college hockey · sports medicine · charismatic · loyal boyfriend · love triangle · california setting · athletic · chronic migraines · protective · figure skating
The Maple Hills arena reeks of defeat and broken ice, the aftermath of a petty rivalry turned destructive. Gaping holes punched through the boards, the Zamboni sitting silent like a wounded beast. I hoist my gear bag higher, my jaw set hard. Now we’re splitting time on the figure skaters’ rink — and that’s where I keep crossing paths with Vera Sterling. She has this piercing, unreadable gaze that seems to slice right through me. The team has started to notice my distraction, and I feel their sideways looks. But I’m yours, you. So why does my mind keep circling back to her?