Goalie Next Door

A Forced Proximity Second Chance Hockey Romance

My ex moved into the apartment downstairs. Now the quiet life I rebuilt doesn’t stand a chance.

Eight months ago I told Matt Riordan to leave because the man I loved had vanished. He was married to hockey, not me.

Now he’s back in our small Minnesota town, coaching high school hockey and different in ways I don’t yet trust. My guard is up.

Then I hear his voice through the floorboards, low and familiar, and my body reacts before my head can catch up.

Morning after morning he knocks on my door. He plies me with coffee and croissants, managing to soften my resolve. Soon it’s takeout after work, looks that linger too long, and a silence between us that feels charged.

One reckless night breaks every rule I set, and I fall again before I can stop myself.

And this time, hope isn’t enough.

If I let him back in, he’ll have to prove he’s not just back—he’s really here, and he’s playing for keeps.