Blindsided: Renegades 7 (The Renegades Series)

by Melody Heck Gatto

  As he rolled her taut nipples between his fingertips, her hands slipped under his t-shirt. Nails lightly scraped his skin as he teased her body. Finding her warm lips, slowly he kissed her. He kissed her enough for all the days she was gone and every moment that he’d missed her.

  Trina nibbled at his bottom lip. As much as he liked it, he wasn’t done kissing her. He needed more.

  Once he had enough of the foreplay, Sam pulled her onto his hips and stood up. “I think it’s time to take this upstairs.”

  Trina bit at her bottom lip and nodded.

  Sam stood at the stove making scrambled eggs and potatoes for breakfast. Showered and changed into his sweats and a flannel, he was hungry after an early morning skate. Steam poured off his hot coffee into the chilly air. He picked it up and took a sip before replacing it back on the counter beside him. His girls were late risers today. Starving, he had started breakfast in the hopes of waking them up.

  “Daddy!” Willow shrieked as Trina carried her down the stairs into the living room. Jumping out of Trina’s arms, Willow ran to him and wrapped her little arms around his leg, hugging it.

  “Well, good morning to my two favorite ladies.” His voice was still gruff from an exhausting morning workout. He nodded to the kitchen clock that read eleven o’clock. “You guys slept late.”

  “Yeah. I just couldn’t motivate myself to get up. And Willow was down for the count. Probably still on vacation time.” She smiled.

  Trina cuddled in close, snuggling into his side. Not being able to help himself, he placed a loving kiss on her warm lips. She was soft and sexy in her silk robe. Immediately he was ready for more ‘mommy and daddy time.’

  Having a child made things so much different. Before Willow, he would’ve had his hands all over her in that silky robe. It only came down past her hips and he wanted to have his hands under it. And the kitchen counter was the perfect height. But with Willow, there was no going back to bed for fun after she was up. Maybe at nap time, but sometimes she wasn’t the only one sleeping.

  Even with that small, cute disruption in their love life, he stared into Trina’s beautiful face, her deep blue eyes and light blond hair falling loosely around her face. She looked tired and hadn’t put on any makeup yet. Nonetheless, she was gorgeous. Even now, with him sharing her attention with Willow, his heart was filled with more love than ever before.

  “You’re home early.” She tilted her head as she looked up at him, her brow wrinkled.

  He had unintentionally caused her to worry by being home earlier than normal from a morning skate. He understood that, especially with his recent scare. Everyone involved in the hockey world knew the potential devastation that concussions could have on the lives of a player and his family. The guys didn’t live in fear of taking a hit; that was just part of the game. But they were all well aware of the risk. A head injury could result in not just the headaches and fatigue, but other long term symptoms like memory loss, anger or depression issues, and could spell the end of a player’s hockey career. Some players couldn’t shake the symptoms, and were forced to retire.

  But that wasn’t him; he didn’t even have a concussion. Sure, he had a tiny headache still, but he was fine and had a long playing career ahead of him. Trina didn’t need to be worried. Sam shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. Nothing to be alarmed about. It was an optional skate, so we were just a small group, and Coach didn’t run us too hard with a game tonight and all. As a bonus, I didn’t get stuck talking to the media, either. Guess they didn’t have anything to ask me, which was fine with me. And since you ladies weren’t up yet, I thought I’d make a nice breakfast… and because I’m starving.” He made a funny face and tickled Willow’s belly. He adored his little girl’s giggles.

  “That’s sweet of you. You’re always thinking of us… and your stomach,” Trina joked.

  He loved his wife’s playful smile; it always warmed his heart. Looking down at her, he couldn’t help thinking back to when they had first met on the beach.

  She had been running from her traumatic past, and he’d been hoping for a better future after a miserable injury-filled season. She was the best thing that ever happened to him—well, besides Willow.

  As he watched Trina a flutter filled his chest. She’d just woken up and still hadn’t put all the makeup on that she usually wore, but none of that mattered. She was still gorgeous, and she was still all his. She’s just as beautiful as the day I met her. She’s the only woman in the world who still gives me butterflies, like I’m a seventh-grade boy all over again, looking at my first crush.

  “Sam, you’re staring.” Trina let out a nervous laugh, and a sweet smile crossed her lips.

  “Yeah, sorry. I can’t help myself. I was just thinking how lucky I am. And how I knew that day I first saw you that you were the last girl I’d ever feel this way about.” His attention was pulled to Willow when she cackled with delight at their dogs dancing around her. “You’ve given me the best gift in Willow. I couldn’t ask for a better life, and I knew it with that first glance. I knew you were a keeper. I knew I’d make you my wife.”

  Trina wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Babe, always the romantic, aren’t you? Well, I knew you were something special that day, too. I guess it’s a good thing I stopped to chat with you then, huh?” She stood on her tiptoes, and her lips covered his in a soft, slow kiss. As she pulled away, she whispered, “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, babe.”

  Willow obviously wanted to be part of the hugging. She tugged at his sweat pants as well as Trina’s. “Hugs for Willow, too!”

  “Come here, my little sunshine.” Sam lifted his little girl up so she could join in on the hugs. Her nickname was nothing short of how he felt about his daughter. She was the light of his life, his sunshine, and his world revolved around her. “Love you too, kiddo.”

  “Well, this is nice, but how about we finish making breakfast before it starts to burn? And I still need my coffee.” Trina faked a yawn.

  Sam couldn’t help himself. He watched his stunning wife as she picked up their daughter and walked towards the table. She stopped for a moment and looked back over her shoulder at him with a shy grin. “You’re staring again.”

  “I know, and I’m not sorry.” Admittedly, he stared at her a lot, although usually when she wasn’t looking. I still can’t figure out what I did to deserve a woman like her. “I’m just really glad you guys are home, and I’m filing away mental photographs for the next time you ladies leave me.”

  “Aw, you know I love getting away from this stupid cold weather any chance I get. I just wish you could come with us sometimes.”

  “I know. The season is almost over. Soon enough, we’ll all go away somewhere warm. I promise.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Sam

  Trina did her best to keep pace with Sam as they walked hand in hand into The Rivers Arena. It had been a week since he’d taken that minor hit. He knew that scrap was nothing compared to what usually happened out on the ice, but Tri was still more worried about it than she needed to be. It was her job as a hockey wife, but playing the game to the best of his ability was his job as a player. Yeah, he had a lingering headache, but he felt good. Good enough.

  The Renegades played Nashville tonight, and the guys were slowly filing into the building. He and Trina passed a few already in the hallway.

  “Hey Tri!” Tyler called from behind them. Jogging in their direction, he quickly caught up with them and gave Trina a big hug. “You singing tonight, sis?”

  Trina quickly held up her hands in front of her in protest and shook her head dramatically. “No way. Just here to watch my husband and my brother play.”

  “Oh, I figured no Willow tonight, maybe you were singing. So when are you going to get back out there? It’s been a while; don’t you miss it? You were really good at it,” Tyler said, being the doting brother. “I still think they should make you the normal Renegades anthem singer. Sis
ter of the Tyler Kidd and wife of Sam Morris, I’m sure I can get you in if you wanted it. Just say the word.”

  “Wait, why is she billed as the sister of Tyler Kidd first, and as the wife of Sam Morris second? I think it should be the other way around,” Sam protested.

  “Sister of the Tyler Kidd,” Tyler clarified.

  “You two bicker like little children, jeez. Anyway, I don’t know about all that.” Trina sounded unsure as she looked up at Sam with a smile and leaned into his arms. “I’m satisfied for now. I have everything that I need. I like being a wife and mom right now. But thanks, when I decide to get back at it, you’ll be one of the first to know.”

  “You might be the second to know, because obviously, I’ll be the first.” Sam couldn’t help himself, egging Tyler on like a jerk. It’s so much fun to pick on him. Sam and Tyler had spent a lot of years together playing hockey when they were young, so maybe they were more like brothers than they cared to admit.

  “Bro, enough.” Tyler shook Sam off as though he was annoyed. Ty just never liked to admit when he was outdone. He turned his attention back to Trina. “Alright, well whatever makes you happy, sis. Just make sure you let me know. Tick-tock, it’s time to get to the locker room, Morris.”

  “You going to be okay on your own? I’m sure it’s weird not having our little sunshine at your ankles tonight.” Sam knew how he felt when they had a rare moment without Willow, so for Trina, it must be worse.

  “Yeah, kind of, I guess. But it’s nice to have a night out. I’ll be fine. I’m going to grab some nachos before I head up to the wives’ suite and meet up with some of the girls. I’m sure Kat is already up there unwinding.” She made a gesture like she was drinking, and muffled a giggle.

  Kris and Kat’s nanny stayed with little Ian at home on some game nights. And, after seeing what a great time Willow and Ian had on vacation, Kat had invited Willow over for the night, giving Trina a night out and them a night alone.

  Trina wasn’t used to being without her little mini-me. She acted like she was fine, but Sam could already sense a little tension behind all the smiles.

  “Kat thought a sleepover would be fun for the kids.” Trina shrugged. “Willow was so excited when we dropped her off. She even ran off before I could give her a kiss goodbye. I had to chase after her!” Trina mocked a pout.

  “Willow is starting this co-ed sleepover thing a little early, and I’m not very happy about it.” Sam grimaced. He was joking of course; he knew she was still a toddler and this was no different from her staying with Tyler and Paige for the night, but regardless, he didn’t like seeing his little girl growing up so fast. He missed a lot of time with her, what with his having to be at the rink so much, so he held on to every second that he could.

  “You know Paige is willing to take Willow off your hands anytime you’d like,” Tyler commented. “You should see all the stuff she bought for her, it’s crazy. You’d think we had a kid living in our house if you saw all the stuff. Remember, Uncle Ty and Auntie Paige are always available for sleepovers, too. If Paige had her way, Willow would have her own room at our place!” Tyler grinned.

  “Oh, I know. Trust me.” Trina rolled her eyes. “Paige is constantly offering to watch Willow. Does your wife have baby fever? Or what’s that all about?” she questioned.

  Tyler threw his hands out in protest. “No! No baby fever here. Paige likes babies that she can give back when she’s done.” Tyler laughed. “Aren’t those the best kind though? Nothing wrong with that. She’ll just be the aunt that all the kids love. The super-cool aunt. And I’ll be the super-cool uncle, obviously.”

  “Obviously.” Trina mocked her brother.

  “You sure there are no babies in your future, Ty? You know that baby makes three is the best family equation.” Sam beamed with pride. Willow was his greatest accomplishment. She was no doubt Daddy’s little girl and always would be.

  Tyler shook his head with confidence. “Nah. We’re good. You worry about little Willow and her co-ed sleepovers, and I’ll worry about what goes on in my house.” He nodded with a wink.

  Reminding him about the sleepover made Sam’s stomach weird. As much as he wanted quiet time with his wife, he hated being away from his little girl. He couldn’t help but whine when he asked, “Tri, are you sure about this sleepover thing?”

  “It’s perfectly fine, and normal.” He must’ve imagined the nervousness in her voice before, because she looked perfectly calm now. “They are just kids, Sam, jeez. Plus, it gives us some much needed quiet time. That was Kat’s main objective, anyway.” Trina flashed him her sexy smirk. The one that had never failed to drive him crazy since the day he met her.

  “If you say so, babe.” Somehow her words and her confident smile made it all okay. He knew Kris’s nanny; she was great with the kids, and the kids adored her. He had nothing to worry about. Leaning down, he met his wife’s warm lips. She tasted unusually sweet. It was a new flavor, one he wasn’t used to. “Mmm, bubblegum?”

  “Yep. Bubblegum lip gloss. You like?” Trina smirked.

  “Very much so.” Sam was leaning in for another taste when Tyler, already on his way to the locker room, turned to look at them over his shoulder. He continued to walk as he called back to Sam. “Let’s go, Lover-boy! You have a job to do. Plenty of time for that later… especially when I don’t have to see it.”

  From the drop of the puck, Nashville came out fighting. They were a big, burly team, bigger than the Renegades, and they were fast. Their defensemen looked more like linebackers than hockey players.

  The Renegades had watched numerous tapes over the last few days, studying Nashville’s playing style. No way were they going into this blind. The Renegades had speed too, but Nashville had size. Sam felt prepared, until he came toe-to-toe with his rival from his San Jose days.

  Norton. Sam had left San Jose on not-so-great terms. He’d been injury-prone during his last year with them, and knew they weren’t going to re-sign him when his free-agency was looming. That’s when he signed on with Pittsburgh, thanks to Tyler’s coercing.

  Leaving the west coast conference, he didn’t mind getting away from Norton. Tonight was a perfect example of what he hadn’t missed. The goon had been shadowing him all night. Sam had already taken a slash to the wrist and an intentional trip from Norton, both missed by the refs.

  Norton was good at not getting caught. In fact, it was his specialty. He was Nashville’s enforcer and team instigator all wrapped up in one, good at getting in players’ faces and drawing penalties. He was simply that annoying.

  “Norton got your number, Morris?” Luc called to him as Sam slid onto the bench.

  Sam’s breathing was ragged as he took off his glove and inspected his wrist. He could move it alright. Just a red mark. “Dude hates me. The feeling is mutual. Guy’s a dick.”

  Sam wiped the sweat from his face and squirted some water into his mouth. He was shocked that Norton hadn’t taken a run at him yet. Thus far, his harassing had been minimal. But Sam remembered all too clearly that the injury that had taken him out of his last season in San Jose had been courtesy of Norton. Sam wouldn’t put it past the jerk to try it again.

  Coach Walker came up behind him and put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. Leaning down closer to him, he spoke. “Don’t let him get to you like that, Morris. You’re not that kind of player, and he knows it. He wants you to react. He wants you to take a stupid penalty. You’re smarter than that. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

  Coach was right. He just needed to play his game. It was the second period, and the game was tied 1–1. As Norton skated by the bench, he glared at Sam before shoving Pat into the half-boards. Pat twisted awkwardly over the wall and almost into the bench. Almost into Sam. Norton gave Sam a dirty look, boldly sending him a message. Norton wasn’t after just him; he’d go after the whole team if that’s what it took to win.

  “Morris, you ready?” Coach called.

  Sam nodded and hopped over the wall onto the ice. Hurr
ying into their own end to protect their goal, he took off after the opposing player who had the puck. Stealing it before it could get close to the net, Sam started back towards Nashville’s end. Taking a stride forward, his right leg was caught, and he ended up sprawled out on the ice.

  As Sam fell, he looked down at his skate to see Norton pulling his stick away from the skate blade. He’d been deliberately tripped, but play continued.

  Looking around for a penalty, he was disappointed that the refs weren’t paying him any attention and that all they caught was a glimpse of Norton skating away from where he was on the ice. Sam realized he was fighting a losing battle. Norton wasn’t going to let up, and the refs didn’t care. Getting up, he took a quick inventory to make sure nothing was injured before he hurriedly skated to help his teammates.

  As he closed in on the net, Luc screened the Nashville goalie, getting in his line of sight, and he shouted for the puck. Kris was in the corner and shot the puck towards Luc. But before the puck got to Luc, Norton cross-checked him, knocking him off his skates and shoving him into Nashville’s goalie. As a result, Luc tumbled onto the Nashville net minder.

  Norton skated away and still there was no penalty on the play. All they got was a whistle because the refs lost sight of the puck.

  “What the hell are these refs looking at?” Sam grumbled, shaking his head. “They clearly missed a tripping and then an interference call!”

  “Don’t play their game, Morris.” Tyler bumped into Sam with his shoulder to grab his attention and get close enough to talk. “Let’s just keep doing what we do.”

  He was right. Ty was always right. There was no reason for Sam to lower himself to Norton’s level. The guy was a goon, nothing more. Sam lined up, preparing for the face-off as Luc climbed onto the bench and Jaxon hopped on the ice.