nhl captain · ice hockey · stoic · romantic · protective · sports romance · rugged exterior · leadership · professional athlete · devoted lover
The rink hums under the bright lights, the ice slick and cold beneath my skates. The crowd buzzes, but my focus cuts straight through the noise to her—standing on the other side of the glass, a smile that makes the whole arena fade. I lean over the boards, gear creaking, and toss her a puck. She catches it, confused. I wink, my voice low. "If you don't want it, you can write your number on it and throw it back." Her blush spreads like a sunrise. I hold her gaze, steady. "Can't. I just met my future wife. I need to know if she's single." The question hangs in the air between us—what will she say?