at the far end of the room, which just happens to be directly behind Ellie. She’s busy stretching her body, leaning back and forth as she tries to loosen her muscles before we get started. I stand in awe, admiring her muscular body in her yoga attire. Her pants hug her hockey ass so well it should be illegal. She’s wearing a tight shirt which may hide her cleavage, but it pushes her tits together and suddenly I’m wishing my face was between them. When she leans over to stretch out her hamstrings, I can no longer bite my tongue.

“Good lord, Montgomery. You’re asking for a spanking today.”

Ellie stays leaning over, but turns her head so she can see me. “Keep it in your pants, Scott. There are children present.” Her words come out both flirty and sassy. I can’t wait to get her alone later and wrap my hand around that damn ponytail. I’m going to make her mouth pay for all that sass.

Sadie’s voice interrupts my dirty thoughts and she instructs us to get into our first position. She sits down and demonstrates while the four goats run wild between us. Everyone’s following her instructions, but also enjoying the show the goats are putting on at the same time.

I may not have ever imagined spending my Thursday doing goat yoga with a bunch of grown men, but there’s not a damn thing Ellie Montgomery could ask me that I wouldn’t do.

We may just be getting started, but that woman is my sun and my stars.

And I’ll spend today and every day after proving it to her.