Page 117 of Check the Halls
He turns to leave, but I stop him. “Coach? Did I hear that we’re losing another physiotherapist?”
Stetson nods, gravely, his mouth turning downwards. “Yeah. We just hired Amos’ replacement and now Jason is leaving us for Montreal. Why?”
“I know someone that would be perfect.”
He looks slightly taken aback before giving me another nod. “Send me their name and I’ll contact HR.”
“Thank you, Coach. For everything.”
“Merry Christmas, Michaels.”
As the evening winds down and people start to leave, I take Maddy’s hand in mine and lead her towards the dance floor.
“I don’t recall being asked to dance,” she says as I take her in my arms.
“I don’t need to ask.” My lips graze her temple. “Ambassador/Director slowdance is on the itinerary.”
“Since when?”
“Since I asked Ivan to add it.”
We move around the dozen couples still on the floor. Foster and Beth move in slow circles to the music. Will is dancing with Annika, which is a feat to witness in itself as he’s well over a foot taller than her. I even spot Austin dancing with Bailey and I’m not sure what surprises memore: the fact that he convinced her to dance with him or that there is so little space between them. Maybe she lost a bet.
“I’m so glad the evening was a success,” Maddy says. Her cheek rests on my chest as we sway back and forth to the beat.
“It was a success because you made it a success, Madness. I meant what I said on stage. You did all this. Your hard work and leadership made tonight what it was. And I’m so fucking proud of you.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
“Yes, you could have. But you’ll never have to.”
She smiles up at me and I drink in every detail of her face. The freckles I’ve counted and recounted. The fullness of her lips. The eyes I want to stare into for the rest of my life.
We continue to hold each other until the dance floor is deserted and the music stops. I think about how a few months ago I wouldn’t even let myself dream it was possible to have Maddy in my arms again. But she’s here. And I will never let her go.
EPILOGUE
MADDY
Eight months later
“It’s going to be another half hour or so.” Ben frowns down at the breakfast casserole he’s been slaving over all morning. He puts it back in the oven before adding time to the stove timer.
After the Otters were eliminated from the playoffs in May, Ben decided he wanted to take cooking lessons. It was a steep learning curve for him. He didn’t know how to crack an egg, let alone cook one. But gradually, over the weeks and months, his skills and confidence have grown.
“I don’t mind waiting,” I tell him as I reach for my coffee cup. I don’t mind watching either. Ben turns and gives me a slow smile like he knows I’m checking him out. In my defense, it’s impossible not to. Ben Michaels looks good in anything and everything, but Ben Michaels in an apron? It’s so sexy, it’s not even fair.
“When you’re done ogling me, could you grab a roll of paper towel from the hallway closet?”
“Sure.” I don’t move, just continue to look him up and down appreciatively. “Any minute now.”
He sighs deeply. “Can’t a man cook for his woman without being objectified?”
“I guess not!”
He shakes his head, laughing. “The paper towel, Madness?”
I hop down from the stool and salute him. “Ay, ay, Captain.”
