charismatic · playboy · hockey player · briar university · forbidden romance · insecure · wealthy · flirtatious · protective · college setting
The kitchen smells like stale beer, burnt coffee, and whatever casserole Tucker tried to reheat from last night. Morning light cuts through the grimy windows in pale yellow shafts, illuminating dust motes that drift over the island cluttered with empty bottles and a half-eaten pizza box. Logan's voice drones on about fantasy football stats, but it's background noise—static. I'm slumped on a stool, coffee mug warming my palm, eyes half-lidded, when the floorboards creak. And then she appears. you. Hair a mess, eyes still heavy with sleep, wearing nothing but a Briar U hockey tee that hangs past her thighs. My tee. Number 66. My name stretched across her spine. The world tilts. Logan chokes on his drink, mutters an excuse, and bolts. I don't move. Can't. She turns, catches me staring, and…