Body Checked

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREEMadison

Madison had waited long enough to collect on their bet. Over the last two weeks there had never seemed a perfect time to go on their dinner “date”. But Matt’s time with the Falcons was at an end, and he was recalled to Pittsburgh on Monday. The team had meetings and practice tomorrow, so she’d be working as well, and Sunday he’d be doing whatever last-minute things he needed to do to move back home.

So tonight had to be the night. She hadn’t realized how much she was going to miss him until it was a reality that he was leaving. She, on the other hand, was still needed on the Falcon’s therapy staff without any indication as to how long she’d have to remain.

She had bought a new dress just for tonight. It was the perfect black lace dress with see-through sleeves, short enough to show off her shapely legs, and it looked great with the new black heels she treated herself to. Not that she expected this dinner to be any different than any other time they had gone out. They were stuck in the friend zone for good reasons, but at least she would look good. But although her brain told her it was too soon for him to get involved with anyone, her heart hoped he’d make a move.

Madison heard the roar of Matt’s truck engine as he pulled up to the curb. It was the end of February in northeastern Pennsylvania, and a fresh snow had fallen last night. She opened the front door and unlocked the glass storm door as Matt approached her front porch.

He let himself in while she grabbed a coat. Fumbling to pull the jacket on, she turned and caught the oddest look on Matt’s face. “You okay?”

Matt continued to stare, as the corner of his lips curled into a half smile. “Damn.” He shook his head and took a quick breath. “Sugar, you look... Wow.”

Her cheeks warmed at his unexpected compliment. “Thanks.” She was saved from his stare when a piece of her lace sleeve got caught on her jacket, and she awkwardly tried to fix it, as well as slide her jacket on.

“Here.” Matt grabbed her jacket while she fixed her sleeve, then he slid it over her shoulders, his fingers lingering a moment on her shoulders. “There. I knew we were dressing up, but… Wow.”

“Yeah, you already said that. But, thanks. You clean up pretty nice, too.” Staying light and comical was the only way she knew how to act right now, because in that suit, he looked better than just “pretty nice.” Matt was hot, with those strong, broad shoulders filling out the jacket, and slacks that showed off his powerful thighs. The sight of him was doing all kinds of strange things to her insides.

“Well, uh, ready?” The way Matt tripped over his words added to her nervousness.

Why am I nervous? It’s just a nice dinner between friends. Taking a deep breath, Madison relaxed. It was just dinner. Sure, they were dressed up, but nothing had changed between them. But when Matt’s strong hand pressed gently against the center of her lower back, to lead her out to his truck, a rush ran through her body.

She glanced up at him and found him tenderly smiling at her.

He watched her for a moment before he spoke. “You good?”

It was a smile she hadn’t seen before, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. “Yeah, good.”

Dinner was even nicer than she expected. Matt had gotten reservations at a top trendy restaurant in the area, and they’d ordered a three-course meal, and a deliciously decadent dessert that they shared.

On their way out of the restaurant, even though she insisted that he didn’t have to, Matt had bought her a single rose from a vendor on the corner.

Nightfall had brought on a cold wind, and it kicked up a dusting of snow, throwing it at her bare legs. The gust whipped through the parking lot with a fierce chill, sending a shiver through her body.

“Cold?” It seemed like a rhetorical question, because he acted before she could respond. “C’mere.” Pulling her to his side, he wrapped his strong arm around her.

His wool jacket was open, and she gratefully cuddled into his chest. His body heat warmed her, and his strong arms that held her set a fire deep inside. She didn’t mean to feel that way, but she also couldn’t stop it.

“Better?” His voice was tender and calming, as he held her close.

Words wouldn’t form as she tried to respond. It was as if she were seeing him for the first time, this side of him, at least. Madison laid her cheek on his chest and breathed in his warm, classic, masculine scent.

His very subtle cologne caught her nose. Maybe it was aftershave. The woodsy scent, edged with some delicious spice, played on her senses and added to Matt’s rugged appeal. Whatever it was, she couldn’t deny that she liked it. All she could do was grin and nod.

Her heart thudded against her chest, as she weathered her turbulent emotions. As much as she was attracted to him, and hoped he would make a move tonight, of all nights, she was also terrified that taking this next step might ruin the close friendship they had formed.

As another cold breeze lashed by them, Matt slid his muscled arm tighter around her waist. As anxious as she was, she still felt safer in his arms than anywhere else.

He pointed up into the night sky. “See that bright star right there? That’s part of the constellation Gemini. Also known as the twins. It’s one of the most famous constellations.”

Maybe he was as nervous as she was, because the very sensual moment that could’ve been, now cooled off quickly with talk about the stars. Is it possible I misread him?

“Famous among whom?”

“Um, people who like constellations, I guess?” Matt chuckled. “See what happens when I try to wow you with my knowledge of the stars? It backfires on me.” The seriousness in his eyes was now gone, and he was back to his lighthearted self.

Her glance landed on him, catching an embarrassed little smile. “Okay, so wow me. How do you know so much about the Gemini constellation?” It could’ve disappointed her that they were spending their last night standing out in the cold, talking about stars. But it felt so normal, because this was just the kind of thing they did.

“My Grandpa. When I’d stay over their house, he and I would lie outside on the hood of his old car and look at the stars. Grandma would pester him about getting me out of the cold and in bed, but he’d ignore her long enough to point out important stars and constellations.” He turned his attention back to the sky. “See, you look for the two bright stars, right there. That’s Castor and Pollux. They signify the heads of the twins, while the weaker stars create the bodies. It sits right between Cancer and Taurus. Gemini is one of the few constellations that resembles the figure it represents.”

He paused, and they both stared into the darkness for a few moments.

“Nice. Consider me wowed. Do you have any more astrology knowledge to lay on me?” Madison looked up at him, waiting for more space facts, and instead met his dark eyes.

He held her glance for a moment. There were no more words spoken about the stars. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Her heart pounded, as his strong hand caressed her jaw, his fingers warm against her chilled face. She looked from his eyes to his mouth, where his lips were turned up slightly into a small grin. She wanted to know what his lips would feel like against hers. Would they be warm? Would his kiss be soft and gentle, so contrary to his on-ice personality? She felt safe with him, as though this was where she was meant to be.

Her body tingled with heat and desire, while the cool air danced around them. Until his lips softly brushed against hers. She returned the brief kiss, every nerve ending sparking across her body. But then he took a step back, releasing her from his embrace. A blast of cool air hit them again, bringing to light what they just did. His heavy stare was now filled with uncertainty. The same uncertainty that now filled her stomach.

The silence surrounding them was deafening. As much as she enjoyed the soft kiss, worry filled her. Did we just make a mistake? She swiped her finger across her bottom lip, the feel of his kiss still lingering.

Matt laced his fingers in hers. His words came out in barely a whisper. “It’s cold. I think we should go.” A small smile fought to form on his lips, but it didn’t hide the obvious confusion he was feeling.

His kiss stayed on her lips the entire ride home. At her house, his body language was hesitant and uncharacteristically uncertain as he said goodnight.

“Sure you don’t want to come in?” she asked, not sure what else to say, but not wanting the night to end like this.

“No, I, uh… Early meetings tomorrow, then practice.”

“Right.” She did her best not to sound disappointed. “But I’ll see you for lunch, right?”

“Absolutely.” Matt smiled. He cleared his throat and added with the jovial tone she was so used to, “Give Mr. Whiskers a scratch under the chin for me. Tell him I’ll see him whenever you guys get back to Pittsburgh.”

“Yeah. Sure. Um…” Regardless of what had happened tonight, she was going to miss her friend, and the droopy look on his face made it seem as though he was questioning that. Madison refused to let him leave feeling that uncertainty. “These last two months have been more fun than I’ve had in a long time. It was nice being here with you. I’ll miss you, Matt.”

Madison threw her arms around him and hugged her friend. He has no idea how much I’m going to miss him.

“I’m sure I won’t get a chance to tell you tomorrow, not without a bunch of hockey players watching,” she said, “so you have a safe trip back, and I’ll see you soon.” She left him with a single kiss on his cheek.