“Hi, babe,” Taylor said, wrapping an arm around Josh’s waist. He leaned down to kiss her, smiling against her lips. “Mind if I watch practice?”

“Just don’t distract my boys.” He laughed, pulling on her ponytail. She’d been so excited when her hair had grown long enough to tie it back.

“Me? A distraction?” She winked at him. “Never. I’m only here for the hockey. Oh, and the hot coach.”

She’d watched a few practices over the past couple weeks, and the guys liked her. She was a girl who knew her hockey. There weren’t enough of them around, and this one was his.

The head coach had Josh working with three of his forwards. They were all good, very good, but needed to learn the kind of work ethic and attitude that would get them to the NHL. They were problem players, typical college students. Only, as NHL prospects, being a typical college student wasn’t an option.

He enjoyed teaching them, feeling like he was helping. Some days were harder than others. There was still a huge gulf between him and the game, but every day he spent on the ice with these kids was chipping away at the distance. Everything seemed easier when he had skates on his feet.

When they got to the practice facility, Josh went to the locker room to put his gear on, and Taylor went out to sit in her favorite spot where she said she could see everything they were doing on the ice. She liked to sit there with her sketchbook and let the sounds of the rink envelop her.

She taught him a lot of things, but the biggest was that there was more than one way to love the game. She’d never played a day in her life, but that didn’t diminish her passion. She’d lost a lot to the game as well, but somehow found her way back.

The locker room was empty, and he hoped that meant the guys were already out on the ice and not just late again. His worries were unfounded when he walked down the tunnel and found the three guys standing out on the ice, with a fourth who was in street shoes.

His back was to the glass, but Josh immediately knew who it was. The tall, lanky frame gave it all away.

“You guys want to hear the advice that kept me up with the Jackets this year?” Carter Neil asked.

The three nodded, and Carter went on. “Be the hardest worker out there. The most willing to drop down to block a shot. The first to jump into the fight. Keep your feet moving and your head up. Don't take stupid penalties. Don’t worry too much about scoring. The chances will find you if the rest of your game is solid.”

Josh grinned at Carter’s words and started laughing. Carter turned sheepishly.

“Who told you that?” one of the guys asked.

“Your coach,” he answered, his eyes meeting Josh’s. “Words to live by.”

“Carter,” Josh said, stepping out onto the ice.

Carter brushed his unruly curls out of his eyes. “I figured this was the only way to see you.”

“I know, Man,” Josh said. “I’m sorry. I just needed to be away from the team for a while.”

“I get that. Coach Peterson called me into his office today and said they’re keeping me up through the playoffs. I just…” he paused. “You’re the first person I wanted to tell.”

A bite of jealousy rushed through Josh, but as quickly as it came, it was gone.

“That’s great.” Josh clapped his friend on the shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”

“Well,” Carter said, looking around. “I’ll let you guys get started. Mind if I stick around?”

“Sure,” Josh shrugged. “Taylor’s over in the corner if you want to sit with her.”

Carter’s face blanched. “Coach’s daughter?”

“She doesn’t bite.” Josh laughed. “Just go.”

He watched Carter make his way over to Taylor. She stopped drawing and smiled up at him before meeting Josh’s gaze.

“Alright.” Josh clapped his hands together, tearing his eyes from Taylor’s and turning back to the young men on the ice. “Let’s get to work.”