Hockey Hunk (Loving the Puckers Book 4)

by Kat Obie

  Getting home from practice, I flopped onto the bed and gave Renee a call. She picked up and said, "I'm not sure I can do this. It's too much."

  "Yes, you can." It wasn't the first time she’d said that on a call. I wasn't trying to be patronizing. "Take a deep breath. Remember. I'll be with you every step of the way."

  "You keep saying that, but I live in Regina."

  "I know, baby, and we'll make it work. I make tons of money. You'll have a nanny. I'll be there at the birth and whenever I can during the season. Yes, I want you to move in, but there's no pressure for you to do so."

  "Where were you when I was dealing with all those assholes in the past?"

  I laughed. "Too afraid to touch you."

  That got her giggling. I knew we were over the worst of it tonight. Now we could go back to having fun. It seemed like lately the first few minutes of every call would start that way. I couldn’t blame her for being upset.

  She said, "I miss you."

  "Miss you too, my Little Weber."

  The thing was, I really did miss her. I wanted her close, especially when she was having her moments of panic. I was still grateful that things were on the right track with us, even if we got pushed together wicked fast.

  Renee

  Coming back to Cleveland was a big deal. It was the second trip I was making in secret. At least, Colton was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. I told Matt I couldn’t come to this round of the playoffs since I wanted to surprise him.

  As soon as I saw him, I laughed. His playoff beard was a five o'clock shadow rather than a real beard. It was always weird to see Colton try to grow facial hair, and it reminded me of when he tried to grow his Mo'vember moustache at eighteen. That was just so awful looking.

  He came up to give me a hug. "What's so funny, Renee?"

  "Oh, just thinking of you when you had that moustache in high school."

  He chuckled. "Oh, that was so bad. At least it's getting better, but my beard always makes me look like a slacker."

  "Is everything all set for tonight?" I shouldn’t have been nervous. Matt had been wanting me to come out for the playoffs, but I knew I needed to make things up to him, so when I was able to get off work, I decided to make a surprise visit. Thanks to Colton, we could see each other before the game—which was typically taboo—and I even had a ticket for tonight.

  "Yup." He held out an arm to guide me to the car. "Come on, we need to get to the rink."

  I followed him to his vehicle. He threw my suitcase into the trunk as I got into the passenger seat. He sped the whole way to the arena and even to the tiny press conference room. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought we were late.

  He abandoned me in the media room, and I stared at the backdrop the Sound used for post-game interviews thinking of the right things to say.

  I cursed myself for not preparing myself better. While Matt and I had made up and he’d taken the news that we were pregnant like a champ, I wanted to prove to him I was there for him in the long haul.

  I heard the door open. I turned away from the Sound's logo background to see my hockey hunk walking in with most of his gear on. I'd never seen a larger grin on his face than the one he got the moment he saw me. "Holy shit, you're here."

  He did the fastest waddle I've seen a hockey player do and gave me a huge hug. I practically jumped him into his arms. "Yup."

  "Why didn’t you say anything, baby? I would have met you at the airport and taken you out to eat. Or something.” He brushed back a piece of hair behind my ear. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. Still tired all the time, but that’s not unusual. I wanted to surprise you.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a silver chain. I’d considered a commitment ring, but that seemed too cheesy and not masculine enough. Then I remembered that I’d seen Matt wear chains and a saint medallion. “I got you a little something so you can think of me when we are apart.”

  He took the chain from my hand and smiled. He threw it on and tucked it under his chest pad. “Aw, baby, you have to know I think about you and the littlest Weber all the time.”

  He gave me one of those passionate kisses that I’d been missing. It was cute how he As I was pressed up against the wall, there was a knock on the door and a shout from my brother. “You guys got five minutes. Then you got to get upstairs, Renee.”

  I knew our pre-game time would be short, but I was glad that Matt would know we were there watching him play for their lives tonight.

  14

  Matt

  Today was the day. I was so excited about Renee's doctor's appointment. Okay, I had totally freaked out when she told me she thought she was pregnant. I never thought I would make it to this appointment, but unfortunately, my dream of lifting the Stanley Cup had been halted until the next year.

  Right as I was pulling into the doctor's office, my phone rang. I was surprised to see it was the coach. Scotty didn't do many check-ins until later into the off season. "Everything all good, boss?"

  "Yeah. You're training in Regina, right?"

  "Yup." I looked over to my pregnant girlfriend, so excited that I could say that. She was the reason I was here.

  "I thought you and Clarkie were there. And quite frankly, I trust you more than the rookie," Scotty said quickly. While there was a part of me that felt honored, I knew both of them were still a little weary of each other after the whole jump-scare thing. But Cameron was the one who’d helped me to find guys to train with here in Regina after Webs decided he was going to train in BC with his girlfriend. "Would you be willing to hang out and train with my kid?"

  "Sure. It's never a problem to hang out with Alex."

  "Wrong kid." Oh, he meant the kid. I was so used to hanging out with Alex that I didn’t think he meant his twelve-year-old son. "Sean's here for a hockey camp. I thought it might be good if you could give him some of your time."

  "Yeah." I wasn't going to tell Scotty no. Besides, the kid was a good kid and a hell of a hockey player.

  Scotty said, "Great. Let's meet at the Al Ritchie Ice Center in about an hour."

  "No can do, boss. Renee and I have a doctor's appointment, but I can meet you there afterwards."

  "Everything all good?" There was a hint of concern in Scotty’s voice. He knew that I was dating Weber’s sister since we went together to the end-of-season party at his house. But we hadn’t told anyone that we were expecting, not even Webs.

  "Oh yeah. Things are real good." Renee was looking at me something fierce. She'd been afraid I would give away our little secret too soon. I promised that I would keep the pregnancy under wraps until we agreed to tell Weber. And she had no idea that I had a surprise up my sleeve for after the appointment. "Well, gotta go, but I’ll meet you guys at the arena when I can."

  I hung up the phone and reached over the middle console so I could give Renee a kiss. "See. Nothing to worry about, baby. Ready?"

  "Yeah."

  I hopped out of the SUV and ran around the side to open the door for her. I pressed my lips to hers. She was just so damn sexy, even before she was carrying our child.

  "Down, Shoresy. We can't be getting all hot and bothered right now." I pouted, but I knew she was right. It wasn't the right time to do anything, but it was hard to control myself around her. "If you hadn’t made plans for after the appointment, I would say we could do it afterwards."

  "Hey, I couldn't say no to my head coach." It was true, but that wouldn’t change the fact that I would always keep her secrets or that I planned to propose to her immediately after the appointment.

  The two of us walked into the doctor's office.

  Renee

  I was so grateful that Matt was beside me, but I still got nervous as we walked into the doctor's office. Matt had been great since finding out that we were expecting. He put a hand on the small of my back and whispered, "It'll be okay, Little Weber. We’re going to see our April Fool's girl for the first time."

  He’d been obsessed with the idea
that we were going to have a girl and also the timeline. It was pretty crazy that it had happened during that one time.

  I felt fat with the extra weight from the pregnancy, even though I hadn't started to show yet. It was early stages yet, but I knew I wouldn't stay this way much longer. "I'm not going to be so little anymore."

  "You'll be fine. I'll love you no matter what size you are."

  I loved how warm his voice was for me. Plus, I knew he called me Little Weber due to the fact I was Colton’s little sister, and it was cute that he called the baby the Littlest Weber.

  I still hadn't felt like everything was real. After two months of phone calls and the occasional short visit to Cleveland, he was finally here with me and would be all summer. I needed him. We still hadn't figured out all the crazy details like what would happen after I gave birth. Although, I knew that he loved me.

  He was good at reading me. "You're worrying, Renee. It's going to be fine."

  Before I could say anything, we were called in to see the doctor. It was music to my ears and saved me from another "it's all going to work out" talk by Matt. He seemed to be specializing in them lately. But I loved how he was so sure things would just work out, and so far they had.

  The only major obstacle left was telling Colton we were expecting again. Matt had talked me into telling him today with the sonogram picture. The closer we got to telling Colton, the more nervous I became. I really didn't know how my brother would react to finding out I was pregnant for real.

  The first half of the appointment was easy and unexpected. Matt rubbed my neck and back. It was soothing and exactly what I needed. The doctor was nice, and she did a great job of explaining everything.

  Then it was time to do the sonogram. Kristy was actually the tech who did it. It didn't take long for us to see our baby. It was so tiny and neat to see what was growing in my belly.

  "Oh my gosh, this is so cool," Matt whispered. I nodded. Then he asked in a much louder voice, "Would it be okay if I took a photo of the sonogram on the machine?"

  "We'll be printing out a copy for both of you to take home."

  I looked towards Kristy, and my hand rested above where the jelly was spread across my stomach. "Well, Colton probably wouldn't believe me otherwise. Please."

  She smiled, knowing full well it wasn’t that long ago that we’d faked the pregnancy news to him and had an image. "I guess that's okay, then."

  Matt snapped the photo. He must have sent it immediately because there was the tell-tale ring of a Facetime Call soon after. Matt looked my way. "Do you want me to answer Webs?"

  "Sure."

  He thumbed the button and held out the phone with his long arms so it could see both me and him. My brother's face popped up on the screen. He didn’t bother to say hello. "Is that for real, this time?"

  I spoke up first. "Yes. It's why we sent you the photo from here."

  Colton was smiling, so he wasn’t upset. That was a plus, but I couldn’t tell if he believed us. I wasn’t too surprised when he demanded, "Let me see the whole room."

  Matt panned out to show the room and then panned to show me with my belly exposed, but he quickly lifted the phone up to our faces. He said, "See, we're here together, but we should get back to the appointment."

  "You better call me back afterwards. I need details." Colton closed out the call, and Matt threw his phone into his pocket.

  That had gone better than I expected. Then again, our conversation couldn’t get too involved while we were in the appointment. The more difficult conversation had to happen soon enough.

  We still had so much unsettled, but I couldn't push Matt into something he didn't want. He’d suggested we move in together during the season, and we were having so much fun out of the season.

  There wasn't much left to the doctor appointment. We were basically told when to make the next appointment and that everything was looking great. It was reassuring, but it still felt like a lot of changes were coming our way. Hell, if I did move to Cleveland, I would have to find a new doctor.

  As we walked out to the car, we held hands. I always felt so protected when he held my hand like that. He paused before getting to the car. He pulled me into an embrace and gave me a soft kiss. He had been so damn flirty since the moment he arrived in Regina which suited me fine since I wanted him too.

  As much as I wanted to do something with him, we couldn't—he’d planned to meet up with his coach. "Come on, drop me off at my place so you can get to your meeting."

  "Wait. Let's get a drink together first."

  "You know I can't drink."

  He nipped my ear before he whispered, "I meant let’s get something like a hot chocolate. Come on. You pick the place."

  I nodded. I hopped into the driver's seat and drove to my favorite coffee place. Cool Beanz had a hippie vibe but the best pastries and coffee in the province.

  As soon as I parked, he smiled knowingly. "I should have known this was going to be your choice. Can you get me a long pull espresso? I lost something in the car."

  I nodded but thought it was weird. Not the order—that was his standard. But I let him stay in the car to find what he was looking for. By the time I brought the two drinks and the chocolate croissants to the table, he came in. He had that wide grin on his face that always looked so sexy.

  He came to me and knelt down. It was shocking. He opened the ring box and said, “Baby. I know we’re just figuring everything out, but you’re the person I want to be with. So, what do you think of getting married one day?”

  I started crying and said, “Yes. Although, would you be okay with a long engagement?”

  He just nodded and gave me one of those addictive kisses. But we couldn’t get carried away. I smiled and said, “Down, Matt. We’re in public, and you have a meeting.”

  “I know, but later,” he promised, and I knew tonight’s sex would be the best yet. He gave me one more kiss on my lips.

  Epilogue

  Matt

  The last five years had been pure bliss. I loved waking up to my beautiful wife. Unfortunately, this afternoon was not one of those days where I got to wake up next to Renee before the game. One of us needed to watch Jen at all times, so while I was getting my pre-game nap, Renee was taking care of our little girl.

  I got up and threw on my suit pants and a white shirt. I'd deal with the tie and the jacket later.

  The moment I got downstairs, I was bombarded by a petite brunette with long curly hair. She hugged my knees and said, "Daddy, we need to have a talk."

  I looked up to see Renee filming the interaction, so I knew that they must have discussed this before I woke up. I hated to admit it, but I was a little scared. I knelt down so I could be at eye level with my little girl. "What is it?"

  "I want to make a bet with you."

  I laughed. She was definitely my daughter. Smart like her mom but athletic and prone to bets like me. "Okay. What's the bet?"

  "If you score a goal tonight, I'm going to buy you a doughnut."

  I felt my jaw tighten as I said, "Fine." I quietly reminded myself that one doughnut in season wouldn't kill me and it was a small thing for my daughter.

  "Good. ‘Cause I know you’ll score. But if you win tonight, I'm going to buy you a pizza."

  I closed my eyes. That was a much bigger ask. Thank God, Renee stepped in and peeked up from the phone. "Jen, I thought we talked about this. Daddy doesn't like pizza. Why don't you buy him his favorite meal?"

  "Daddy likes boring food," she said with a wrinkled nose.

  I scooped her up and tickled her tummy. "Is this your way of saying you want to get pizza tomorrow night when we hang out with your uncle?" I still had a hard time calling Weber Uncle Colton. She shook her head. "But what happens if your uncle wins tonight's game?"

  It was the first time we were playing against each other since Webs signed with the Vancouver Legacy. It was so weird, but that was the business of hockey. The Sound didn't have the cap space, and the Legacy did. So for the
first time in ten years, I didn't get to hang out with my best friend all day at the rink.

  "He gets to buy me a pizza."

  I cracked up. I looked over to Renee. "Please tell me you sent that to your brother."

  "I did," she said with a smile. I set Jen back down and gave Renee a kiss. Our kisses were still so perfect.

  The doorbell rang. I smirked, knowing damn well it would be Webs. The two of us had arranged that he would come to visit before we went to the rink. It would be a short visit, but it allowed Jen to see her favorite uncle.

  Jen ran for the door. Almost immediately, I heard Webs say, "What's this about buying you pizza when I win tonight?"

  "'Cause you will."

  It was too damn cute. I gave my beloved wife another kiss before we greeted our guest. I whispered, "When was the last time that I told you I love you so much?"

  She smiled and said, "This morning. Come on. We shouldn't let those two get into trouble."

  I nodded and led her into the great room. Jen was in Colton’s lap and had a present in her hand. I had a nasty feeling it would be a new jersey for Jen. She ripped the wrapping paper to shreds.

  Yup, I was right. She had a new jersey. Vancouver colors, complete with a C on the corner. "Dude. What's with giving Jen your jersey?"

  "'Cause she should wear a winner's jersey." He looked down at his niece. "You'll wear that tonight, right, Jenny?"

  She hugged him around his neck and said, "Yup."

  "Traitor," I said in jest. It wasn't the first time that Jen had worn her uncle's jersey instead of mine. Although, it was weird that this was the first time playing against him and she was going to wear the new jersey.

  "No more than my sister is when she wears yours," Weber said with a smirk. It chaffed him when Renee started to sport my jersey that epic first date. He was damn sure she would always wear Weber.

  I wrapped my arms around Renee and whispered to her, "Don't listen to him. You aren't a traitor, and you're so damn sexy with Shoresy on your back." I didn't want her to think for a second that she was a traitor for falling in love with me.