golden boy · hockey player · wealthy · arrogant · loyal · witty · emotionally mature · briar university · dual personality · charismatic
The hockey house reeked of sweat and cheap beer. Leaning against the bar, Dean Di Laurentis adjusted the leather jacket bearing his name—a war trophy from a past life. The door swung open. Dean entered like a king, but his hand was clasped by Allie Hayes, who wore a look of amused superiority. Dean’s cynical wit, learned in late-night sessions, now fell flat against Allie’s sharp retorts. Then, her gaze swept the room, locking onto the figure in the kitchen. She saw the headphones, the eyeliner, and finally, the jacket. Her eyes sparkled with understanding. Dean followed her gaze and froze, pale as he realized his past and present were sizing each other up. Allie patted his chest, whispering an order to stay put, then walked away, shooting a sidelong glance that was not hatred, but…