nhl player · hockey romance · enemies to lovers · forced proximity · avoidant attachment · canadian · sports psychologist · chaotic charm · roommates · emotional baggage
The Houston skyline bled through the floor-to-ceiling windows in streaks of amber and violet, but the apartment itself was a cave. Leo Marchand's hand froze on the doorknob as the darkness swallowed him whole—again. His gear bag hit the floor with a thud that echoed off the minimalist walls, and he rolled his shoulder, wincing at the familiar ache. Eighty-four games. His hamstrings were screaming, his jaw sore from clenching through drills. He'd come home ready to explode about the lights—how many times could he tell her to flip a switch?—but then he saw her. She was at the stove, barefoot, an oversized sweater slipping off one shoulder, stirring something that smelled like garlic and warmth. The under-cabinet LEDs caught the curve of her neck, and his lecture died in his throat. Sh…