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Matt
Matt skated around the Wilkes-Barre hockey rink with the players from the Falcons. It was an honor to be asked to join the guys for their conditioning camp, seeing how he was now a free agent. It was September, and his agent hadn’t had one team ask about him yet. Matt had resigned himself to the fact that he was done; there would be no more professional hockey for him. That was why he was so pumped to be invited to skate with these guys.
Maybe Thomas had asked the Coach to invite him. Matt didn’t know. All he did know was that it felt good to lace up the skates again, even if he was not in full gear. Sweats and a team hoodie were better than being in the stands. Looking behind the net, he saw Maddy, standing at the glass. She was in a sexy pair of pink scrubs, but bundled up in his Renegades hoodie and gloves. Her big smile warmed his heart and took away any chill from the ice rink. Beside her stood Thomas’s wife and their little boys.
Matt felt a sense of pride, being able to condition with the team and help the greener guys out with pointers. It was odd to have the younger guys looking to him for direction, but Matt was happy to help.
He glided around the ice and helped the coach run drills, passing one timers to the guys as they skated to the net. This was a different perspective for Matt, but there was something about being on the rink, the smell of the ice, and the sounds of the blades on the frozen surface that made him forget about everything but the game.
Once practice was over, some of the guys lingered on the ice, taking slap shots at the net. Two familiar voices caught his attention.
“Bro!” Rossi and Jazz skated up to him with excited smiles on their faces.
Jazz skated around Matt. “Man, Jasp, you look great!”
“That pretty lady must be agreeing with you?” Rossi teased.
Matt nodded. Maddy more than agreed with him. He was the happiest he had ever been.
Jazz shook his head. “It’s good to have you back in Wilkes, man.”
“Yeah,” Rossi agreed. “I’m thinking some pick-up games are in order.”
“Yeah! ’Cause I want a rematch!” Thomas called, jokingly.
“Anytime, boys,” Matt responded with a grin. He hadn’t stopped smiling since he and Maddy had moved into their new house in mid-July. “I’m local now, so just hit me up.”
Thomas skated up to him and pulled Matt into a bro-hug. “It is good to see you. The boys were so excited, they barely slept last night. They were up this morning before I was. And Ronny can’t wait to give you the new picture he drew for you. I swear, they wear their Renegades Jasper jerseys more than they wear mine.”
Matt shook his head at Thomas’s comment. “Sorry ’bout that, man, but those boys have good taste, at least. I’m anxious to see that new picture.” Looking around at the smiling, happy faces, and all the Falcons banners, Matt was completely content. He pointed to the bleachers. “Looks like I’ll be spending a lot of time in those stands, cheering you guys on.”
Marko chimed in with a smirk. “And my shoulder is really tight.” He feigned pain. “Looks like I’ll be getting a rub down from your lady after I hit the showers, Jasp.”
Maddy’s new PT job was with the Falcons, and that included loosening the guys up when needed. Matt was finally secure enough in his relationship with Maddy, that he didn’t have a problem with her working her PT magic on other males, as long as those other males behaved themselves. And these were a good bunch of guys.
He shrugged, amused at Marko’s words. “Just behave yourself, Marko. She won’t hesitate to kick your ass, if needed.”
“That’s right,” Coach Pierce said, as he skated up to them. “I specifically told Madison to keep you boys in line. That girl is a spitfire, and I don’t doubt she’ll put you in your place if you overstep.”
The guys shot a few more pucks at the net, and then Rossi and Jazz cleaned up all the pucks before they left the ice. Coach Pierce made a few notes on his clipboard.
Matt hung around, not wanting to leave the rink just yet. “Coach Pierce, thanks for inviting me to join you for camp. It felt good to lace up my skates again. I may even come up here during open skate days, just to get my fix.”
“Matt, my invite was more than recreational. I heard that you had worked a little with Rossi and Jazz at the end of last season, and the pointers you gave them really helped. Each season, these young guys get harder and harder to get through to.”
“Oh, me? Nah, I didn’t do much. We just had a fun little pick-up game, that’s all,” Matt said.
“Most of them are good kids. They just need someone they can connect with.” Coach Pierce put his hand on Matt’s shoulder. “That brings me to my next point. The guys respect you, and I know you’re a free agent now. I don’t know what you’re looking at with your career, but I hope we can help each other. Having you around the rink will not only help my guys out, but it would keep you in the game that you love. I’d like you to be one of my assistant coaches. What do you say?”
“You’re offering me a job with the Falcons?” So many things ran through his mind. With no interested team in sight, and retirement looming, this may be just the chance he was waiting for.
“I am. These guys can use all the pointers they can get, and especially the guys who are in line to be called up to the big leagues. You are someone who can prepare them for playing with the Renegades.” Coach added. “I think you’d be a valuable asset to our coaching staff.”
Not only would this put Matt back in hockey, but he’d be in the same building as Maddy. They could literally carpool. It was a no-brainer.
Matt shook Coach’s hand enthusiastically. “Coach Pierce, I’d be honored! Thank you so much for the opportunity.”
“Great. So, we’ll see you first thing tomorrow morning?” Coach asked.
“Absolutely. And thank you again,” Matt called after Coach as he left the ice.
Matt was still reeling from the surprise job offer when he heard Maddy’s voice.
“Hey, tough guy.” Maddy carefully ran out onto the ice, sliding her way to him. “I was waiting to come see you, and I heard Coach Pierce talking to you.”
The wicked smile on her face told him the answer before he even asked the question. “How much did you hear?”
Maddy danced around like a two-year-old who had a secret. She dropped her voice to almost a whisper and leaned in close. “Did I hear him offer you a job?”
Matt couldn’t help but smile at her. Joy filled his chest as he whispered back in her ear, “Yes.”
“Yay! Congratulations! I told you Wilkes-Barre would be good for us!” Maddy jumped into his arms and planted a kiss on his lips. “I’m so proud of you. And, oh crap... Speaking of jobs, I came out here to get a hug before I work. I have to go! I think they said Marko is my first patient today, so I need to get in there.”
Matt set her down on the ice and groaned. “Marko?”
“Please, he’s harmless. There’s only room for one hockey player in my heart. You know that.” Maddy smiled sweetly and moved in for her hug and a kiss, almost falling in the process. With a squeal, she grabbed onto him tight.
“Hey, watch yourself. I can’t have you getting hurt. Then I’ll have to massage Marko.”
That got a giggle out of her. “Have fun with that.”
WHILE MADDY WAS WORKING, Matt took time to go to his meeting. He walked into the church basement, and was immediately greeted by all the familiar faces.
“Nice to see you today, Matt.”
“Hey, Matt, glad you’re here.”
He returned the friendly greetings, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a seat.
After saying the Serenity Prayer, Bob, the group leader, spoke. “Welcome everyone. Who would like to start today?”
Matt stood up. He carefully looked around the room. He had gotten to know all of these people, and he trusted them like his own family. “Hi, I’m Matt, and I’m an alcoholic.”
“Hi, Matt,” the group said in unison, as they always did.
“Well, I just hit ninety days sober.” Matt paused as the group congratulated him. He knew it was an accomplishment, but he wasn’t as excited as they were. Matt knew he had a long way to go. “Three months without a drop of alcohol. You know, I thought I would miss it. I also thought I didn’t have a problem, so...” He shrugged and smiled at those around him. “I really owe my sobriety to my girlfriend. Without her waking me up, I’d probably be slumped over in a bar somewhere right now, feeling sorry for myself. But instead, we’re getting settled in our new house, I’m feeling more complete than ever in my relationship, and I was just offered a new job.”
All eyes were on him, so he went on. “I know you aren’t supposed to start a relationship while in recovery, but our relationship had started long before I admitted to having a problem. Maddy is a direct link to my happiness, and I’m pretty sure I am to hers as well. And without the support of my new ‘home’ group here in Wilkes-Barre, as well as my old one back in Pittsburgh, I’m not sure I’d have made it past thirty days.”
When Matt was finished speaking, he sat back down and listened to everyone else talk. When the meeting was over, he walked out to his truck, and there stood his beautiful Maddy. “Sugar, what are you doing here? I was going to pick you up at work.”
“I couldn’t wait. My appointments were done for the day, so I got a ride over here.”
“Thomas?” Matt asked, even though he knew the answer.
Maddy nodded. “His boys are so adorable! And FYI, we’re going over to their house for dinner tomorrow night.”
He didn’t care who had brought her out, or what plans she’d made with them. All he cared about was that their new life in Wilkes-Barre just kept getting better and better. New friends, new house, new job.
Grabbing her, he kissed her while she was still talking, mid-sentence, about how they’d be working in the same building now.
When he finally pulled away, he smiled. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Maddy smirked.
“For convincing me to make this move. I love you so much, Maddy.” He held up his purple chip. “Three months sober.”
“I love you too, babe.” Maddy beamed. “And I’m so proud of you. Not only for the three months, but because you’re an amazing man, and you make me so happy.”
THE END
(or maybe just the beginning?)
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I hope you enjoyed Matt and Maddy’s love story. I sure enjoyed writing it! I enjoyed it so much that... Well, first, let me explain something about the title. I named the book like any other Renegades book – BodyChecked. But I added the sub-title After the Buzzer. After reading the story, you see how that was foreshadowing the end of Matt’s career. I plan to keep Matt and Maddy’s story going while we follow them in the new chapter of their life.
I don’t know when the new books will happen, so stay tuned. But we met some new characters while in Wilkes Barre, and a whole new team - the WB Falcons.
As always, thanks to my husband, for allowing me to do what I do. I’m sure it’s not always easy looking over, just to see me glued to the laptop. But, we’re closing in fast on twenty years of marriage, and I still feel blessed every second I have with him! He’s still MY Happily Ever After!
Our son is always knowledgeable when I ask specific hockey questions. He knows every player on every team, so he keeps me up to date (football too, which I know nothing about, lol).
Bree, my editor, my friend. You are awesome! I learn a little more with each project we work on together. I can’t even begin to say how happy I am that I found you.
Kat, my covers always kick ass!
My beta reader for Matt and Maddy’s story, and wonderful friend, Jennifer.
My always there to talk about hockey, Kris Letang, and life, my friend, Cindy.
My new proofreader, Patti. Looking forward to working together on many more Renegades books!
My author-friends, your support and friendship is unrivaled. My readers, your support and adoration of my Renegades is why I can keep doing what I love. Thank you for loving my boys as much as I do.
Thanks to my family for supporting me, even if they might think I’m a bit crazy, lol. My mom and aunt, who have become my fans (even if they might skip over some parts of the books). They both attended an author signing that I was at, simply for me. Their support means the world to me.
Thanks to the awesome hockey muses I get to watch on my tv and in person. I’ve followed hockey since I was a teenager, and I still watch it with the same passion. Over the last ten years I’ve had the chance to meet more than a few of the guys, and they are nothing but friendly and down to Earth, even the enforcers (those guys helped mold Matt Jasper). They will probably never read this, but I’m thankful they take the time they do with their fans, it really does mean as much to the adults as it does to the kids. Hockey players are some of the most respected athletes around. No wonder I love to write about them!
Ice Crew, you guys are the best! You’re my readers, my friends, and my support system. You also help me out with whatever I need. I love your participation and appreciate your friendship!
Readers, bloggers, and fellow authors, thanks for helping get my name out there and thank you for your friendship. Because ‘friendship’ is what this all boils down to, and I cherish all of you.
I always feel like I’m going to forget someone, so if you had even a small part in helping me reach my goal of book 9 in the Renegades Series, Thank You! And, if I forgot anyone, know you might’ve slipped my mind at the moment, but you’re in my heart.
I hope you all enjoyed BodyChecked!
With Goals of Love,
Mel
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, and son. She’s a dog lover and losing her two 15yr old girls (dogs) inspired them to adopt a new puppy, in addition to two cats. After years of begging for a cat, she finally let her son adopt a kitten (even though she’s allergic!) Buddy the Cat is definitely a “mama’s boy”. She graciously accepts kitty snuggles and head butts even though it will result in an allergic reaction. A house just isn’t a home without pets. Fleury Kitty isn’t as lovey as Buddy is, but he’s pretty cool too.
The whole family are avid Pittsburgh Penguins fans and like going to hockey games when they get the chance. Having met some of the players has fueled her interest in writing about them and creating wonderful stories.
Melody has loved writing since she was small, in school she never met a creative writing assignment that she didn't love. She is lucky enough to have a wonderful husband who encourages her to write. When she was laid off from her job of 14 years, he was supportive about letting her stay home and just be a mom. During that time, she discovered hockey-romances and found a renewed love of reading as well as a passion for writing.
There isn’t a lot of time for other television during hockey season, but when she does watch, her favorite shows are BONES, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, CHICAGO PD, GENERAL HOSPITAL, and SUPERNATURAL. Looking through her DVD/Blu-ray collection you’ll find every movie that stars Paul Walker, including every one of the Fast and the Furious movies.
When she’s not being a teacher to her teenage son (cyber school), being a wife and a mom, or helping out her grandmother, she spends her time reading hockey romances. During the holidays, she really enjoys any romance about Christmas, and Hallmark movies on tv. When it is the hockey off-season, she catches a good Hallmark wedding movie, enjoys swimming and spending her days out in the sun with her family and a good book.
Basically, if she’s not writing or reading, then she’s doing something that has to do with hockey!
Melody’s Books
Until You (Renegades Prequel - standalone)
Score On Me – Renegades 1
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Renegades 2
Playing the Game - Renegades 3
Zambonis and Mistletoe – Renegades 4
Shutout – Renegades 5
Shootout Save – Renegades 6
Blindsided – Renegades 7
Shot at Love – Renegades 8
BodyChecked – Renegades 9
Where to Find Me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelodyHeckGatto.com
My Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MelodysIceCrew/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookChick58
My Blog: https://authormelodyheckgatto.blogspot.com/
BodyChecked on Spotify